3 minute read
Sustainability, Racism and Me
By Stacey Green, Co-Founder of The TIRED Movement, which works to drive change to improve accessibility and inclusivity in dance education.
As dance educators and leaders, it is vital that we appreciate the importance of paying respect to the pioneers of dance, and the history of each genre. Recognising the similes between racism and the deterioration of the planet ensures that good practice is adhered to within our work.
There have long been feelings of superiority and greed when creating choreography for our audiences. Without real research there is no authenticity.
Taking or 'borrowing' from another culture is a regular occurrence, and appropriation typically goes unnoticed. But how do we keep driving for change, without fully understanding the lessons that need to be learned?
Just like destructive histories of colonisation, where people of colour have historically seen their home countries stripped of their native resources, global climate change is a threat to us all. People of colour have paid a high price for the destruction of their environment, led by greed and the capitalist aims of the global north. This can be likened to the stealing of dance styles for individual gain.
Profiting off minoritised cultures is theft, plain and simple.
Often, when referring to the global majority, the language used highlights societies’ perception of privilege. Saying things like “they/them/ those” when describing dancers of colour implies that outsiders are not welcomed or included in majority white spaces. This sends a powerful message about who is really valued in our industry and who is not.
As members of the dance community and supporters of the arts, it is up to us to advocate for change.
So, what can I do?
1. You don’t need to be an expert in all genres of dance, but you do need to be open to continually learning about dance styles’ history
2. Don’t teach styles that you have learned on TikTok or Instagram without context. Just because a choreographer has thousands of followers, doesn’t mean that their choreography is authentic
3. Make sure you are the right person to teach certain styles and have the knowledge and experience to deliver good practice. If not, there are plenty of incredible artists out there who would love the chance to work with you
4. Don’t shy away from experimental choreography, but do be mindful of the message you want to share and the audience you want to engage
5. Be proactive and ask questions. Don’t be reactive and simply follow the trends
Why does this affect me?
You are affected because people of all backgrounds and ethnicities must unite to help preserve and restore our environment. Working to save the planet, like standing up against racism within our industry, can best be achieved by engaging a diverse community who want to create sustainable life with respect for all. Dismantling racism in dance means dismantling the pyramid of power that is present within our industry. We can only do this by coming together and working towards a unified voice to collectively bring about change.
Because... “The more voices we hear, the louder we become.”
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