–submitted by Kevin Hoffman
Before speaking to members and guests, Ja’ Malik, the Artistic Director for the Madison Ballet, treated us to a small snippet of The Nutcracker featuring three ballerinas from the Madison ballet. He then shared with us his vision of diversity, inclusion, opportunity and exposure to the arts that he encouraged members to help facilitate as they consider their consumption and support for the arts.
This can be a life-changing experience, just as it was for him as an 8-year-old child of color. He was enthralled after seeing a performance of The Nutcracker with his mother and ballet ended up being his career. It has taken him around the nation and world. The performing arts changes lives, and his vision of accessibility to all seeks to make that a reality.
If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/5ekHWxRUdco.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 