Addressing Racialization in Ballet Symposium
The Inaugural Canada-United States Addressing Racialization in Ballet Symposium took place in Winter 2022.
Art has always been an expression of the human experience. But when an art form fails to respect the dignity of others, it fails as an art form. Ballet wields significant cultural capital and needs to be more inclusive for audiences, performers and management. Without discussion, adaptation and evolution, we will not heal as an art form and as society. Organizations can lead this work toward systemic change through sustained commitment to the legitimacy of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
In Winter 2022, Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS), the Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) and Lauri Fitz-Pegado hosted Addressing Racialization in Ballet, the inaugural Canada-United States symposium, to engage in meaningful and solutions-oriented discussions of equity, diversity and inclusion in the sector.
With a focus on the three pillars that support the credible pursuit and implementation of the concept - business success, subjectivity of ballet, and the ethical responsibility of the art form - the symposium combines lived experiences, areas of expertise and innovative ideas from a diverse range of multi-generational speakers, panelists and facilitators from Canada and the United States; representing many facets of the arts sector, including administration, performance, instruction, education, and consulting.
The Addressing Racialization in Ballet Symposium’s objective is to enrich ballet through a comprehensive and holistic exploration of racial equity, diversity and inclusion; to increase understanding of history and context. It is ideal for arts administrators, dance teachers, artists and students. Attendees:
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Advance their understanding and practice of three EDI pillars that inform why equity matters.
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Gain increased historic knowledge, information and facts, context, and empirical information about ballet as it relates to EDI.
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Experience shifts in awareness and perception of EDI in dance.
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Gain opportunities for community building and networking.
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Engage in a space to examine equity by gaining more understanding across cultures, political systems and national histories.
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Strengthen relationships, increase self-awareness, and enhance understanding of purpose, influences, values, leadership styles, and assets as they relate to EDI.
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