Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lily Cabatu Weiss. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lily Cabatu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As first generation Filipino-Americans, my parents always made sure that a strong academic program was essential for each of their five daughters while introducing us to music through private piano lessons. They also felt it was important to understand our Filipino culture and taught us the traditional dances and music. With those elements, I found my artistic passion in high school where I trained in dance and my teacher encouraged me to pursue it as a profession and/or a teacher. With that said, I applied and was accepted on scholarship to Texas Woman’s University. This intensive training in ballet, modern dance, and dance composition/choreography made me even more passionate to pursue it as a career. As life would have it, because of an injury that had an earlier incorrect diagnosis, I had to have surgery in June and my performance career was placed on hold during recovery while I pursued a career as an artist/educator at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston and three years later at Booker T. Washington High School for Performing & Visual Arts. Little did I know that I could pursue a performance career as a freelance dancer and still create works as a guest consultant/resident artist. I was able to make this happen because I had a mentor/boss who understood that experiencing all aspects of the career made me a better teacher. My teaching career led me to a leadership position as Department Chair and eventually to become the Artistic Director which led me to the job that I have currently with the Dallas Arts District. There are no regrets.

Lily Cabatu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am currently the Executive Director for the Dallas Arts District and served as the Artistic Director for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA) as the 2nd Artistic Director since Paul Baker, founder of the school. I served as Chair of the Dance Department that now serves as a national model; she holds advanced degrees from Texas Woman’s University, taught on the dance faculties at Southern Methodist University and Houston’s HSPVA, and joined the faculty at BTWHSPVA in 1978. I have had the pleasure to teach thousands of students in my four-decade career who are leaders in the arts, education, science, entrepreneurship, and more. As a freelance dancer and choreographer, I’ve danced with John Mead and Dancers in New York and Japan, was awarded the Texas Choreographers Award from the Texas Commission on the Arts and was a guest choreographer in the Dance Education Department-New York University, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, among others. Much of my work was instrumental in BTWHSPVA’s distinction as the Top 8 Magnet Schools by the U.S. Department of Education and the prestigious Texas Medal of Art award. I am proud of the lives I helped shape as a teacher and the relationships I have with my former students as colleagues and friends. Teaching was one of the most enriching experiences in my lifetime. Dance Teacher magazine featured my work and the pivotal work of the faculty in 2007 and in 2009. I have been fortunate to surround myself with inspirational leaders both as a teacher and as an arts administrator. In the Dallas Arts District, I am inspired daily by the incredible leaders at the arts organizations I work with. One of my strong suits is my strength as a relationship builder. My work was featured in the December 2018 issue of Arts + Culture Texas, and in Patron and D Magazine in 2016. My commitment to the arts in Dallas is reflected by serving on the boards of TITAS / DANCE UNBOUND, Booker T. Washington HSPVA Advisory Board, Steering Committee for the City’s Cultural Plan, Visit Dallas’ Cultural Tourism Committee, Global Cultural Districts Network, Downtown Dallas, Inc., and The Dallas Assembly. In 2020, I received the Women Who Steam award from the Dallas Chapter of Links, Inc. and most recently received the Obelisk Award for Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader and is one of D CEO’s Dallas 500 two years in a row. I continue to work diligently to further the arts and education in the community. My goals to create access and connectivity in the Dallas Arts District are demonstrated by the collaborative work on the Connect Master Plan, producing the Signature Block Party Series–free, family-friendly events attracting over 50,000 visitors along with smaller activations throughout the year, and providing education outreach to 1,500+ students annually. Dallas Arts District was recently ranked #1 in USA Today’s 10 Best Arts Districts in the nation—a true reflection of exemplary leadership throughout!

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

Throughout my journey my goal has been to contribute to the overall mission of the arts organization by establishing strategies that work with both the challenges and opportunities presented. To work as a collaborator has been a strong part of my creative DNA. My parents instilled excellence in each of us no matter what we were pursuing at the time. I credit them for my strong work ethic and the ability to problem solve. One of my strengths and challenges is that I usually say “yes” to opportunities—I have grown tremendously from these experiences and collaborations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is that it requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to continuously learn and evolve. It’s not just about talent; it’s about honing your skills, seeking feedback, and pushing the boundaries of your creativity. I loved being around people who were passionate about their craft, a process that requires constant self-evaluation and feedback. The arts open a whole world of connections and friendships—I never imagined that I would meet so many legends in the field! I always told my students that I may not make a salary that was going to make me rich, but the arts enrich my soul in ways I never imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dallasartsdistrict.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-cabatu-weiss-141b9619/

Image Credits
Brian Guilliaux