Inclusion Coalition Program
Creating brave spaces for young dancers, movers, and artivists to make community & industry change.
Video Advocacy Projects
The Inclusion Coalition, program of the Arts Mentorship Program, and Santa Barbara Dance Arts teamed up to celebrate Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice.
Youth leaders play a crucial role in promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice (DEIJ) programs through the power of ARTIVISM for several reasons:
1. Representation: Youth leaders often bring fresh perspectives and represent diverse communities. Their involvement ensures that DEIJ initiatives are inclusive and relevant to the experiences of various groups.
2. Empowerment: Youth leaders inspire and empower their peers to engage in DEIJ efforts. They can serve as role models, motivating others to embrace the arts as a tool for social change.
3. Creativity and Innovation: Young people tend to be creative and innovative. They can develop new approaches to DEIJ programs that use the arts to address social issues, making them more effective and engaging.
4. Interconnectedness: The arts have a unique ability to bridge cultural gaps and foster empathy. Youth leaders can use the arts to connect people from different backgrounds, promoting unity and understanding.
5. Long-term Impact: Engaging youth in DEIJ through the arts can have a lasting impact as they grow into future leaders and advocates, continuing the work of promoting equity and justice.
The Inclusion Coalition Program is a Youth-Led initiative that is instrumental in driving DEIJ programs through the arts, ensuring that these initiatives are inclusive, inspiring, and capable of creating positive social change in our home, community, society, and world.
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PRIDE
PRIDE is to celebrate and coexist in Joy to learn about LGBTQ+ communities and show up as Allies. The Video Advocacy Project is a youth-driven, mentor-led project whose this years’ goal is to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and communities while advocating through dance and movement and ARTivists for more inclusive dance and community spaces for all.
As the world emerges from a global pandemic and heals from the collective experiences and trauma. We keep in mind what Toni Morrison shared, “It’s not possible to constantly hold onto crisis. You have to have love and you have to have the magic. That’s also life.” The Inclusion Coalition youth have committed themselves as allies as they recognize their collective voices as a tool to amplify and support the LGBTQ+ movement.
They hope this brings a smile to people's faces and opens up people’s hearts on their views to communities and identities different from their own to learn and to listen on how to take action and creates spaces of belonging, respect, safety, and joy.
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Changes
Juneteenth reminds us to educate ourselves and stand strong as allies in our support and pursuit of justice and equality for all. While we have work to do, may the recognition of this day lead to actionable and meaningful change in our nation, our industry, and our community. May art and dance continue to play a role in the healing and transformation. Join us in being a part of the change today and every day.
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Like You'll Never See Me Again
Before coronavirus and quarantine, a group of talented teens tackled the idea of, taking people, health, and this beautiful life for granted. What if you knew you would never see someone again? What would you do if you knew it was the last time? This message of gratitude and appreciation is more poignant now than ever. Under the leadership of the beautiful and talented Brittany Sandoval, our talented Senior dancers choreographed while a group of dedicated teens helped conceive this incredible project. Normally this was showed at our annual Configuration performance. Even though that opportunity was cut short, we wanted to share this with you and hope you will share it with the people who matter to you the most. Life is precious, time is fleeting, and we are so grateful for all of you.
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Inclusive Dance
The intersection of dance and disabilities is a dynamic and evolving field that enriches the dance world and provides numerous benefits to individuals with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, creativity, and the celebration of diverse abilities in the arts.
Santa Barbara Dance Arts and The Arts Mentorship Program Inclusion Coalition teamed up with Never Give Up, Autism Embrace, and Gwendolyn's Playground to learn about disabilities and inclusion and turn it into art. This youth-driven, mentor-led project's goal is to raise awareness about disabilities and advocate for a more inclusive dance space for all. Plus, please consider a donation to Gwendolyn's Playground, Santa Barbara's first inclusive playground: https://nevergiveup.org/playground/
Thank you to Gianna Burright our Producer and Teen Videographer Katie Gonella and our generous drone operator Ryan Von Grau along with all of our community dancers and participants. Also special thank you to Victoria Strong, for being the epitome of NEVER GIVE UP. We love sharing Gwendolyn's story through dance!
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You Don’t Own Me
The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017, has given young women a platform to speak out against sexual harassment and assault. Many young women have courageously shared their stories and experiences to shed light on the prevalence of these issues and advocate for change. Their voices have played a significant role in raising awareness and pushing for accountability in various industries and communities.
AMP & Santa Barbara Dance Arts students worked with faculty member Brittany Sandoval to use video and dance speak out about how they feel as young women. From injustice, to inequality, to catcalls to abuse... #enoughisenough #metoo
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Where Is The Love?
We believe in message through movement, mentorship, and building confidence through dance. A project of Santa Barbara Dance Arts and the Arts Mentorships. Concept, Choreography and Direction: Brittany Sandoval. Videography and Editing: Millie Reitherman
