We Stand With You

Posted on by Danceworks News

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Dear Danceworks Family,

One thing we know about where we find ourselves today is that we have to step into injustice, into the fight against racism. We can’t step around it. We must move through it. Together. Reorganizing. Reshaping. And realizing that rebuilding happens one step at a time, one word at a time, one person at a time.

We know we must reflect, and this past week we joined with others in taking a pause on Blackout Tuesday. But, we also know we must refuel in order to regenerate and reemerge as individuals and as an organization anew so that we can be a part of building lasting, authentic solidarity.

We stand with our children and families as we work together to seek justice and liberation within our neighborhoods and nation. The suffering endured for centuries, the inequality, the devaluing of People of Color, the criminalization, the violence, all of it, must be turned around and stopped. We stand up for the unique value and creativity of each and every beautifully created life.

We are committed to being a part of the change. We know that at this moment in time, the constant overflow of information can increase the trauma and sap the individual and collective energy that creates change. We know that dance has been, is, and will continue to be a powerful tool and creative approach to re-centering and healing.

We must allow ourselves to feel, to cry, to express rage, and to experience joy. We must look deep within ourselves, and then we turn to dance. To movement. To connect with others—albeit virtually for the time being—in order to move through this together to see change.

We have taught our children in Milwaukee schools to learn to Lead and Follow in the dance. Now is the time for us all to be Movement Leaders, focusing on rebuilding relationships that move through and beyond and break down racial divides.

The “dance” within, the strength and power within, will allow us to rise together above the challenges we are facing. But it’s our movement and action, individually and collectively, that will create the change needed for lasting and authentic solidarity in our fight against injustice and for racial equality. We stand with you.

Sincerely,

Deb Farris. Danceworks CEO


A [Growing] List of Educational Resources:

We are committed to educating ourselves and our peers so that we can continue to contribute to the fight against systemic racism. Below is a list of educational resources, as well as ways you can take a stand. We will continue to add to this list as we listen, learn and fight alongside you.


Danceworks Mission & Vision:

Founded in 1992, the mission of Danceworks, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is to enhance joy, health and creativity by engaging the community through dance. Danceworks’ vision is to be a driving force that builds community through movement and creative arts.

Danceworks is committed to taking arts and arts learning beyond the studio and theatre and into the community by creating work that resonates with diverse groups of people. Danceworks contributes to Milwaukee’s cultural vitality by sparking a lifelong interest and participation in the arts.