Pacific Northwest Ballet Addresses Diversity in the Ballet World

The CEO of Lakha Investments in Bellevue, Washington, Amin Andy Lakha also serves as the president of Premier Centers Management, which operates several shopping centers and office buildings. Dedicated to giving back, Amin Andy Lakha supports multiple local organizations, including the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Recently, the PNB organized an event called Beyond Ballet, designed to facilitate conversation about diversity in the ballet community. Individuals were invited to bring their concerns and observations to the event, which was held in a town-hall format, to spark discussion and inspire new initiatives.

Planned topics for the event included the history of black individuals in the ballet community and the aesthetics of ballet in general, as well as strategies for diversifying teachers and administrators. From these central topics, participants had the opportunity to branch off into other important conversations. Panelists included the artistic director of the PNB, the director of community engagement for the Joffrey Ballet, and both dancers and educators.