Diversity Statement

Philadelphia Ballet is deeply committed to cultivating and sustaining an organization that is equitable, fair, and inclusive in artistic expression and organizational behavior, policy, and practice.

We embrace diversity both on and off stage and strive to be an organization where all communities feel a sense of belonging.

We hold each other and ourselves accountable to these intentions every day.

Philadelphia Ballet's DEIA&R Purpose Statement

Philadelphia Ballet will become a recognized cultural leader in an active effort that will expand opportunities in every aspect of its place in the arts – bringing more access to dance, choreography, performance, and education while strengthening civic partnerships that recognize dance as a powerful advocate of social change.  Our commitment to diversity will be dynamic, active, and designed to be sustainable on the long path to artistic, cultural, and social equity.  DEIA&R will be woven through Philadelphia Ballet organizational goals and objectives that will drive diversity on and off the stage.

Diversity

A simple representation of different types of people (by gender, race, ability, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression and many other social identities) in a community or organization.

Diversity often focuses on the differences between and among ALL people and is referred to as “the mix.”

Inclusion

The deliberate process of seeking and welcoming diversity in a community or organization while creating an environment/system (policies, practices, norms, values, reward) where all kinds of people can thrive and succeed.

Inclusion is the intentional process of creating the conditions to “make the mix work.”

Transformational Team Meetings (2019-2020)

Wednesday September 11, 2019 Kick-Off Meeting Download Meeting Notes
Tuesday November 12, 2019 Foundational Presentation by Joselli Deans, The Equity Project Download Presentation
Wednesday December 18, 2019 Foundational Presentation by Joselli Deans, The Equity Project Download Presentation
Tuesday February 18, 2020 The Legacy of Black Philadelphians in Ballet Download Presentation

DEIA&R Task Force Meetings (2020-2021)

Thursday August 27, 2020 DEIA&R Town Hall for Staff, Dancers, & Orchestra (also open to Board) Download Presentation
Wednesday September 2, 2020 at 12pm DEIA&R Task Force Kick-Off Meeting
Wednesday September 16, 2020 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday September 30, 2020 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday October 14, 2020 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday October 28, 2020 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday November 11, 2020 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday December 2, 2020 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday December 16, 2020 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday January 20, 2021 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation
Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting

Guest speaker: Karen Pendergrass, Teaching Artist

Download Presentation
Wednesday March 17, 2021 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting
Wednesday April 21, 2021 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting

Guest speaker: Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

Wednesday May 19, 2021 at 2pm DEIA&R Task Force Meeting Download Presentation

DEIA&R Learning Series with Oscar Holmes IV (2022)

Click here for more info about Oscar Holmes IV

Former principal dancer Jermel Johnson appeared as a guest on choreographer Helen Pickett’s talk show on YouTube, Creative Vitality Jam Session.  Check out the episode below!

Further Resources

History, Culture & Education

Literature & Media

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Meet the Ballet

Philadelphia Ballet comprises a team of dedicated professionals—each one devoted to bringing you the most thrilling and inspired works ballet has to offer.

The School

School of Philadelphia Ballet offers the highest caliber dance education of any program in the Greater Philadelphia area, providing our students with exceptional technical training and unparalleled performance opportunities.