Read and Steve Gendler have been exceptional patrons and champions of dance and the arts in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, playing a pivotal role in Bruce Wood Dance Dallas’ growth over the past 15 years. They joined the board in 2010 and were the chairs for our momentous gala fundraisers: 2013’s Mistletoe Magic, 2015’s Mistletoe Magic II, and 2018’s Love, Bruce—A Valentine Cabaret.

Their involvement with the company dates to its origins at Bass Hall in Fort Worth, where they were captivated by Wood’s choreography. They were “wowed by the company’s athleticism and bravado,” and remarked, “You always felt like you knew what his dances were about.”

Read shared a profound bond with Bruce, rooted in their mutual love for Texas land, horses, dance, music, and fitness. As a certified Pilates instructor, Read trained Bruce at her BodyProof Studio, where they forged a close relationship.

The Gendlers hosted the company’s first salons at their home studio. As Steve expressed, “When you get up close and personal with the dancers, there’s an extra dimension to the performance. The immediacy of the experience has a mesmerizing effect and really cements the relationship between the audience and the dancers.” Read further deepened her connection by teaching Pilates to the dancers, calling it “a highlight” of her involvement.

As volunteers for our Education Outreach Program, Read and Steve shared their love of ballroom dancing with the youngsters at Vogel Alcove, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children cope with the trauma of homelessness.

Their philanthropy includes support of TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND, Texas Ballet Theater, Big Thought, My Possibilities, Texas Winds, and the Hockaday School. Steve has served on the board of TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND since 1985 and has been on the Board of Governors at Texas Ballet Theater since 1995. In 2024, the Gendlers were honored with the Tom Adams Award of Appreciation for Dedication to TITAS and the Arts.