Sonoma Conservatory of Dance: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
Sonoma Conservatory of Dance (SCD) is committed to ensuring that all its policies and programming reflect democratic principles of equity and justice.
We believe in advancing the leadership of, and service to, communities of color; racially and ethnically diverse individuals; members of the LGBTQ+ community; and tribal, immigrant, and refugee communities.
We believe that bringing together students from different income levels and racial/ethnic backgrounds not only enhances the learning environment but also, and more importantly for us at SCD, it enhances our community. Besides growing in body awareness and creative expression, dancers at SCD learn cooperation, teamwork, respect for differences and multiple levels of communication that define the studio as a place of inclusion and safety.
Efforts toward evolving our DEI practices:
Implementing a Diversity Outreach Strategy to reach underserved communities in our area and recruit young people beyond those who seek us out. Goal: Increase the overall number of scholarship recipients and increase the number of Latinx students by at least one third.
Maintain a robust scholarship program. As a result of grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations over the years, SCD has supported a minimum of 10% of our students through partial and full scholarships. Goal: To allow for 25% or more of our students to enroll with financial aid.
Continue to perform diverse artistic content. SCD has intentionally presented dance productions that incorporate ethnically diverse artists (choreographers and instructors as well as performers) and subject matter. Examples: Por La Luz de la Luna—A Mexican Ballet and The Magic Grove, a world premiere performance derived from a Persian folktale.
Continue to partner with individuals/organizations who are successfully leading efforts in DEI (e.g. our collaborations with Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén).
Support our staff and board in becoming aware of and implementing best practices for nonprofit arts communities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We believe in advancing the leadership of, and service to, communities of color; racially and ethnically diverse individuals; members of the LGBTQ+ community; and tribal, immigrant, and refugee communities.
We believe that bringing together students from different income levels and racial/ethnic backgrounds not only enhances the learning environment but also, and more importantly for us at SCD, it enhances our community. Besides growing in body awareness and creative expression, dancers at SCD learn cooperation, teamwork, respect for differences and multiple levels of communication that define the studio as a place of inclusion and safety.
Efforts toward evolving our DEI practices:
Implementing a Diversity Outreach Strategy to reach underserved communities in our area and recruit young people beyond those who seek us out. Goal: Increase the overall number of scholarship recipients and increase the number of Latinx students by at least one third.
Maintain a robust scholarship program. As a result of grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations over the years, SCD has supported a minimum of 10% of our students through partial and full scholarships. Goal: To allow for 25% or more of our students to enroll with financial aid.
Continue to perform diverse artistic content. SCD has intentionally presented dance productions that incorporate ethnically diverse artists (choreographers and instructors as well as performers) and subject matter. Examples: Por La Luz de la Luna—A Mexican Ballet and The Magic Grove, a world premiere performance derived from a Persian folktale.
Continue to partner with individuals/organizations who are successfully leading efforts in DEI (e.g. our collaborations with Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén).
Support our staff and board in becoming aware of and implementing best practices for nonprofit arts communities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.