About Us
Ballet After Dark
Ballet After Dark is a trauma-informed nonprofit based in Baltimore City. We have a mission of providing trauma-informed care, arts and cultural programs, comprehensive education, dance therapy and somatic interventions to Black and Brown girls and young women impacted by traumas that include sexual violence, trafficking, mental health, addiction, gun violence, stalking, intimate partner violence and more.
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We have a vision of encouraging hope and happiness while serving as a healing hub for trauma-impacted community members.
Trauma-Informed Policies & Procedures
Relationships and Interpersonal Dynamics:
In providing healing resources to black and Brown survivors, we seek to honor the process and the humanity / individuality of every person we encounter. We work to be sensitive and create healing rather than upsetting relationships and experiences, and learn from our mistakes. In communication, we speak from our own experiences. We are open to being challenged and embrace change. When oppressive ideas and patterns reproduce, we point it out in a way that isn’t a personal attack, and take responsibility for our words and actions. We work to repair hurt when it occurs. Careful listening and truth telling are what allow for a true sharing of ideas.
Self reflection and Self Knowledge:
To honor ourselves, we commit to knowing ourselves and each other better at every opportunity. We show up as ourselves, and recognize each other’s humanity and dignity. We trust oppressed people to know their own needs and experiences. Our work comes from a place of joy and love. We seek to be accountable for our actions. We recognize the power that comes from expressing our own experiences. We value everyone’s right to privacy and confidentiality so we can feel safe to share. We lift up our dreams, because we need them to create a different world.
Leadership:
Board of directors and members will report directly to the Founding Director. Officers are expected to act at will within board roles and responsibilities but must not agree to or sign anything on behalf of the Founding Director or Organization without explicit permission from the Founding Director.
Survivor Leadership:
Ballet After Dark is a survivor-led organization where Black and Brown survivors are the majority of every decision making body. The interests and well being of survivors will be centered in the strategy, programming and planning of Ballet After Dark Activities
Healing and Self Care:
As an organization Ballet After Dark works to create a culture of consent where communities support survivors. Our internal structure should reflect the world we are working to create externally. Healing and self care for all staff and leadership are foundational to our programmatic and organizational goals. The last week of every month we acknowledge the BAD Break- a mandatory off-week for all staff and volunteers
Transparency:
To build trust among and between Ballet After Dark leaders, staff, board members, project participants and supporters, Ballet After Dark will operate with transparency. Ballet After Dark staff, Board Members and Volunteers will communicate regularly, share important information, and execute transparency around event planning decisions.
​Zero Tolerance for Abusers and Rape Apologist:
Rape, sexual, intimate partner and domestic violence and abuse thrives in oppression. Rape is foundational to how systems of oppression— including racism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, ableism and classism— were created and how they persist today. Ballet After Dark does not hold space for labeled/outed abusers and rape apologist in any capacity. Upon discovery of abusive behavior from anyone Ballet After Dark affiliates, immediate dismissal and barring from the organization will go into effect immediately. Ballet After Dark will then make program partners and contacts aware of the abusive behavior.