May, 2022 - When the pandemic halted ASI’s regular programming, we shifted our focus to reevaluate our values and privilege. Recognizing that we could no longer ignore the “brokenness” prevalent in the field of ballet, we began the necessary work of implementing Core Values that could put collective action behind our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement. Since then we have engaged ASI’s staff, board members, and artistic collaborators in a series of guided conversations and equity training to integrate newly articulated Core Values into our day-to-day operations. From this process, we created a Working Agreement that is now shared on the ASI website and with all interns, staff, board members, and artists. This agreement asks ASI collaborators, at every level, to commit to the ongoing work of promoting equity, accessibility, and a culture of care in ballet. Please take a look here.
Change is long overdue
The pandemic crisis and recent events have brought to light many social, racial, and economic injustices in our field. The racist atrocities on Black people at the hands of the police and centuries of systemic racism and oppression have made it apparent to us at Amy Seiwert’s Imagery that we need to do more to advance equity in dance.
Imagery is driven to create opportunities for all voices. To honor all artists as true collaborators we acknowledge the benefits of their perspectives. We value how unique perspectives will open minds. We consciously commission works by women, dance makers with disabilities, and choreographers of color. We welcome all body types and skin tones. These things are important, but we need to do more.
Together with our staff, dancers, and board we are examining where we have unintentionally caused harm and benefitted from a culture of white supremacy and privilege. We commit to engage in the difficult work it takes to dismantle racism and white supremacy and will root out any mindlessness in our work that has not been inclusive, diverse, or equitable.
We commit to implement changes that support the dignity of all people. We promise now to identify what role we will play in this transformational moment and our role in dismantling systemic racism, injustice, and oppression in the ballet world.
This process of learning, listening, reflecting, and working towards change has started by turning inwards. This will require risk, reflection, and, at times, confronting our most insecure selves. We are taking the following steps to actively pursue sincere growth of our staff, board members, and collaborators:
Reach out to all our past and current collaborators to engage in dialogue and share resources.
Collaborate with long-time Imagery artist Sarah Cecilia Bukowski to help Amy Seiwert and our organization initiate a roundtable discussion within our immediate community, addressing social and racial injustices in the ballet world.
Sketch out and implement a plan for change within our own organization, which we hope will have a positive influence on the broader ballet world.
Together with Staff and Board articulate and codify the organization’s core values to live and grow by.
These steps and more will be ingrained in Imagery’s continued mission to work and create in true and equitable collaboration, serving our community through the art form we love.
In solidarity and peace,
Amy Seiwert, Annika Presley, Ben Needham-Wood
6/20/2020