DANCING TOWARDS DIVERSITY INITIATIVE
By instituting the DANCING TOWARDS DIVERSITY INITIATIVE - Ly-Ben Dance Alliance, LLC desires to focus on systemic racism, it's eradication in the arts and thereby influencing cultural change in the community at large by creating a culture of dedication, commitment, positive self-worth and self-esteem for the individual dancer. Also, by addressing diversity, equity and inclusion in both students and teachers, LDA, LLC realizes that participants will have the opportunity to overcome stigmas associated with black and brown artist’s dance aspirations.
Vision:
To utilize dance and related arts to encourage diversity, address implicit bias through education, and dispel cultural myths through revelation and to initiate solutions.
Mission:
To be a community association for creative experiences, which spurs cultural, educational, economic and social revitalization through artistic and cultural expression.
Goals:
To address systematic racism, instill diversity, equity and inclusion in the arts specifically dance, and dispel traditional myths by;
* Providing access to racially diverse artists through performances, training, technique classes and choreography residencies through Project L.L.E.A.P.
* Providing ongoing training and performance opportunities for the underprivileged and under-served community with racially diverse instructors.
* To address the ideology of systematic racism through panel discussions, illumination and institution of best practices.
* Methodically creating a culture of self- acceptance, self-awareness, self-esteem and self-pride utilizing the concepts instilled through dance.
* To bring awareness to and emphasize the reality of artistic success, by bringing in local, statewide, national and international artists of color who are successful in their careers and can demonstrate how dance made a difference in their lives and is a viable career choice.
* To grow audiences by exposing youth from the ages of preschool through high school to the beauty, athleticism, work ethics and artists' passion for dance.
Initiatives;
1. Ly-Ben Dance Company - Professional Dance Company
The vision of the Ubuntu Dance Company is to be a visual example of diversity, equity and inclusion in dance through choreography, training, lecture-demos, and performances.
The mission of The Ubuntu Dance Company is to employ dancers of all racial, ethnic, genders, socioeconomic, and physical differences, to unite and present performances that represent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the community. To be the Catalyst For change in the dance world by setting new standards for limitless expressions of dance technique, and physical abilities in dancers of color. To change the narrative and norms of dance to reflect the true abilities of the underserved and underrepresented. To educate, encourage and inspire the community on how dance can be used as a tool for mental and physical expression, activism and to provide the visual tool in the process of this journey.
2. LL.E.A.P - Living Legends, Educating and Performing - The L.L.E.A.P. initiative will foster mentoring relationships between professinal artists and local students. Currently active dance professionals will teach master classes, perform and mentor young dancers to give them first and knowledge of what a career in dance entails.
3. C.D.P. Community Dance Program - The Community Dance Program is designed to expose youth ages 2 - 10 to dance education within the local community centers and nuture thier natural curiosity for music and movement. A partnership with the City of Columbia will
4. Ubuntu Dance Festival - In the spirit of Ubuntu, the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance will host the first Ubuntu Dance Festival in Columbia SC. Ubuntu (oo-boon-too) is an old African philosophy that means reconciliation, forgiveness, love, sharing, and humanity and embraces the philosphy - “I am because we are”.
5. The Ly-Ben Summer Arts and Education Program: Bringing dance and related arts to the community through immersive summer programs, culminating in a spectacular musical performance that showcases the talent and creativity nurtured within.
In conclusion, the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance stands firm in its dedication to fulfilling its mission and vision through its five pillars. Through the Community Dance Project, Ubuntu Dance Festival, Ly-Ben Summer Dance Program, L.L.E.A.P., and the Ly-Ben Dance Company, we strive to make dance accessible, forge connections within the community, provide transformative educational opportunities, and celebrate diversity and inclusion. Together, we dance towards a future where the transformative power of movement uplifts and unites us all.
Vision:
To utilize dance and related arts to encourage diversity, address implicit bias through education, and dispel cultural myths through revelation and to initiate solutions.
Mission:
To be a community association for creative experiences, which spurs cultural, educational, economic and social revitalization through artistic and cultural expression.
Goals:
To address systematic racism, instill diversity, equity and inclusion in the arts specifically dance, and dispel traditional myths by;
* Providing access to racially diverse artists through performances, training, technique classes and choreography residencies through Project L.L.E.A.P.
* Providing ongoing training and performance opportunities for the underprivileged and under-served community with racially diverse instructors.
* To address the ideology of systematic racism through panel discussions, illumination and institution of best practices.
* Methodically creating a culture of self- acceptance, self-awareness, self-esteem and self-pride utilizing the concepts instilled through dance.
* To bring awareness to and emphasize the reality of artistic success, by bringing in local, statewide, national and international artists of color who are successful in their careers and can demonstrate how dance made a difference in their lives and is a viable career choice.
* To grow audiences by exposing youth from the ages of preschool through high school to the beauty, athleticism, work ethics and artists' passion for dance.
Initiatives;
1. Ly-Ben Dance Company - Professional Dance Company
The vision of the Ubuntu Dance Company is to be a visual example of diversity, equity and inclusion in dance through choreography, training, lecture-demos, and performances.
The mission of The Ubuntu Dance Company is to employ dancers of all racial, ethnic, genders, socioeconomic, and physical differences, to unite and present performances that represent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the community. To be the Catalyst For change in the dance world by setting new standards for limitless expressions of dance technique, and physical abilities in dancers of color. To change the narrative and norms of dance to reflect the true abilities of the underserved and underrepresented. To educate, encourage and inspire the community on how dance can be used as a tool for mental and physical expression, activism and to provide the visual tool in the process of this journey.
2. LL.E.A.P - Living Legends, Educating and Performing - The L.L.E.A.P. initiative will foster mentoring relationships between professinal artists and local students. Currently active dance professionals will teach master classes, perform and mentor young dancers to give them first and knowledge of what a career in dance entails.
3. C.D.P. Community Dance Program - The Community Dance Program is designed to expose youth ages 2 - 10 to dance education within the local community centers and nuture thier natural curiosity for music and movement. A partnership with the City of Columbia will
4. Ubuntu Dance Festival - In the spirit of Ubuntu, the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance will host the first Ubuntu Dance Festival in Columbia SC. Ubuntu (oo-boon-too) is an old African philosophy that means reconciliation, forgiveness, love, sharing, and humanity and embraces the philosphy - “I am because we are”.
5. The Ly-Ben Summer Arts and Education Program: Bringing dance and related arts to the community through immersive summer programs, culminating in a spectacular musical performance that showcases the talent and creativity nurtured within.
In conclusion, the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance stands firm in its dedication to fulfilling its mission and vision through its five pillars. Through the Community Dance Project, Ubuntu Dance Festival, Ly-Ben Summer Dance Program, L.L.E.A.P., and the Ly-Ben Dance Company, we strive to make dance accessible, forge connections within the community, provide transformative educational opportunities, and celebrate diversity and inclusion. Together, we dance towards a future where the transformative power of movement uplifts and unites us all.
Programs
Dance education classes - If you would like DTDI to have classes at your school complete the form below.
Performances - If you are interested in guest artist(s) coming to your school or facility complete the form below.
Dance education classes - If you would like DTDI to have classes at your school complete the form below.
Performances - If you are interested in guest artist(s) coming to your school or facility complete the form below.