2023 has been an intense and fruitful year of engagement and expression. Thank you for taking the time to reflect with us. At Shawl-Anderson Dance Center (SADC) we are feeling the push-pull of opposites and dancing through the tensions: the intimacy of our small studios in light of expansion to a bigger space in West Oakland; dancers who have joyfully returned in-person and some who dance at home online for safety; the deeply personal acts of rest and reflection in our arts community, colliding with the cornucopia of courageous self-produced public productions happening each week; and, the joy of connection and friendship and community as experienced against deep, impactful global sadness and loss.

 

SADC has operated as a dance resource and community center for over 65 years and we  are so grateful for how our dancers, donors, artists, families, renters, and youth show up to make SADC what it is each day. You showed up during COVID for virtual classes when all was uncertain; you danced outside with us braving the elements and making beauty happen all the while; families brought their young people back with enthusiasm as soon as we opened the doors again in 2021; artists are deep into robust movement research on the daily; and everyone is participating in reintegrating our varying energies, ages, backgrounds, and rhythms to honor the many reasons why we dance.

 

Your gifts of time, dancing, and donations have revived our hope, restored our ability to employ teaching artists, and rebooted our scholarship programs for youth and adults. We are blessed and overflowing with your tenacious and unwavering support.

​

As we close 2023, we ask you to renew a commitment to helping re-imagine and create equitable and positive spaces for expression. Our year-end goal is to widen the circle of dance and movement in the East Bay.​