BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern Dance Alliance is partnering with the woman and minority owned business Cultivating Better Tomorrows to launch a free discussion series called "Moving Forward."

Kern Dance Alliance president Andrea Hansen said dance members asked for a program that focused on diversifying not only the performing arts, but also Kern County as a whole.

Each class will take place via Zoom and anyone is welcome whether they are a dancer or not. Hansen said conversations about diversity and equity feel more relevant than ever these days.

"I think we learned a lot from 2020. Our experiences with social justice and really moving towards a more inclusive future is important for our entire country as a whole," said Hansen.

There will be an activity and goal in mind for each class. Hansen said Cultivating Better Tomorrows will guide the sessions in safe and interactive way that encourages participants to learn together.

"Having conversations about inclusion, diversity and equity is sometimes sort of difficult and we’re really relying on Cultivating Better Tomorrows to guide us through these conversations in a safe and non-judgmental way," said Hansen.

The sessions are every Friday for the next six weeks from 12 to 2 p.m. The first class is happening January 22 but you can sign up any time through February 26.

Click here to sign up.