18 May 2021 10:58
Private Dance sector comes together to Talk Racial Equity - a topic affecting us all
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) launches Talking Dance: Improving Racial Equity - a series of symposiums with leading artists and educators to encourage debate and discussion on thought-provoking and hard-hitting issues facing the dance sector today and tomorrow.
In partnership with The TIRED Movement (Trying to Improve Racial Equality in Dance), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing brings together industry leaders and practitioners to explore how to improve racial diversity in the independent dance sector at this inaugural symposium Talking Dance: Improving Racial Equity. This will be an industry-wide symposium in collaboration with some of the world’s leading dance teaching organisations: BBOdance, International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
The events of 2020 and increased public awareness of racial inequities has naturally prompted many arts and educational organisations to reconsider their approach to equality and diversity.
All organisations have taken time to reflect and listen and begin the process of consulting with dancers, teachers and staff who have experienced racial discrimination to better understand the barriers to accessing independent dance classes. These conversations have highlighted systemic barriers that need to be addressed in order for people of all ethnicities to feel welcome in the independent dance school sector.
Talking Dance: Improving Racial Equity online symposium on 29 June brings together leading organisations to discuss the roadblocks to achieving diversity in dance education and training and how these can be dismantled at every level of dance teaching, creating a vision for the future of inclusive and diverse dance.
Led by Kenneth Tharp CBE, guest speakers including Sharon Watson MBE DL, CEO/Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Christopher Hampson, CEO/Artistic Director of the Scottish Ballet will debate issues ranging from how to build sector knowledge, and diverse role models, the need for syllabi to reflect and celebrate all cultures, and how to overcome financial and cultural barriers to accessing dance training.
Members of the audience will hear from a panel of leading dance directors, dance teachers and young people in a supportive forum that will raise awareness and stimulate debate. The partner organisations see this event as an important step in their commitment to work together towards positive change for their organisations and dance teachers.
Join us on 29 June, 10am and be part of the conversation.
Tickets are free.
This event is supported by the Cultural Recovery Fund.