Flatlands Dance Theatre Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In pursuing our mission both internally and in collaboration with other people and organizations within and beyond the arts community Flatlands Dance Theatre (FDT) disavows and resists racism, misogyny, discrimination, and other forms of stigmatization that have been used to separate and disempower people. FDT is dedicated to being a safe haven where everyone is treated fairly, and with dignity and respect. We denounce violence and aggressive language intended to marginalize. FDT is inclusive and welcoming to people of every race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, socio-economic status, ethnicity, and religious and political belief. FDT will continue to foster a community that supports the creation of art, and one in which people can thrive and feel supported. It is a priority of the organization to maintain a dance company, staff, and Board of Directors that reflect the diverse population of our country, and to cultivate an equally diverse audience. Flatlands Dance Theatre uses dance and community engagement as tools for addressing marginalization, violence, microaggressions, xenophobia, discrimination, and division between communities and we commit to continuing to represent these values and beliefs in our art and in the recruitment and retention of artists, staff, and board members.  

In our ongoing committed efforts, FDT has:  

• Since 2010, maintained a multigenerational company that spans ages 18-72 and which represents racial and ethnic diversity and supports artists with visible and invisible disabilities, 

• Developed a community engagement branch of our company dedicated to diversifying audience members through free monthly performances and educational activities in the downtown Lubbock arts district and in partnership with other organizations such as the Lubbock Public Library, Lubbock Independent School District, United Way, Women’s Protective Services, and other arts organizations, 

• Inaugurated an annual production, Tour de Dance, specifically geared to engage with and celebrate Lubbock’s underserved neighborhoods, 

• Developed an annual Young Dancers Workshop which promotes creative self-expression through movement and is geared to underserved children and families in West Texas, 

• Produced The Solo Series in 2021, which included commissions for a diverse group of renowned choreographers from across the U.S. and international locations, 

• Produced Pandemic Mama in 2022, a production about equity, inclusivity, and accessibility for mothers in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic 

FDT strives to: 

• Expand the diversity of artists employed by FDT by targeting dancer recruiting and retaining efforts toward men and dancers of color, 

• Set measurable goals by the end of 2022 to increase the diversity of our company, board, staff, and audience reach, 

• Engage with dancers other than those already working in FDT to expand our collaboration efforts and reach a wider range of fellow artists and audience members 

Flatlands Dance Theatre will always strive to increase diversity and representation from all communities both internally and in its programming. We welcome suggestions on how we can improve.