Since Inlet Dance Theatre’s inception in 2001, we have believed that all black lives matter. We have always used dance as a peaceful form of artistic activism, often using dance as a weapon of protest. These things are evident in the company’s repertory, programming, and staffing. We’ve long believed that talent is everywhere but access to developing that talent is not and we continue in our determination to do something about it via our creating, performing, and educating. That’s why the company is called Inlet—we strive to be a place of entry, a place where anyone can learn, create, and perform, and why we collaboratively build every piece of choreography in the company’s repertory. We are involved in “using dance to further (all) lives.” Throughout our history, we’ve been known for leaning into social justice issues and creating work that speaks to what could be, rather only to what is. Hope and beauty continue to be critically important.
Because we’re aware that we have a great deal to learn regarding racial equity, understanding poverty, and the dismantling of white privilege/supremacy, we began engaging in racial equity training from expert diversity consultants and others during the past several seasons. That work showed us that we’ve made mistakes. We are aware that we will make more mistakes. Mistakes and blind spots, once revealed, can feel humiliating and result in deep apologies and remorse. But we remain committed to continuing to provide Inlet’s artistic and administrative staff and our Board with this much needed professional development. Clearly, things need to change in this country, and we desire to participate in these changes.
Part of valuing our dancers and audiences means not allowing injustice to go unchecked. When those with authority, power, and influence misuse that power against those who don’t have it, it must be addressed and rectified. The police officers who detained George Floyd abused their authority and brought about his death. These types of atrocities against black people by white hands (not just the police) have been going on for over 400 years in this country and it is inexcusable and unacceptable.
At Inlet Dance Theatre we stand against hate, systems of oppression, and violence. We stand against racism, sexism, antisemitism, classism, ableism, homophobia, xenophobia—all of the evil “isms”, the oppressions that show various levels of brutality against “others” in our and other communities. We remain committed to “using dance to further people.” We desire to upgrade our capacity and ability to serve our community because we know that if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. We look forward to rejoicing.
Respectfully,
Bill Wade
Founder and Executive Artistic Director
Inlet Dance Theatre
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