“The moment she enters a stage, you can see and feel that she understands ballet,She has this embodied knowledge. She loves ballet, and that gives her a clear authority within the field of ballet directors.”
~ Peggy Olislaegers Artistic Consultant for Dutch National Ballet
Theresa Ruth Howard has been a sought-after speaker and lecturer since 2017. Her innovative work in the field of Diversity and Inclusion in Ballet and the Classical arts, combined with her roles as a journalist, scholar, and dance educator, allows her to make even the most complex issues accessible through compelling analogies, insightful analysis, and humor. Her style cuts through the noise, highlighting the nuances in challenging topics by infusing them with empathy and humanity. She consistently presents her life philosophy: “If you want the world to be a better place, be a better person in it,” and “If you are not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem!”
As a curator, Theresa Ruth Howard works in diverse mediums.
Guest curator Theresa Ruth Howard and choreographer Donald Byrd watch rehearsals June 6. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
MOBBALLET:
MoBBallet.org is our digital archive that houses an animated timeline, which chronicles the contributions of Blacks in ballet. Additionally, it includes our Roll Call, a list of 677 professional Black ballet dancers, both past and present, with biographical artist pages. Furthermore, it showcases digital installations such as “And Still They Rose: The Legacy of Black Philadelphians in Ballet” and “The Constellation Project,” developed in partnership with Williams College. These installations highlight the intersection and influence of Black artists, institutions, and organizations that have shaped the history of Black artists in ballet. Many institutions, including Barnard College, Duke University, Old Dominion University, Pratt Institute, Texas Christian University, and Swarthmore College, utilize the educational tools and resources in their classrooms. Additionally, a Digital Learning Hub provides free resources as well as virtual training courses.
DIGITAL INSTALLATIONS:
Along with creating digital installations for MoBBallet, she has been commissioned to curate historical installations for the Dutch National Ballet in celebration of Black Achievement Month.
Dancing Diversity: Celebrating the History of the Black Ballet Artists of Dutch National Ballet photo exhibition was originally conceived in celebration the Black Achievement. The Dancing Diversity live event was held October 20 2019 presented by Dutch National Ballet, and co-present by Artistic Director Ted Brandsen and Black Achievement Month John Leerdam.
Dancing Diversity: Celebrating the History of the Black Ballet Artists of Dutch National Ballet
Curator: Theresa Ruth Howard
Dutch National Ballet Archivist Henrik Lillin
Video Editor: Mathieu Gremillet
Music: Horses By Pictures of the Floating World
Program Curation:
REFRAMING THE NARRATIVE: THE KENNEDY CENTER
In 2022, Howard was tapped to curate a program for the Kennedy Center. “Reframing the Narrative” was a week of dynamic programs curated by Theresa Ruth Howard, founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet, and Denise Saunders Thompson, president and CEO of The International Association of Blacks in Dance. The performances brought together Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballethnic Dance Company, and Collage Dance Collective.
As a guest curator, Theresa Ruth Howard facilitated a two-week creative process through the Kennedy Center Social Impact’s Office Hours Residency Program with eleven international Black-identifying ballet dancers and renowned choreographer Donald Byrd. Using the music of Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon, they birthed “From Other Suns,” a stunning piece that premiered during the “Reframing the Narrative” program at the Kennedy Center Opera House.
SYMPOSIUMS, PANELS AND MORE:
The curation and moderation of panels and symposiums have become a specialty of From Here to Diversity. Our expertise lies in the artful selection of participants and programming, combined with thoughtful attention to user experience, which sets our events apart. Our curatorial approach focuses on pushing boundaries, expanding topics, and fearlessly interrogating hard truths, resulting in exciting and innovative content that creates memorable experiences for all attendees.
“From Here to Diversity is the chiropractor and physical therapist of consultation—realigning, rehabilitating, and equipping your organization with the tools and agility to adapt to a rapidly changing culture.”~ Founder Theresa Ruth Howard
We don’t offer “cookie cutter” consultation with pre-packaged trainings and workshops.
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Our educational systems are tailored to the specific needs of your organization, ensuring that tools and methods integrate seamlessly into existing systems and structures.
We work closely with clients to assess their organization’s educational needs, taking into consideration:
The power structure, its distribution, and how it operates within the organization.
A focus on the people within the organization, not just their positions.
Effective communication and feedback mechanisms.
Fostering active citizenship within the organization.
Ensuring that both the organization and its people not only have the necessary tools but also the understanding and practice needed to operationalize these skills.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
From Here to Diversity teaches you to fish…
Our systems help organizations learn how to maintain a healthy, responsive, and adaptable work culture by developing:
Equitable Communication and Feedback:
Implementing systems for self-evaluation and accountability.
Active Citizenship Within the Organization:
Encouraging engagement, responsibility, and collaboration at all levels.
Empowering Employees:
Supporting individuals in identifying their role in contributing to the organization’s success and fostering a positive work culture. Empowered employees take ownership of their roles and responsibilities, enhancing their sense of purpose and commitment to the organization’s mission.
Promoting the Full Spectrum of Inclusivity and Equity:
Addressing race, gender, ability, and cultural identity to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered, regardless of their background.
1:1, Departmental, or Organization-Wide Training:
Leveraging virtual training to enable simultaneous participation across the entire organization, fostering unity and shared understanding.
Equity Project CohortWith Barry Hughson and Hope Muir of National Ballet of Canada
ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTATION:
From Here To Diversity’s approach to organizational consultation is a comprehensive and holistic methodology aimed at aligning an organization’s identity with its mission, vision, and values, while also integrating Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism (I.D.E.A.), and Cultural Competence into the organizational culture.
From Here To Diversity has designed a well-rounded method of guiding organizations through the process of cultural transformation, alignment, and integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Cultural Competence, by focusing on the organization’s identity and empowering individuals, this approach strives to create lasting and positive change within the organization.
Let’s break down the key elements of this approach:
Holistic Approach: This approach considers the organization as a whole entity, taking into account all aspects of its identity, including branding, mission, values, messaging, brand differentiation, and brand experience. By looking at the organization holistically, the consultation can ensure that all elements are aligned and cohesive with the organization’s core principles.
Assessment and Analysis: The consultation process involves a thorough assessment and analysis of the organization’s current state, including its strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This step helps identify gaps and challenges in the organization’s identity and cultural integration.
(Re)definition and Development of Identity: The consultation aims to redefine and develop the organization’s identity by aligning it with its mission, vision, and values. This may involve revisiting and refining the organization’s brand identity, messaging, and differentiation strategies.
Integration of I.D.E.A. and Cultural Competence: The consultation process works with the organization to develop a singular approach to the integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Cultural Competence. By embedding these principles into every area of the organization, the goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture.
Comprehensive and Collaborative Process: The consultation process involves engaging every area of the organization, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in the process. This collaborative approach can lead to greater buy-in and commitment to transformational efforts.
Empowering Every Individual: The consultation aims to provide tools and knowledge to every individual within the organization, enabling them to participate in the transformation and promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Cultural Competence in their day-to-day work. Empowering individuals with these skills can contribute to the sustainability of cultural change.
Sustainable Cultural Transformation: By embedding the principles of I.D.E.A. and Cultural Competence into the organization’s identity and culture, the consultation aims to create a sustainable transformation. When these principles become fundamental ways of being for everyone in the organization, it can lead to long-lasting and positive change.
