• Dallas Does Dance is a nonprofit organization created to build a friendly, inviting, and safe environment for the Dallas LGBTQ+ dance community and its allies. We aim to nurture the joy and community that dance brings by providing dance education, hosting charitable activities/events, and fostering an encouraging and fun space for new and seasoned dancers.

  • Make an impact

    As a volunteer-run organization, every donation helps us further our mission.

    Donate today 

  • Purpose

    Dallas Does Dance exists to provide accessible dance education and performance opportunities in safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

  • Vision

    To be the leading organization in Dallas that provides a vibrant, inclusive, and empowering space for the LGBTQ+ dance community to learn, grow, and connect through dance.

Our Values

Inclusivity
We embrace and celebrate people of all backgrounds, identities, and dance experience levels and create a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

Community
We foster a strong sense of belonging and connection, where individuals feel supported, encouraged, and empowered.

Joy
We believe in the power of dance to bring joy, fun, and laughter to people’s lives.

Accessibility
We are committed to making dance accessible, regardless of skill level, experience, or financial means.

Growth
We encourage learning, exploration, and personal growth through dance.

Collaboration
We value partnerships and collaboration within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, recognizing that we can achieve more together.

The DDD Experience
We hold ourselves to a high standard, ensuring participants enjoy a consistent Dallas Does Dance experience across all our programs and events.

Meet our Founders and Board Members

Chris Perkic | Founder

Current role: President

From childhood folk dance festivals to the thrill of country two-step competitions, dance has always been a part of Chris's life. He caught the partner dancing bug at the Round-Up Saloon in 2008 and hasn't looked back since! Now, through Dallas Does Dance, he’s on a mission to help Dallas's LGBTQ+ dance community flourish and to share the joy with new generations of dancers.

Chris Davis | Founder

Current role: Vice President

Chris began his Country Western dancing journey not long ago, shortly after moving to Dallas in 2019. A quick two-step lesson in his living room sparked a passion for learning dance and attending dance conventions. Inspired by the welcoming atmosphere at the Round-Up Saloon and other dance clubs across the U.S., he's eager to help others discover and share in the joy of the LGBTQ+ dance community. He brings a wealth of expertise from his detail-oriented day job to Dallas Does Dance, ultimately helping the Dallas dance community to grow, thrive, and become a welcoming space for all dancers.

Scott Szelipajlo | Founder

Current role: Director

With a lifelong passion for dance, Scott has explored various styles from Tap, Jitterbug, and Jive, to Tejano and Cumbia. In 1999, Country Western partner dancing became a key part of his life. From competing throughout Texas to social dancing at The Round-Up Saloon, he believes in the power of the “dance family.” His extensive experience now fuels his desire to share the love and joy of dance with the LGBTQ+ community with Dallas Does Dance!

Kevin Cornett

Current role: Director

Kevin’s dance journey began in 1991, and he quickly progressed from dancing for college credit to competing at the World Championship level. He trained with Masters dancers like Rowdy DuFrene, Mike Haley, and Robert Royston. Kevin competed in couples, line, and team divisions on the UCWDC and ACDA circuits, even earning a top-four placement at the UCWDC World Championship in 2001. Today, he shares his expertise and passion as an instructor and judge, and currently serves as the Director of Dance for the IAGLCWDC organization.

Erik Smith

Current role: Director

Originally from a small town in Michigan, Erik made a cross-country move and was inspired by the warm welcome provided by the Dallas LGBTQ+ scene—he knew he was in the right place. From the moment he walked into the Round-Up Saloon and took his first dance lesson, he fell in love with the country dance community. With extensive experience in gymnastics, cheer, and dance, he’s thrilled to share his teaching background and knowledge with the LGBTQ+ community.