MILITARY &
VETERANS
We are artists who believe in the power of dance to reveal truth, build belonging, and spark healing. Through collaborative creative processes, Black Box Dance Theatre is dedicated to illuminating the strength, vulnerability, and humanity within each veteran’s story.
The Making of a Monument
Black Box Dance Theatre’s work with veterans has been a defining part of our mission for over a decade. We hold a deep commitment to honoring the stories of those who have served and to creating spaces where service members, their families, and the broader community can connect through the language of movement.
Black Box Dance Theatre is proud to collaborate with partners such as the USO, Brothers and Sisters Like These, and Buncombe County Veteran Treatment Court. Together, we bring stories to life through movement—whether performing alongside veterans, leading USO Warrior Reset workshops, or hosting weekly creative gatherings.
Our Services
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PERFORMANCE
The PATRIOT Project is an ongoing and evolving evening-length work of multimedia dance, theater, and storytelling. More than a performance, PATRIOT is an invitation—for veterans and civilians alike—to witness, share, and feel the power of dance as a vessel for truth, empathy, and healing.
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WORKSHOPS
Spend a day with Black Box Dance Theatre artists engaging in movement, reflection, and shared storytelling. Workshops are opportunities for veterans, active duty service members, and military families to connect and rediscover strength, purpose, and belonging through creative practice.
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WEEKLY CLASSES
Guided by BBDT artists and collaborative partners, veterans and military family participants explore movement as a means of storytelling, stress relief, and connection in weekly classes. No dance experience is required—just a willingness to move, reflect, and be part of a supportive community.
THE PATRIOT
PROJECT
In 2021, after years of intentional choreography, generative workshops, and work-in-progress showings, Black Box Dance Theatre premiered PATRIOT—an evening-length work of multimedia dance, theater, and storytelling.
PATRIOT stands as a living memorial: an emotionally charged, virtuosic performance that examines the service, sacrifice, and resilience of U.S. veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. The work continues to evolve, expanding with each new story entrusted to us by those who have served.
WE LIFT
EACH OTHER
A Black Box Dance Theatre film from the documentary anthology series, I FEEL MYSELF TO BE PART OF SOMETHING,
Tony Award-winning producer, Mara Isaacs, has announced the launch of a bold new documentary anthology exploring how the arts shape, uplift, and define communities across the United States.
We Lift Each Other follows Black Box Dance Theatre’s healing work with Asheville veterans in the summer of 2023, which culminated in a moving public performance at the Wortham Center. The documentary will be released in an exclusive Community First Premiere on November 10th, in celebration of Veteran’s day.
“You should know that I am sort of an old hippie and spent a lot to time protesting Vietnam and Gulf Wars back in the day. So I did not expect to feel what I felt in that auditorium at Peace. But, oh, my! What a remarkably authentic presentation of humanity. I don’t know when I have been so moved.”
— Donna Campbell
Hear more about what we do.
Discover how dance and movement are helping veterans and military families heal in a special episode of Service Members, Veterans and their Families, a podcast by the Governor’s Institute of North Carolina. Hear from Michelle Pearson, Black Box Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, and Alfredo Hurtado, Purple Heart recipient and founding member, to talk about their performance PATRIOT and the powerful stories behind it.
GET INVOLVED
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Attending performances, spreading the word, and financial donations all help us continue to make impactful work within the veteran and military community. If you are considering making a tax-deductible donation or corporate sponsorship, check out the SUPPORT tab!
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Black Box Dance Theatre recognizes that there are veteran communities across our state and country that could benefit from this healing work. If you would like to inquire about bringing our services to your local community, please reach out to michelle.pearson@blackboxdancetheatre.org.
We are dedicated to bringing this work to the people who need it, regardless of budget. Let’s connect and create a program that supports the needs and goals of your community!
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We are always seeking veterans, military families, and active duty service members to share their stories and join our community. If you would like to get involved by performing in a show, participating in a workshop, or simply sharing your story, please email admin@blackboxdancetheatre.org and/or fill out the CONTACT US form at the top right corner of our website.
