The only Artist you are destined to become is the Artist you decide to be.
Ralph Waldo Emerson/AT
Movement is an acknowledgement and/or expansion of the id and the ego. In these moments of revelation one may not recognize oneself, nor realize one is dancing. To paraphrase Nietzsche: Dance is each and every time a new name given to the earth... AT
The Wonderful Mosaic Of Society Is Our Diversity
We Are A Unique Tapestry...
Each person is unique and adds to the mosaic of diversity. I am a product and an example of the importance of diversity. Throughout my career, I faced the unpleasant, often debilitating effects of discrimination working in environments that were not diverse. The lack of diversity fosters feelings of isolation that feed doubt, a lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities. Systems that lack diversity sniffle change, creativity, curiosity, passions,
impeding new thought, dialogue, and discovery.
Diversity is enriching, empowering, and important in all situations and are not always a given in the performing arts. True diversity cannot be confused or conflated with “tokenism” as that helps no one. Tokenism only reinforces stereotypes allowing for distrust, dissension, and resentment.
Diversity is more than bringing different people together. Participation does not mean there is inclusion, and one is not a natural byproduct of the other. Feeling as well as being welcomed and valued is imperative. True diversity provides individuals the ability to experience nurturing growth, and it promotes the conditions to excel from the equal opportunities available.
The presence of difference represented by race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or religion is a goal of diversity not always easily achieved. We all don’t start out equally. Sometimes one's frame of reference or life experiences provides an unconscious filter that omits recognition of this. There are advantages and obstacles that put us on uneven playing fields. Recognizing that we all don’t start from the same place
begins a process of acknowledgment of that imbalance.
Approaching this challenging objective in an open and honest way ensures equitable access and opportunities for everyone. Diversity helps actuate positive outcomes. It supports and equally strengthens healthy learning, working environments. The best tapestry of thriving diversity is the representation through individuality that sustains and celebrates that maxim.
