About

At Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet, all are welcome whether you come from a religious background or not.  You are not required to participate in or to adhere to any beliefs in order to take part in any of our programs.  We welcome the mystery of the spiritual journey whatever that may be for you!

Ekklesia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or religion.

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Mission

Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet is a professional dance company comprised of artist-theologians whose goal is to create spaces where art and faith can flourish. Ekklesia's diverse repertory utilizes a full spectrum of emotional and physical vocabulary while addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and human suffering.

Vision 

In furtherance of our mission, we are committed to maintaining and enhancing our status as:

A company with an academy that provides first rate instruction for professional and recreational dancers.

A company that attracts dancers and choreographers who want to explore how their art can be used to advocate inclusion for those pushed to the margins of society. 

A company whose artists are passionate about creating work which manifests love and healing into the world.

A company committed to providing affordable, small and intimate performances which create safe spaces to hold meaningful discussions with our audiences.

A company who collaborates with other organizations who have similar values and missions.

 

Statement Of Faith 

Our aim is to follow the life and teachings of Jesus as we confront culturally relevant topics that we believe are near to the heart of God. Our most performed works advocate for the oppressed on issues such as: The Refugee Crisis, Climate Change, and Mental Illness.  Most of us would agree on the core values of faith stated in the Nicene Creed. Some are still wrestling with a couple lines, and that is ok! We believe that ALL of us belong as we stay open to God and allow His spirit to guide us in love. We appreciate our differences and find common ground in scripture and through our compassion for the marginalized and oppressed in our communities.  We believe that all people are made in the image and likeness of God.  We celebrate our diverse theological perspectives. Some of us are grateful to find a place where we are able to combine our dance with our faith.  Some of us have been hurt very badly by churches.  Some are giving the idea of church a chance by dancing with us.  Some are still searching for answers.. We are all willing to ask the tough questions as we engage our faith.  Our aim is to be a safe, healing, spiritual space - Where Art and Faith can Flourish! 

We are inspired by this statement of beliefs by “The Iona Community” which is an ecumenical Christian community of people who seek to live out the Gospel in a way that is radical, inclusive and relevant to life in the 21st century. We believe that God is present in the darkness before dawn; in the waiting and uncertainty where fear and courage join hands, conflict and caring link arms, and the sun rises over barbed wire.  We believe in a with-us God who sits down in our midst to share our humanity.  We affirm a faith that takes us beyond a safe place: into action, into vulnerability and onto the streets.  We commit ourselves to work for change and put ourselves on the line; to bear responsibility, take risks, live powerfully and face humiliation; to stand with those on the edge; to choose life and be used by the Spirit for God’s new community of hope.  Amen

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We recognize our responsibility as a faith based community to provide an open, welcoming environment where students, artists, staff, trustees and volunteers of all backgrounds can collaboratively learn, work, and grow.  Diversity, equity and inclusion are vital to achieving our mission and values. We recognize how too often we encounter division and exclusion in society.  Our aim is to create an atmosphere of security where one can gain understanding and compassion for those of whom they differ.  Therefore the aim of our work is not only to be open to all persons but to affirm the worth and dignity of all.

At Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet is committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire faith based arts industry of the nonprofit sector, and to maintain an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

Our Code of Ethics

Respect for the communities we work with and serve.

Integrity in our actions.

Responsibility for our decisions and their consequences.

We are committed to:

Acting honestly, truthfully and with integrity in all our transactions and dealings;

Avoiding conflicts of interest;

Appropriately handling actual or apparent conflicts of interest in our relationships;

Treating our grantees fairly;

Treating every individual with dignity and respect;

Treating our employees, guest artists, dancers and volunteers with respect, fairness and good faith and providing conditions of employment that safeguard their rights and welfare;

Being a good corporate citizen and complying with both the spirit and the letter of the law;

Acting responsibly toward the communities in which we work and for the benefit of the communities that we serve;

Being responsible, transparent and accountable for all of our actions; and

Improving the accountability, transparency, ethical conduct and effectiveness of the nonprofit field.