Brenda Way stands as a pivotal figure in the landscape of contemporary Dance, renowned for her innovative choreography and her enduring impact on dance education and performance. As the founder and artistic director of ODC/Dance, and the visionary behind the ODC Theater and ODC Dance Commons in San Francisco, Way has dedicated her career to fostering a vibrant and inclusive dance community.
Brenda Way, the Founder and Artistic Director of ODC/Dance, a prominent figure in contemporary dance
Way’s journey in dance began with rigorous early training at prestigious institutions like the School of American Ballet and Ballet Arts in New York City. This foundational training provided her with the technical expertise and artistic sensibility that would inform her groundbreaking work. Her commitment to dance extended into academia when she launched ODC and contributed to the creation of an inter-arts department at Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music in the late 1960s. This early initiative demonstrated her dedication to interdisciplinary approaches within dance and the arts.
Relocating to the Bay Area in 1976 marked a significant chapter in Way’s career. It was here that she solidified her vision for ODC/Dance, transforming it into a leading dance company known for its daring and thought-provoking performances. Beyond the company, Way’s establishment of the ODC Theater and ODC Dance Commons in San Francisco’s Mission District created vital community hubs for dance. These venues offer spaces for performance, training, and collaboration, enriching the local dance ecosystem and providing opportunities for countless artists and enthusiasts.
Over an impressive 53-year span, Brenda Way has choreographed over 100 dance pieces, each reflecting her unique artistic voice and her engagement with contemporary issues. Her commissioned works are a testament to her respected position in the dance world and her ability to create pieces that resonate deeply with audiences and institutions alike. Notable commissions include Unintended Consequences: A Meditation (2008) for the Equal Justice Society, a powerful dance piece set to music by Laurie Anderson, critiquing societal isolation. Other significant works like Life is a House (2008), On a Train Heading South (2005), and Remnants of Song (2002) showcase the breadth of her choreographic interests and her collaborations with diverse organizations. Her talent has also been recognized by major dance institutions such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, who commissioned Scissors Paper Stone (1994), and the San Francisco Ballet, for whom she created Krazy Kat (1990).
Brenda Way’s contributions to dance have been widely acknowledged through numerous accolades. In 2024, she was inducted into the California Hall of Fame, a recognition of her profound cultural impact. Her inclusion in the NY Public Library’s Jerome Robbins’ Dance Division Oral History Project further cements her legacy in dance history. The National Endowment for the Arts has consistently supported her work for 40 years, and in 2011, her piece Investigating Grace was named an NEA American Masterpiece. She was also honored as a 2000 recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship and, in 2009, was the first choreographer to be a Resident of the Arts at the American Academy in Rome. These honors underscore her national and international standing in the dance community.
Brenda Way’s influence extends beyond choreography and company leadership. She is a national spokesperson for dance, advocating for the art form and its importance in society. Her publications and numerous Isadora Duncan Dance Awards, recognizing both her choreography and sustained achievement, highlight her multifaceted contributions. Currently, her involvement in reimagining the San Francisco Arts Institute campus demonstrates her ongoing commitment to shaping the future of arts education and dance spaces. With a Ph.D. in aesthetics, Brenda Way embodies a rare combination of artistic vision, intellectual rigor, and dedication to the world of dance.
