During the earlier part of the tour, when the company was in Canada, I was also up north in the snow at the New England Berkshires historic Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival grounds and archive. As an ambassador for diversity and inclusion for NDT, I was invited by Theresa Ruth Howard to share insights with professional dancers and staff both inside and outside the dance studio on artistic practice and creative inclusion in today’s dance landscape for various dancers. It was essential not only to coach the dancers, but also to share NDT’s journey and story in our cultural climate. More importantly, I am excited about the discussions that are continuing NDTs ability to share on the topics, and the potential to further develop relationships with new allies!
The residency at Jacob’s Pillow, Pathways to Performance Choreographic Program (PTP), is a MoBBallet initiative that cultivates Black choreographers (and those of color) who specifically work in the idiom of ballet. PTP is curated and directed by Theresa Ruth Howard, a former ballet dancer, writer and since 2015 international organizational consultant and diversity strategist. The residency culminates with a presentation of works that highlight black choreographers, dancers, and conductors at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in July 2024.
