Are you a teen in the San Francisco Bay Area with a passion for dance? Do you dream of honing your skills, expressing yourself through movement, and performing on stage? The Bay Area is a vibrant hub for dance, offering incredible opportunities for young dancers to flourish. Two standout programs, SEEDS and Dance Jam, both part of the renowned ODC (Oberlin Dance Collective), provide pre-professional training in diverse dance styles, nurturing the next generation of dancers. Whether your interest lies in the dynamic energy of hip hop or the expressive artistry of contemporary dance, ODC’s teen programs offer a pathway to elevate your dance journey.
SEEDS Teen Hip Hop Dance Company: Cultivating Voices Through Movement
For teens who are passionate about street dance and its power to tell stories, the SEEDS Teen Hip Hop Dance Company is an exceptional program. This audition-based company, a collaboration between ODC and Embodiment Project, is designed for intermediate to advanced dancers in middle and high school. SEEDS goes beyond traditional hip hop, blending various street dance styles with elements of modern dance, spoken word, choreopoetry, and Liberatory Storytelling. This unique fusion empowers young dancers to not only master diverse techniques but also to develop their individual voices and share their narratives through powerful physical expression.
Under the co-direction and mentorship of Rama Hall, Jenelle Gaerlan, and Nicole Klaymoon – all accomplished artists in their fields – SEEDS company members receive comprehensive technical training. The program emphasizes artistic growth, providing numerous opportunities to create original choreography, collaborate with fellow dancers, and perform for audiences. Being part of SEEDS fosters a focused and supportive ensemble environment where teens can thrive both as individual artists and as valuable members of a team. The commitment involves two classes and rehearsals per week during the school year, with occasional weekend commitments for presentations and performances. Scholarships are available, making this enriching experience accessible to talented teens from diverse backgrounds.
Audition Information for SEEDS:
- Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
- Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: ODC Dance Commons, 351 Shotwell St, San Francisco, CA
- Requirement: By audition only, for intermediate/advanced dancers. Pre-registration is required.
- Questions? Email [email protected]
Learn More about SEEDS
Dance Jam: ODC’s Premier Teen Contemporary Dance Company
If your passion leans towards the fluidity and artistry of contemporary dance, Dance Jam, ODC’s Teen Contemporary Dance Company, offers an unparalleled pre-professional experience. This program, designed for teens aged 13-18, is led by ODC School Director and Associate Choreographer Kimi Okada, and Co-Director Dexandro Montalvo. Dance Jam provides a rigorous and enriching environment where young dancers immerse themselves in multiple dance techniques, actively participate in the creative process, and perform a diverse repertoire of both established and newly created works.
What sets Dance Jam apart is its deep connection to ODC/Dance, a renowned professional dance company. Dance Jam members gain invaluable opportunities to work directly with ODC/Dance’s resident professional choreographers, dancers, and staff. This mentorship extends beyond the studio, as teens are empowered to produce their own annual home season performances. This hands-on experience cultivates crucial skills in leadership, organization, and collaboration – skills that are transferable far beyond the dance world. The training regimen is demanding yet rewarding, encompassing five days a week of classes in contemporary, ballet, composition/choreography, and Pilates, alongside three weekly rehearsals. Dance Jam challenges its members with high performance standards and exposes them to professional-level choreography by prominent Bay Area artists, often including pieces from the esteemed ODC/Dance company itself.
Audition Information for Dance Jam:
- In-Person Audition: August 27, 2024
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Age Range: 13-18 years old
- Requirement: Pre-registration is required (Free)
- Directors: Kimi Okada and Dexandro Montalvo
Learn More about Dance Jam
Conclusion: Take the Stage with Teen Dance at ODC
For teens in the Bay Area seeking exceptional dance training, performance opportunities, and a nurturing artistic community, ODC’s SEEDS and Dance Jam programs stand out as premier choices. Whether you are drawn to the storytelling power of hip hop in SEEDS or the expressive range of contemporary dance in Dance Jam, both companies offer a transformative experience. Audition for SEEDS or Dance Jam and take the next step in your dance journey. Unleash your potential, find your voice, and thrive in the vibrant world of teen dance at ODC.
