Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica stands with the Black community and with all People of Color. We believe that racism, inequality, and hatred have no place in our world. We recognize now more than ever, the need to expand our efforts to actively address racism and white privilege in the ballet universe. As an organization, we have not fully understood the systemic racism that pervades our society; nor have we actively engaged in the inquiry and practice of anti-racism.

We are committed to doing better.

For over fifty-three years, Westside Ballet has strived to serve individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities within our studios and the larger community. While our doors have always been open to all, we understand that not everyone has felt a part of our community. We are committed to making this one of Westside Ballet’s utmost concerns and to address this in our actions, outreach and education to supporting Black, Persons of Color, and Other dancers within the Westside Ballet community.

Over the past seven years we have made strong strides towards equity, diversity and inclusion through the following current initiatives that are ongoing; and we are now setting new objectives to achieve greater access and accountability. We have established a joint Diversity and Inclusion Committee bringing together the Westside Ballet Board of Directors and the Westside Ballet Volunteer Guild to oversee these objectives and to report back to the Westside community on our progress in meeting our goals.