Music

JESS GARLAND is a Dallas-based singer-songwriter, recording and performing artist. She is a multi-instrumentalist who combines harp and guitar loops to evoke her unique brand of celestial avant-garde pop with ethereal jazz tones. Jess is also the President and Founding Director of Swan Strings and has recently been appointed Executive Director at Girls Rock Dallas.

BANDAN KORO AFRICAN DRUM & DANCE studies and shares experiences associated with African culture and history through the medium of dance, music, and specialized presentations for African and African Diaspora related music, dance, and culture.

Movement

BECKLES DANCING COMPANY provides a platform where performers and audiences of all ages are inspired to celebrate the techniques, creative powers and fusion of dance movement.

Spoken Word

THE ART INSPIRED HEALING COLLECTIVE is a community-based organization that is committed to promoting compassion, mindfulness, meditation, and healing for the people of Dallas. They view healing and self-care as a revolutionary act, one, which can help all individuals lead a more productive and healthy life. The spoken word segment was led by King Shakur and Jonathan ‘GNO’ White.

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The 2-day, annual festival included master classes, youth dance showcases, a roundtable discussion, and evening performances by different dance organization in the Dallas area. The goal of the festival is to encourage collaborations between local artists and companies while supporting each other’s growth in the dance community.

The name of the festival, formerly called South Dallas Dance Festival, has been changed to honor Mary Lois Hudson Sweatt, (1939-2016), whose school is celebrating its 50 Anniversary this year. She recognized the importance of this festival and made the original motion to have it as a part of our BDC bylaws.

The 2022 Sweatt Dallas Dance Festival is produced by Beckles Dancing Company in partnership with the South Dallas Cultural Center and City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture.

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