NEW: COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

Please click the link above to review our Community Agreements. ​Thank you for helping make SADC a welcoming place for all​
 

2024

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SADC believes that the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility should be a part of all aspects of the nonprofit organization - from hiring processes to dance styles on the schedule to performance opportunities.

 

BANDALOOP

One of the biggest DEIA efforts this past year has been the expansion of programming to BANDALOOP Studios in Oakland (1601/1603 18th Street). To share space with longtime colleagues of BANDALOOP has offered new opportunities for adult classes, the annual Winter Dance workshop, youth classes, and Queering Dance Festival rehearsals and workshops. BANDALOOP is a wheelchair accessible space located in West Oakland. 

NEW ROSTER OF BOARD MEMBERS AND NEW RECRUITMENT PROCESS

This spring, there was a public, open call for new board members. We are honored to have 7 community members serving on the board. Click here to learn more about each board member.

 

MORE DANCE STYLES

Reflecting on the past few years, back in 2019 SADC offered 6 kinds of dance styles and classes each week in the youth and adult programs. In 2024, on an average week the studio offers 11 styles and classes. We love the expansion of movement and voice!

 

ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, REFLECTION, AND LEARNING

SADC values yearly professional development opportunities for admin team members, board members, teachers, and accompanists. 2024 work has explored psychological safety in the workplace, fiscal sponsorship + power dynamics, and conflict resolution. Next up, colleague Jordan Wanderer will be coming to SADC in June to lead a workshop for youth staff on neurodiversity.

 

EXPANDING IDEAS OF LEADERSHIP, VOICE, AND COLLECTIVE CARE

In June 2024, SADC begins a new chapter with a three-person co-leadership model. This exciting change is about stewarding and shepherding the organization with a sense of collective care, collective holding, and valuing many voices to support a multi-faceted intergenerational organization. 

2023

 

This year the Center has worked to expand our accessibility and programming. Our Rental Program now includes not only artist rehearsal space but also classes led by local independent teaching artists and companies. We are home to CubaCaribe, Salimpour Belly Dance, Bollywood, Latin Fusion, Bhangra, and Heels classes and workshops. Our in-house programming has also expanded to include Belly Dance, Integral Dance, Ballet Folklorico, Adult Hip-Hop, Filipino Folk, and Afro Dance Workout.

In alignment with the goal of having a fully accessible space, the biggest change 2023 provided was an historic expansion! We are now in partnership with BANDALOOP, a vertical dance company based in West Oakland. Currently offering both adult and youth classes weekly in a (need the number) square foot space, this fully accessible location will provide SADC with the opportunity to offer residencies and classes to everybody regardless of mobility (differences?).

 

On the interpersonal front, SADC directors have completed CompassPoint trainings to work on leadership skills, understanding power dynamics, and giving and receiving feedback all through a social justice lensing. Center-wide, the faculty and staff have begun embodiment training with Liv Schaffer focusing on intergenerational dynamics in the workplace and at SADC specifically.
 

The Board of Directors is a key component in any nonprofit, and we are grateful for the dedicated community members who donate many hours a year to serve and support the organization. SADC is working with consultant Elba Morales this year to look at our board structure, common values, and recruitment process. 

The Center is very close to solidifying a stated Land Acknowledgement that will be publicized along with a financial commitment to a local indigenous run organization. Pending BOD approval the goal is to complete this process by November 17 to honor Native American Heritage Month.