History

Drawing inspiration from different country-western dance groups he’d seen on the west coast, Artistic and Executive Director Kevin Platte assembled the DC Cowboys in 1994 from friends and fellow dancers. The original guys got together for what was supposed to be a one-time performance for the DC Gay Rodeo. “We were so well-received and had so much fun that about half of us decided to continue. We thought, ‘Let’s see where we can go with this,’” Platte said. He never expected his small group to reach such international acclaim.

Combining a little traditional country-western with jazz, musical theater and a masculine sex appeal, the DC Cowboys’ high-energy choreography thrills crowds around the world. As a grant recipient from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts, the DC Cowboys have been honored for their valued contribution to the Washington, DC, arts community.

Here are just some of the reviews the DC Cowboys have received:

Since 1994, the Cowboys have been wowing the competition and dazzling audiences across America with their high-energy, often campy repertoire . . . but make no mistake, these guys can dance with the best of ’em.

- Washington City Paper

Imagine, if you can, part Oklahoma, part Chorus Line, part Strictly Ballroom and part Music Man, and you’ve approximated the fun and excitement this high-steppin’, fancy dancin’ group brings to the stage.

- Metro Weekly

Describing their crowd-pleasing, sexy dance style as “Will Rogers Follies meets Bob Fosse,” the DC Cowboys have continued to thrill crowds around the world.

Event organizers have recognized the advantage of including the DC Cowboys in their events and have said:

You guys were a HUGE hit!

- Kile Ozier, Director of the Closing Ceremonies of the Gay Games 7 in Chicago

The DC Cowboys are star-studded showstoppers. It’s not Pride unless the DC Cowboys are performing!

- Robert York, Director of Capital Pride Festival (Washington, DC 1999–2005)

Thank you seems entirely inadequate to express my gratitude for the impact the DC Cowboys had on our audience and me. You were phenomenal!!! Creative perfection and energy, professional concept and conduct in action . . . and not hard on the eyes are just a few accolades that come to mind. We want you to be our headliners next year!

- Michael W. Burke, Event Chair of the Harford County AIDS/Cancer Annual Benefit 2003

I really wanted to compliment you on an excellent performance! I heard so many compliments about the DC Cowboys, and I wanted to let you know just how much your performance was appreciated and enjoyed by all! Thank you again for helping to make the evening so memorable!

- Event Coordinator, Northern Virginia AIDS Ministries

For further information about bookings and availability, please contact Executive and Artistic Director, Kevin Platte, at 202-271-7022.