Ballet Co. Laboratory

Earlier this month, the White House issued a directive to all federal agencies granting nonprofit funding, stating that “future funding decisions shall align with the interests of the United States & with the goals & priorities of President Trump’s administration, as expressed in executive actions.”

 New federal policies now prohibit arts organizations, like Ballet Co.Laboratory, from receiving government funding if we “operate any programs promoting diversity, equity, & inclusion.” In other words, we will lose vital funding if we refuse to exclude the very communities we strive to uplift.

 At Ballet Co.Laboratory, we foster an artistic home where all body types, gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, & socioeconomic backgrounds are celebrated. This is not a political stance; DEI initiatives are a core value, a value in which we refuse to waiver. This policy is not just a financial blow; it strikes at the very heart of our mission. 

 For the first time in history, our federal government is attempting to determine who can create & what stories can be told. Art has always been a space for truth, transformation, & connection. Now, more than ever, we must protect that space. 

 We are facing an uncertain future, but we refuse to be silenced. We refuse to compromise the very values on which our foundation is built. If you have been moved, changed, or inspired by the work of Ballet Co.Laboratory, we ask you to take action with us. Below are a few ways you can help. 

• Presence is Power. Purchase a ticket to an upcoming Ballet Co.Laboratory production or sign up to take a ballet class. 
• Give If You Can. Make a special donation to help us bridge the gap left by this lost funding. 
• Speak Up. Contact your representatives & demand that the arts remain a welcoming space for all. Need guidance? Find our letter template & advocacy guide here.
• Ask Questions. If you’re unsure how this policy affects our community or what DEI truly means in the arts, reach out to us at info@balletcolaboratory.org. We welcome dialogue. 
• Find Refuge. Every Thursday, between 10am to 3pm, we invite you to experience Dance Respite—a free opportunity to watch Company class or rehearsal. No tickets, no expectations. Just our way of sharing a moment of peace, inspiration, & reflection. Simply email us at rkoep@balletcolaboratory.org to reserve a time. 

 Ballet has a complicated history of exclusion, one that Ballet Co.Laboratory is working tirelessly to rewrite. But we cannot do this alone. Your voice, your advocacy, & your support will determine what comes next. 

Stand with us. Dance with us. The future of ballet belongs to us all. 

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