‘ODC’ in San Francisco fosters diversity and inclusion through dance

SAN FRANCISCO– Founded in 1971 by Artistic Director Brenda Way, ODC Dance Commons aims to inspire audiences, engage the community and promote diversity and inclusion through dance.

“I would say it’s a happy place. And people say that when they come and say, ‘Oh, that’s a happy place.’ And I think, yeah, that’s the idea,” Way said.

“It’s a dance-focused organization that seeks to create an environment where art, community, creativity and performance are the natural way of life.”

The San Francisco-based contemporary art institution offers many training courses to boost your creativity. Take a variety of dance classes including Hip Hop, Contemporary, Rhythm on ODC Dance Commons and online via Zoom & Movement, Ballet, Hula, Afro-Haitian, Essentrics, Pilates, Belly Dance and more.

“It’s also about giving everyone access to exercise,” Way said. “Everyone should dance and that’s why we created a world where everyone can do it.”

Way continued, “I think dance is one of the few art forms that truly engages the body, mind and spirit. Obviously it’s about your body, it’s about trying to be comfortable in your body and not being intimidated by body image or competitive feelings that I’m not good enough.”

ODC encourages a non-competitive environment to allow dancers to express themselves fully and have fun.

“Creativity is in the bones of the building,” explained Chloe Zimberg, the theater’s creative director.

“We have such a thriving center for dance here,” said principal and assistant choreographer Kimi Okada. “We have many components that provide different portals for people to come through no matter what they are interested in.”

More information can be found here.