Diversifying & Representation

We believe dance is for every body and celebrate a variety of belly dance styles and teachers.

What we do:

  • We hire and promote teachers of diverse backgrounds and excellent teaching abilities

  • We recognize and honor all shapes and sizes in clothing offerings when possible

  • We support dancers of all genders, sizes, and abilities

  • We promote learning about other cultures by hiring teachers from MENAHT cultures

  • Anti-racist training is offered for all team members and we meet monthly to explore our representation and diversity track record

  • We post weekly Shout Outs to dancers and teachers from all over the world on our social feeds

  • We use inclusive language in all business documents and company policies, removing language that places value on size or appearance

Supporting Artists

We are dedicated to supporting artists, small businesses, and local vendors, by paying for, and crediting, their work.

What we do:

  • All Datura Online instructors are compensated for their work and receive 40% of the profits from their classes

  • All music tracks used on Datura Online are credited and we pay to license the music used

  • Hire local artists to teach and perform during 8 Element Intensives

  • Offer a Datura Style Teacher directory to share their contact information with the larger community

  • In collaboration with Radio Laria, provided free use of music tracks during Covid, and offer free use of music for all Datura Style Teachers

  • We collaborate and support small family businesses and vendors that support workers’ rights, including Dreaming Amelia, Bellavara Studio, and Clean Affinity

  • Our Donation Matching program supports organizations that support dance and dancers, providing a way for our community to have their personal donations matched by Datura

  • Scholarship opportunities are available for Datura Online and The 8 Elements

  • We offer low rental rates for teachers and do not take a percentage of class fees

  • Priority is given to purchasing from local vendors and business

Cultivating Growth

Fostering a learning environment that supports growth in the studio and out in the world.

  • Created a dedicated library area with a reference collection to support community education

  • Provide educational materials and videos that encourage progressive skill building and present classes with information in small, digestible pieces

  • Create online challenges that demonstrate positive change in dance through hard work, and developing healthy schedules and strategies for learning

  • Utilize growth mindset language in educational materials

  • Support teachers in continuing education and individual growth with scholarships

  • Challenge ourselves and our teachers to consider our (social) impact and aim to improve

  • Support multiple learning styles through a variety of class activities in the studio and online

  • Education programs focus on finding inspiration to develop a unique voice and not become a carbon copy

  • Regularly discuss our education as individuals and share resources with our team, and turn discussions into actions

  • Meet monthly to discuss issues related to our larger dance community and global community to identify where we can improve and/or take more decisive roles in voicing our values

Learning & Sharing

We are committed to never remaining stagnant in our learning process and actively seek ways to share information and support access to education.

What we do:

  • We are constantly growing our instructor lineup and class offerings on Datura Online

  • Free classes are offered on Datura Online and on the Datura Online YouTube Channel

  • Each week, free educational material is released on Datura Online social for #TurboLearnTuesday, covering culture, dance, art, and music

  • In the Studio, a reference library collection has been established to support community education surrounding dance and culture

  • Scholarships are offered quarterly for Datura Online and are available for Phase I of The 8 Elements

  • Datura supports our employees in attending workshops and lectures regarding dance, music, appropriation, culture, and colonization in relation to the MENAHT sources that are the inspiration for fusion dance styles

Embracing Sustainability

“Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs” UN Report 1987

With a growing awareness that “business as usual” is harming people and the planet, we are dedicated to operating in a more responsible manner to support our employees, our communities, and the environment.

What we do:

  • We work exclusively with Oregon Screen Impressions (OSI) for our logo merchandise and apparel. This local company was the 1st to utilize an innovative self contained screen cleaning and reclamation machine that prevents hazardous chemicals going down the drain. OSI uses eco-friendly inks, recycles and reuses materials, and supports local vendors. Learn more about the OSI Difference here.

  • Our electric utility payments, through Pacific Power’s Blue Sky Habitat program, supports 100% renewable resources in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and help restore and preserve habitats for native fish in Oregon through The Freshwater Trust.

  • We are enrolled in NW Natural’s Smart Energy program which offsets the carbon emissions of our natural gas use through projects that reduce, or prevent the release of, greenhouse gases.

  • Our education programs have transitioned to online resources, study guides, and testing, reducing the use of paper and plastic products.

  • Throughout the Studio, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies are used, we only purchase recycled paper products for our offices, bathrooms, and Merchandise shipping, offer reusable dishware to limit waste, and recycle all paper.

  • In line with our ethic of reusing and repurposing items, the Studio has been outfitted using recycled items and used furniture.

  • We reduce the need for employees to travel by supporting telecommuting and provide alternatives to in-person meetings when practical.