From Steps to Strides: How Brown Girls Do Ballet Advances Equity in The Arts with TaKiyah WallaceGuilty Privilege

From Steps to Strides: How Brown Girls Do Ballet Advances Equity in The Arts with TaKiyah Wallace

In this episode of Guilty Privilege, Amber Cabral sits down with the incredible TaKiyah Wallace, a true multi-talent: an educator, a photographer, as well as the founder & executive director of Brown Girls Do Ballet. TaKiyah's journey has led her to create powerful opportunities for young dancers of color and challenge stereotypes in the arts, and today she’s bringing us along that journey.

Join Amber and TaKiyah as they dive into the fascinating world of Brown Girls Do Ballet, a nonprofit organization promoting diversity in ballet through scholarships, mentorship networks, and community programs. But it's not just about ballet; it's about creating spaces and opportunities that reflect the diverse communities they serve. TaKiyah and Amber discuss how representation matters and the importance of giving young girls exposure to the arts.

As for TaKiyah's privilege, she acknowledges the incredible magnetism for good things in her life. While she might occasionally feel guilty about it, she remains a positive force, using her privilege to create a better world through initiatives like Brown Girls Do Ballet. Tune in to discover how curiosity, determination, and a bit of "good thing magnetism" have shaped TaKiyah's extraordinary journey in advancing equity in the arts.

KEY POINTS:

  • TaKiyah Wallace's diverse career journey from educator to photographer
  • The mission and inception of Brown Girls Do Ballet
  • The importance of representation in the arts and why diversity matters in classical ballet
  • Challenges faced by young dancers of color, including the need for diverse ballet attire
  • Brown Girls Do Ballet's impact, including over $44,000 in scholarships, pointe shoe programs, and dance initiatives
  • The youth-led aspect of the organization and the role of ambassadors in driving change
  • Equity discussions, dispelling stereotypes, and the significance of diversity in the arts
  • Upcoming events, including Brown Girls Do Ballet's first ball and TaKiyah's photography endeavors

QUOTABLES:

“I am a magnet for good things.” - TaKiyah Wallace

“Inclusion doesn't include everybody all the time.” - Amber Cabral

“It's very hard for someone to be what they can't see.” - TaKiyah Wallace

“Privilege gives us an opportunity to show up and be impactful.” - Amber Cabral

GUEST INFORMATION:

TaKiyah Wallace

LinkedIn | @takiyahwallace

Instagram | @somesweetphoto

Get your own copy of The Color of Dance: A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion in the World of Ballet by TaKiyah Wallace

Brown Girls Do Ballet

Instagram | @browngirlsdoballet

RESOURCES:

Amber Cabral

IG | @bamcabral

LinkedIn | @ambercabral

Facebook | @amber.cabral

Twitter | @BamCabral


Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon!

Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others -

Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network

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Reviews

WOW! I am always enthralled by the conversations had and topics discussed on this podcast. As someone who rarely feels motivated or inspired, I am so grateful to have found this podcast. I have shared this podcast with so many people in my life as each episode offers a brilliant mind’s insight. This past episode I had to pull over and just allow myself to feel the the feeling of motivation and then gratitude. This show doesn’t present itself as a self help podcast, nor does it attempt to—for lack of a better word— preach to it’s audience. However, every episode I find myself unapologetically happy with myself. I find myself sharing this podcast hoping others feel this feeling. Having access to this podcast is one privilege I absolutely refuse to feel guilty for—and boy what a privilege it is!

Experiment six two six
Guilty Privilege

Great listen/watch. People really underrate how important emotional intelligence is in business. Hopefully more people will listen and utilize some of the information shared.

WillUBeThere.com
Guilty Privilege

I took away so much from this episode. The biggest is recognizing our true enemy. Also, equity is about choices. We have them and we can choose how to use our privilege.

Alaina Doyle
Guilty Privilege

Amber has a genuine ability to bring out the authentic aspects of topics that many of us must want to sit down and have a conversation about! Refreshing, compelling and yes, entertaining — can’t wait for each episode to drop and I even feel more equipped to expand on these topics in my own circle!

Themindofandre
Guilty Privilege

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