Diversity and Inclusion at SAB

Our Philosophy

The School of American Ballet embodies artistic excellence, which is inseparable from our values of diversity, equity and inclusion. First and foremost, our commitment to excellence compels us to search for exceptional talent, which can be found in young dancers from all backgrounds and experiences.

Talent is the first requirement for excellence and must be matched with investment. At SAB, we invest in all our students to develop their artistic skills at the highest level while nurturing their development as artistic athletes, learners and citizens.

For more than 15 years, SAB has recognized its responsibility as the country’s premier ballet academy—whose alumni join and lead dance organizations worldwide—to be proactive in expanding access to its training. Equally important is SAB’s commitment to creating an environment in which all its students and community members belong and thrive.

Statement of Vision and Commitment to Diversity, Anti-Racism, Equity, And Inclusion

The School of American Ballet is accelerating and deepening our work to become a broadly diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, and equitable organization. We hold ourselves accountable for creating and sustaining a culture that values and welcomes artists, students, family members, administrative staff, and Board members of diverse races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and disabilities, and religions. Through this process, we strive for artistic, administrative, and student life professionals to see, train, and nurture our diverse and talented students as individuals and support their growth in and out of the studio. We also endeavor for our entire community to practice compassion, empathy, and support for one another, the student body, and their families. We commit to creating more pathways of dialogue for learning, welcoming the free expression of multiple perspectives, and upholding the highest standards of excellence and inclusion in all our behaviors.

Core Values

Established in January 2020 as part of the School’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan, these core values are what guide the school in the development of its behaviors, policies, and practices. 

ARTISTIC AND TEACHING EXCELLENCE

SAB values our distinguished legacy of artistic and teaching excellence as the official yet independent school of New York City Ballet and embraces our leadership in the ballet field. We are committed to preparing young artists for professional dance careers in companies throughout the world by educating and nurturing each student as an individual. 

HOLISTIC STUDENT WELL-BEING

SAB prioritizes the overall wellness of each student throughout their time at the School. We help students develop confidence in their individuality by providing them with opportunities to actively engage with their own learning, professional development, and personal growth in our school and society. We support and respect the personal agency of each student.

ANTI-RACIST, INCLUSIVE, AND EQUITABLE ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICES

The SAB community includes faculty, pianists, students, families, administrative staff, alumni, and Board members. Together, we are accountable for creating and sustaining an organization that is broadly diverse, actively anti-racist, and intentionally inclusive and equitable in all behaviors, actions, and decisions. We embrace personal and organizational humility as we remove structural barriers to accomplishment, seek honest feedback, and pursue personal and organizational learning about equity and inclusion with the goal of continuous growth. SAB is committed to embodying anti-racist practices in all our work.

COLLABORATION AND INTERDEPENDENCE

SAB embraces an organizational and ballet culture characterized by open and transparent communication and habitual dialogue. We recognize the interdependent nature of our work and believe that collaboration, communication, and alignment among our community members, within our partner organization New York City Ballet, and across the ballet field are essential to the long-term relevance and viability of our organizational mission and vision.

Learn more about these values from our community members.

Community Agreements

Inspired by our core values and co-created by staff and students in fall 2021, SAB’s Community Agreements are a set of behaviors that we agree to embrace and embody for the good of our community. Living into these community agreements is a community-wide responsibility and one that we are actively pursuing.

  1. We are all mutual learners. We believe everyone at SAB has something to learn and something to teach.  SAB students, faculty, and administrators can learn from one another.  When we make mistakes, we can grow from them together.
  2. We take ownership of our words and actions. We are responsible for how we behave and how we make others feel.  When we are hurt or we hurt someone else, we talk about it and make it right.
  3. We are brave, courageous, and fearless.  We listen to each other and learn from each other. We ask questions when we don’t understand something or someone.
  4. Everyone is important and valuable. We recognize that each of us has feelings, talents and experiences that shape who we are at SAB.  Each of us deserves to be here and the chance to succeed.
  5. Respect for one another. We respect one another by being caring, patient and kind.  We create a space where all of us feel that others care about us.
  6. Trust matters. We trust each other not to gossip or tell stories about each other. We practice empathy and care for one another, whether we are a students, faculty, or administrators.
  7. Our differences make us stronger. We value and respect our differences. We are all different, but our respect for one another is the same.
Meet the people behind our philosophy