Dance Always Finds a Way

With the economy in the tank, funding drying up and corporate and individual donations taking a nosedive, you think it would be a safe bet that local dance companies and artists would be performing less. Not true. Outside of the traditional stages, theaters and civic centers, San Diego dance performances are on the rise.

Dance N’ Dine, 4x4xFloor (formerly 4x4), The Movement and San Diego Dances have become a welcome addition to the San Diego dance scene. Sponsored by The PGK Project, these dance performances take place at restaurants, bars, cultural centers and, in the case of San Diego Dances, a different venue every six months (DK Hair Salon in November).

These performances unite a diverse group of companies and artists who, mostly likely, would not cross paths otherwise. Recently, Malashock Dance promoted their concert SURFACE TENSION at The Movement, The PGK Project presented a work-in-progress of a piece they will premiere at San Diego Dances, d’shire dance collective showcased a reworking of a solo at 4x4xFloor and Colette Harding highlighted her company at Dance N’ Dine this past month. Also on the list, Mojalet Dance Collective, Bradley R. Lundberg, OLIO, Natasha Ridley, Khamla Somphanh, Heather Dale, somebodies dance theater, among others.

Equally important – no one dances for free. Proceeds from donations taken at the door and raffle tickets sold during the showcase, go directly to the companies or artists performing that evening. The raffle serves as an important promotional opportunity for upcoming events as well. Sponsors can donate classes, theater tickets, and other items that promote their businesses to a new audience.

Dancemakers have never been stifled by a mere lack of funding. We’re used to that – it only makes us more creative, more resilient and more inventive. Dance always finds a way!

For more information on 4x4xFloor, The Movement, Dance N’ Dine or San Diego Dances go to: thepgkproject.com/Calendar.

Michael Mizerany is the Associate Artistic Director for Malashock Dance in San Diego, malashockdance.org.