In a time where our collective societies are calling for social change, ballet companies and live arts organizations help carry that echo of change. After all, art in itself paints a picture of the times we are in that can be held up to society as if to say "look at what is happening". Join me today as I sit down and talk with Jonathan Batista, a principal dancer with Oklahoma City Ballet. Tune in as we discuss the interesting crossroads we as dancers find ourselves at, and how we can be proponents for good in our day to day lives. Find out how Jonathan envisions ballet becoming more equitable, accessible, and inclusive. The work is on all of us. 

Don't forget to check out Jonathan's youtube channel, which we discuss in the episode. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_9mlDwKmA_ihg7YL_rQEw

As we find ourselves in the throws of the coronavirus pandemic, people across this world are tired of quarantining and frustrated that we can't go back to a normal life. But let's take this opportunity to exercise gratitude for the things we do have in our lives. Join me as we discuss the technique of negative visualization and how we can adapt it to continually exercise our empathy and gratitude. As artists, we must ensure that we devote ourselves to the betterment of our industry and practices, so let's talk about how we can jumpstart the difficult conversations around art and discuss how we can personally contribute to this idea. Stay tuned for some exciting interviews with some really exciting guests, and as always, please enjoy. 

Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Arts Today. In today's episode, I have the honor of sitting down and conversing with Annabelle Lopez Ochoa on a number of different topics including how artists all over the world are fairing throughout this pandemic, how the social and political discourse of a nation can be felt across the world, and how to keep moving forward even in times of great upheaval. 

The Arts Today is a podcast dedicated to conversing with artists and leaders of arts organizations to understand the societal, cultural, and financial challenges facing our industry.