Mission 

To organize and lead work on addressing the cultural biases and systems of oppression within the field of LBMS, LIMS as an organization, and the pedagogy of the field.

Guiding Principles

  • LBMS is a system that has the potential to transform lives
  • The work of this committee is an act of care, love, respect, and compassion
  • Honest interrogation of previously held norms and structures alongside commitment to growth will lead the way to a more equitable and inclusive future for every level of the LBMS community (systemic, institutional, interpersonal, personal)

Areas of Focus

  1. Legacy of Rudolf Laban
  2. Manifestation of bias, racism, sexism, etc. in the theoretical framework of Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies (LBMS) 
  3. Structures of Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS)
  4. Pedagogy of LBMS

Committee Members 

Name – Location (CMA program and year of graduation)

Natasha Alhadeff-Jones – Geneva, Switzerland (NYC ‘15)

Nancy Beardall – Massachusetts, USA (NYC ‘83)

Karen Bradley – Nova Scotia, Canada (NYC ‘84)

Cecilia Fontanesi – New York, USA  (NYC ‘11)

Yuko Hashimoto – Tokyo, Japan (NYC ‘13)

Nicole McClam – New York, USA (Maryland ‘15)

Miriam Phillips – Maryland, USA (Los Angeles ‘91)

Nalini Prakash – District of Columbia, USA (Maryland ‘15)

Emma Shockley – Zürich, Switzerland (NYC  ‘19)

Curtis Stedge – New Jersey, USA (Belgium ‘15)

Updates

Since July 29th a small group of people have met bi-weekly to examine, interrogate, and plan a path forward for our organization around the issues of Laban’s legacy; the manifestation of bias, racism, sexism, etc. in the theoretical framework of LBMS; structures of LIMS; and the pedagogy of LBMS. The following is a brief overview of key work the committee has undertaken towards addressing these issues:

Anti-racism training

The committee recommended that LIMS contract Human In Common (www.humanincommon.com) to facilitate a four-part workshop consisting of 36 hours of training for all LIMS staff, faculty, and board members. This recommendation was accepted by our board of directors during our October board meeting. The first part of the training will take place January 16th and 17th from 10am-1pm EST. This first training lays the foundation for a common understanding of the breadth and depth of racism and its impact on all aspects of society. Experiencing the History of Racism Timeline in community increases awareness and commitment to racial equity. We will be opening around 40 spots for members of the LBMS community to join us for this first part of the training at a cost of $35. If you are interested in joining us for this training you can register here.

Pedagogy/Theory Series

Joined by members of the DEI Committee, Karen Bradley presented a three-part series titled A Laban History: 140 years and implications for the 21st-century. This powerful community event addressed the past, present, and future of the Laban Movement Analysis work and LIMS as an organization. If you missed it you can purchase access to the recorded series here.

Alumni Survey

The committee is currently working on a survey that will offer alumni the opportunity to share, in anonymity, their experience(s) as a LIMS student. This survey is a key component of the work of the DEI Committee in our effort to recognize the ways in which LIMS has caused harm. Through this awareness we can re-pattern in order to ensure that LIMS is a place where ALL are welcome, represented, and empowered.