DANCERS FOR
DIALOGUE & ACTION
Dancers for Dialogue and Action (DFDA) is a special project of Shawl-Anderson Dance Center. DFDA formed in January 2017 to activate the legacy of May O'Donnell, Frank Shawl, and Victor Anderson and their notions about dance, humanity, and democratic ethos. DFDA offers workshops, provides trainings, and organizes events aimed at building community, opposing hate, and effecting positive social change in the East Bay.
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Through our commitment to artists and the dance community, DFDA puts its efforts towards the following areas:
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Organizing to protect the arts.
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Supporting artists making socially and politically relevant work.
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Offering affordable self-care events in service of community healing.
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Hosting gatherings for the community to foster connection, education and action.
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Building diversity and supporting many voices in the East Bay dance scene.
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Providing information and resources on ways to engage with efforts to fight racism, sexism, Islamophobia, bigotry, and political attacks on the LGBTQ, undocumented, poor, and marginalized members of our greater Bay Area and national community.
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DFDA is a brand new project that is driven by the community. We need your thoughts, ideas, critiques, and participation!
​IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN: ​
Joining the Steering Committee​
Running an Event​
Collaborating with us​
Suggesting where we can fill a community need
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Please contact Jessi Barber, Project Coordinator
jessi@shawl-anderson.org
ABOUT
PAST EVENTS
at SADC
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Wednesdays, June 7-28
DANCE BEYOND THE BINARY
dance classes for
trans/GNC/non-binary dancers
7:45-9:15pm
Sliding Scale: $55-$80
Drop In: $15-$25
(No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds)
Register Here (under workshop tab)
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Sundays, June 11 - July 2
transcenDANCE!
dance classes for
trans/GNC/non-binary youth
(middle and high schoolers)
2-4pm
Sliding scale: $40-$70
Drop-In: $15-$25
Register Here (under workshop tab)
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These class series are open to all trans/GNC/non-binary folks (Wednesday series) and youth (Sunday series) who are looking for an intentional space to dance in. Pronouns and names will be respected during this non-gendered class. Being trans/GNC/non-binary in a dance class is often a cis-dominated experience but this intentional space is perfect for those identifying as trans/GNC/non-binary and wishing to dance and move while feeling safe(r). No dance experience is necessary! The class material is suitable & modifiable for all dance backgrounds & abilities.
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Wednesdays, July 5 - Aug 23
8-Week Ballet Series:
Ballet for Dancers of Color
7:30-9pm
Sliding scale:
Full Series: $120-150
Drop-In: $15-$25
Register Here (under workshop tab)
Call to Register on the sliding scale
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Alyah Baker, professional performer and former member of Oakland Ballet, teaches an 8-week exploration of traditional ballet technique in a non-traditional environment for Black and Brown Bodies. "My dream for the workshop is that participants leave feeling empowered and affirmed, and that their love of ballet grows as they engage with the technique." -Alyah
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Set to contemporary tunes, the series is geared towards beginning.intermediate and intermediate level adults 18+.
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"The ballet world has historically lacked diversity, and many dancers of color have felt unwelcome. This workshop is needed and valuable because it creates a safe space where dancers of color can feel like they belong and are encouraged to explore ballet."
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PAST EVENTS
at SADC
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PRACTICE FOR PEACE:
COMMUNITY YOGA
with Lisa Tenorio
Free, open level class for all people.
No RSVP required.
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This class is an invitation for all to practice yoga in a safe and welcoming environment. We will arrive on our mats as we are, without ambition, judgment or expectation. We will practice as unique individuals and as a cohesive community, creating a space for recognition and acceptance of ourselves and each other. The practice will include both movement and stillness, encourage both strength and flexibility and bring awareness to the mind-body connection. Therein we may reunite with our inner calm and nurture abiding peace.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Sat-Sun
July 8-9, 15-16
ART MATTERS: An Introduction to Community Engaged Art
11am-3pm
Offered by ABD Productions at Counterpulse, this workshop will look at case studies within Community Engaged Art, and explore an array of readings - historic and current - with the aim of understanding the multifaceted context in which we work.
More Info and Registration: http://www.counterpulse.org/event/art-matters/
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Do you have an arts and activism event to share with the community?
Email jessi@shawl-anderson.org
and we'll post it here!
PAST EVENTS
Friday Jan 20
ALTERNATIVE INAUGURATION DAY
Boycott Hate ~ Dance for Free!
6 free classes for adults
9a-1p
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Friday Jan 20
WOMEN'S MARCH SIGN-MAKING PARTY
7-9p
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Saturday, Jan 21
SADC GOES TO THE OAKLAND WOMEN'S MARCH
Want to join the thousands of folks standing up to hate and bigotry but don't want to go alone? Come with us!
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