NDEO and MDO see, hear, and stand with the Black community. The indefensible deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others before them, have sparked protests and calls for justice and reform throughout the country. We recognize the importance of protest as a catalyst for change in bringing an end to systemic racism. We support all those working for justice and an end to racism and violence against the Black community in the United States and around the world.

 

Racism has no place in the dance world, yet we know that it has profoundly affected dance educators, administrators, choreographers, and students of color for generations. We acknowledge that many of the dance styles taught and practiced today are rooted in the history and current artistry of the Black diaspora, yet that connection is often overlooked or outright erased in the practice of teaching dance in studios, schools, and universities. We recognize the vast contribution of Black dancers, educators, and choreographers, yet we know that they are often marginalized in dance degree curricula, neglected in funding, left out of the textbooks, the course syllabus, the canon, and representation in leadership. 

 

Together with our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee, we will continue to seek ways to fight for justice within the dance community. We know that there is still much to do within our organization and within dance education. We will continue to seek new ways to ensure that Black voices are heard and recognized within our membership and throughout the field. We know that dance has the power to affect change in our communities and the world, and we seek to be part of that change. 

 

Black Lives Matter.

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MDO is a member of the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE). For more information on how to support diversity in the arts please visit their website.