DLNY’s COMMITMENT TO ANTI-RACISM
“As Founder, I acknowledge that my privilege has allowed me to rise to a level of success in my industry not afforded others, and that my responsibility is to support and make space for others with less privilege. Growing up Jewish in Indianapolis, Indiana I was raised to uphold the concepts of “mitzvot” and “tzedakah” — good deeds and charitable work — and “tikkun olam”, which refers to social change that is for the betterment of humanity. These moral obligations are embedded in the mission of DLNY, a place that can help build a more equitable future for our industry’s dance makers.” — Josh Prince
DLNY wholly rejects institutional racism and the centuries-old systemic oppression of Black, Latinx, AAPI, and other marginalized communities. We pledge to do even more to promote equity and uplift those who have been systematically oppressed. We invite you to read our action steps and hold us accountable.
DLNY is committed to a consistent culture of diversity and equity across all facets of our company. As the only organization wholly dedicated to promoting and advancing the art form of choreography, our greatest strength lies in our inclusivity, and the creation of intentional strategies to support and champion historically marginalized members of the community.
Dance Lab New York was founded on principles of diversity and inclusion in order to create a safe space for dance makers to express and explore freely, without judgment. We are committed to digging deep to better understand how DLNY can do more to uphold and promote the tenets of antiracism, and work hard to dismantle discriminatory systems..
In his book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century”, Yuval Noah Harari writes: “It is more important than ever to uncover our religious and political biases, our racial and gender privileges, and our unwitting complicity in institutional oppression.”
It is more important than ever that those of us who have historically benefitted from White privilege no longer remain unwitting. DLNY is fully aware of our responsibility to help fix broken systems and refuses to be unwittingly complicit in any racist White agenda. We reject White supremacy, institutional racism and systemic oppression.
We pledge:
To listen intently and perpetually deepen our understanding of racism in all of its destructive forms by actively engaging in conversation.
To maintain and grow a diverse staff and board of directors, so that they reflect the lived experiences of the artists we serve.
To seek and retain professional advisors to monitor inclusivity initiatives and ensure that the execution of our mission remains fair and equitable.
To share DLNY’s position on anti-racism with all Dancers and Choreographers who participate in our Labs.
To upkeep a digital anti-racism library as a resource for staff and board so that we may continue to educate ourselves.
To offer resources to a diverse range of choreographers and continue to expand the scope of artists we support.
To continue offering participants an opportunity to provide honest feedback through third party, anonymous post-lab surveys.
There is much more work to be done to dismantle the insidious mechanisms that have kept marginalized dance makers from flourishing. DLNY pledges to remain an active participant in being the change we all wish to see in the world. We look to you to hold us accountable
