As an artist deeply inspired by dance forms with African diasporic roots, I believe in cultivating around my work an atmosphere of inclusivity, respect for diversity and effort toward equitable access. My accountability to these ideas, as a white practitioner of jazz dance, includes:
- Listening to, learning from and amplifying the voices of Black artists and other Artists of Color;
- Commitment to educating students and audiences on the African diasporic root and branch forms that deeply inform my work, as these roots have long been and continue to be invisibilized due to ignorance, commercialism and racism;
- Infusing and surrounding my work with the anti-racist perspectives and actions I’m striving to further develop personally, as I listen carefully to what is needed in my communities;
- Ensuring access to my work through use of ADA-compliant venues and educational standards emphasizing an all-abilities approach.
My dance company Rhythmically Speaking also seeks to prioritize similar things, measures of which are outlined here. I understand these efforts as an ongoing journey I am dedicated to being on and learning from. I always welcome feedback, and appreciate the care and labor put into sharing such thoughts.
Erinn Liebhard: Dance Artist 