Social Actions
Solidarity Statement
At ProArteDanza, we recognize our responsibility to speak out and acknowledge the systemic racism that pervades contemporary dance and ballet in Canada. We have a platform and a responsibility to plan and enact tangible changes. However, we recognize that it is also important to voice our support and solidarity, promptly and unequivocally, and we apologize for the hurt our failure to do this has caused.
White privilege and systemic racism are embedded in the training and performance of ballet and contemporary dance. We have a responsibility to actively oppose anti-Black racism and inequality, both in our work and in our society. We believe that the time is long overdue to face our deficiencies as a company in addressing the problems of race and inequality. Going forward, we pledge to find actionable ways to make our community a more inclusive, fair, safe, and diverse place.
We at ProArteDanza (the staff, dancers, and board) commit to listening, learning, and continuing to ask difficult questions about dismantling unjust structures, and invite others to do the same. Actions are underway based on the input of our Board, staff, dancers, and community partners. Our plans and activities are being shared through social media and on our website. Black Lives Matter.
Statement about Anti-Asian Harassment and Violence
At ProArteDanza, we recognize our responsibility to speak out against systemic racism in dance. ProArteDanza is deeply disturbed by incidents targeting Asians. The company lends its support to fighting the kind of hatred that has so terrorized the community.
As an organization dedicated to presenting great facets of the human experience through dance, we recognize the cultural forces that have played into creating anti-Asian racism, such as caricatured portrayals of Asians in all forms of media. We also recognize that these misrepresentations have demeaned and dehumanized Asian audience members over so many years.
In our dance programming, we will challenge anti-Asian racism in whatever way we can and listen to the voices of the Asian dance community in creating a safer and more just and inclusive society.
Land Acknowledgement
We, ProArteDanza, recognize our responsibility in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
We are taking actionable steps towards reflecting on, understanding, and repairing our relationship through current and future programming.
We acknowledge that this sacred land has been the site of dance for more than 15,000 years.
We give thanks to the caretakers of this territory: the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. We acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands. We also acknowledge the Dish With One Spoon treaty, and our responsibility to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
We recognize that, today, the Meeting Place of Toronto (TKaronto) is home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people from across Turtle Island.We acknowledge the enduring suffering and harm caused by the residential school system, and other like actions.
We are grateful for the teachings of Indigenous peoples, colleagues, Elders, and peers, sharing traditional and contemporary Indigenous knowledge.
We are grateful for the ability to dance and celebrate in this land.
We are grateful for creative freedom.
Shine the Light
Shine The Light is a short interview documentary featuring Toronto BIPOC artists Miss Lyn, Pulga Muchochoma, T-BAI, and Gabriel Hudson. The artists share their experiences in the contemporary dance, theatre, and music industries.
