NPB releases an anti-racism statement.
NPB releases an anti-racism statement and signs the Final Bow for Yellowface pledge.
Cultural Audit Timeline
Audit Results
Phase 1
Years 1 and 2
Act I
After reflecting on the audit results, the creative team based updates around the theme “All are welcome to the party.” Focusing on minor changes that would have a big impact, most of the differences might be subtle to observers, but create a foundation to build upon diversity and inclusion in subsequent productions.
While the Chinese and Arabian variations were identified as the most in need of reform, the creative team went back to the true reason behind why the divertissement characters were present in the scene. The team re-confirmed the concept of a party for Clara, where each character brought a special treat. “Potlucks” for dancers have been a part of NPB tradition since its inception, and wanted the audience to see the joy behind food sharing at social celebrations. Instead of modifying individual variations to eliminate cultural appropriation, the team eliminated all cultural references in favor of more direct dessert inspirations.
- Increasing Diversity in Corps de Ballet and Principal Roles
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- Being intentional about cast diversity
- Continue to engage mission program participants in mainstage productions
- Require patience as we figure out best practices
- Strategic plan, board involvement
- Evaluate hiring practices, marketing, leadership
- Continue to develop partnerships
- Evaluate programming
- Community input
- Being intentional about cast diversity
Phase 3
Year 5
- Regular check-ins with consultant
- Another audit
Consultant
Alexandria Lattimore
Artist, Academic, Social Worker, and Consultant
Lexy Lattimore is an artist, academic, social worker, and consultant. She is a Mandel Leadership Fellow at Case Western Reserve University where she studies and researches trauma-informed, healing-centered community building through the arts. Lexy’s research has focused on community trauma and resilience, the intersections of city planning, neighborhood engagement, and “choreographing space”, and racial equity and inclusion. Her research influences her work in Cleveland’s historic Hough and Glenville neighborhoods where she’s had the pleasure of consulting with organizations including, the Community Innovation Network, MidTown Cleveland, LAND Studio, Third Space Action Lab, The Cleveland Foundation, The City of Cleveland, and Neighborhood Connections.
In addition to her community practice, Lexy has had an extensive career as a dancer, performer, and storyteller. She has performed with two contemporary ballet companies and has traveled to Cuba, Spain, Italy, and Australia, sharing her love for dance with the world. She has produced her own work in NYC, Boston, Durham, and Cleveland. Lexy graduated cum laude from Duke University with a Bachelor’s in History and honors in Dance. She is the recipient of the Cleveland Arts Prize Verge Fellowship.
Additional Support
Rodney Veal
President, OhioDance
“When Janet invited me to review and discuss North Pointe Ballets’ effort to reimagine a more diverse and inclusive version of The Nutcracker for their company and community, I was not prepared for what they had accomplished in such a short period.
Janet, the board, and staff have taken on a project that is not for the faint of heart, they chose a very analytical and structured examination of practices, policies, and institutional barriers a more inclusive artistic content/performances that are reflective of their diverse community Janet and her team recognize that what they are proposing to implement is fraught with the potential for intense backlash, no matter what the proposed change is. The bravery in self-evaluation and introspection is applauded and encouraged. The first step is always the hardest and I feel that North Pointe Ballet is headed in the right direction.”