Dear Friends,

I apologize in my delay in responding to the crisis at hand, which demands a response of solidarity and support. The reason for my delay is that, for those of you who know me know, I don’t want to just “say the right words” without having some specific “action” in mind. What will I do? What will we do at Not Just Dance? And, I am working with the staff on specifics. At Not Just Dance, the word inclusive is in our mission statement. And, when I wrote it, I meant it with all my heart and to this day, mean it with all of my heart. As I re-read it, I realize that we cannot truly reach this mission until black lives matter. To the African American Not Just Dance community, I commit to listen, to be here for you and to stand with you. Help me to learn and to understand. I, personally, and all of us at Not Just Dance, stand ready to serve you.

I reached out to the teachers at Not Just Dance and asked if they would sign a letter of commitment. Below is our pledge.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with questions, comments and concerns.

Sincerely,

Dawne LeKang, Owner, Not Just Dance

OUR PLEDGE

Dear our Not Just Dance Families and our Not Just Dance Community,

To those within our community who experience prejudice, racism, invisibility, violence, loss, and grief because of a dominant white society that marginalizes and silences you: we see you, we hear you, we support you. You matter. Your life matters. Your lives enrich our studio and our larger community in so many ways. We pledge to make sure that you continue to be seen, heard and supported at Not Just Dance and within our larger community, as well as by local and regional leaders.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that Not Just Dance stands in solidarity with you against racial injustice. We pledge to listen, be open to suggestions and continually look for how we can be a catalyst for change. We accept the call to change and are committed to standing against racism at Not Just Dance and in our communities.

In solidarity,

Dawne LeKang

Jennifer Farmer

Rachel Hutzenbiler

Brittany LeKang

Cathy Arnold

Beth Atkins

Amanda Fish

Carly Johnson

Adam LeKang

Amanda Mason

Rebecca Morneau

Jill Singer

Candace Turitto

Not Just Dance Mission Statement

“Not Just Dance offers excellent inclusive classes in dance, advanced theatre, music and musical theatre taught by area experts in a family and community friendly environment allowing everyone who loves musical theatre a place to advance or learn their craft, while still being able to participate in their school or community productions.”