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Outreach > ODC School/Rhythm & Motion in Schools & the Community

ODC School/Rhythm & Motion in Schools & the Community


It is well documented that participation in the arts can significantly improve a child’s ability to think creatively, problem-solve, work cooperatively, and increase self-esteem.  ODC strives to fill the gap in artistic opportunities for Bay Area youth and continues to provide an in-depth and interactive arts education to over 32 schools in San Francisco’s underserved communities.  The award winning Educational Outreach Program harnesses the didactic and creative power of dance to promote problem solving, self-expression, creativity, and teamwork.

As we see arts education disappearing from the public school system, our goal is to introduce imagination into the lives of young people by exposing them to the performing arts.  ODC’s Educational Outreach Program provides interactive and challenging arts programming to underserved, low-income children and youth in the Bay Area (over 32 schools) and at national tour sites, most of which have little to no arts education included in their standard curriculum.

MAKING MOVES Dance Residencies
Involvement in the arts is crucial to a child’s success socially and academically.  We are dedicated to passing on a lifelong love of dance, music, and movement to the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. Making Moves delivers custom dance curriculum into Bay Area Schools and community organizations.  Our teaching staff includes some of the most highly esteemed artists from the Bay Area’s rich and diverse arts community. Together, we are committed to the philosophy that the art and ritual of dance belong to all of us.

Move your youth today!

 Class offerings include: Hip Hop, Afro-Haitian, Flamenco, Creative Movement, Salsa, Urban Contemporary, Afro-Brazilian, Contemporary, Bhangra & more! 

Program management includes ongoing communication to ensure client satisfaction. We will design the class according to your program & student needs. We encourage you to give us feedback throughout the session. Additionally, we will conclude each session with class and instructor evaluations.

Our high caliber & dedicated teaching staff are professionals. They have experience teaching kids of various ages and the ability to nurture and manage a diverse class of students at varying skill levels. They are committed to creating an all inclusive, non-competitive class environment. Our teaching strategy is one based on developing technical skills and nurturing a sense of community through cooperation and the appreciation of differences.

Consistent Instruction:  We will find a high-quality substitute teachers should the need ever arise.
We will work with you to design a unique and exciting dance experience for your students.

Schedule options:
•    Classes held at your location
•    Classes held at ODC Dance Commons
•    One-Time Class for workshops, parties or special events
•    On-Going Series. A flexible schedule to fit your program needs

Making Moves Sites:
June Jordan School for Equity
Hillcrest Elementary School
Edgewood Center for Children and Families
Abraham Lincoln High School Excel Afterschool Program
John O’Connell High School
The Nueva School
Tenderloin Afterschool Program
Presidio Hill School
Katherine Delmar Burke School
International Studies Academy (ISA) Middle School
Borel Middle School (San Mateo)

Wellness Classes
In an effort to reach more of our community members, ODC has launched a bi-weekly 30 minute gentle workout class “Bailamos”.  This class was designed for members of The Mission Neighborhood Health Center’s Chronic Condition Support Group and is now open to all students who need a slower pace workout.  The class is taught in both Spanish and English and is based on Salsa movements and steps.

SF Carnaval

In 2009, ODC/Rhythm & Motion partnered with BrasilCuba-SF and The Mission Boys & Girls Club to present our first ever contingent in the San Francisco Carnaval Parade.  Rehearsals took place at the ODC Dance Commons and were open to ODC School/Rhythm & Motion students of all levels.  
For more details and photos from this year’s contingent and to find out how to be involved next year click here.





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ODC/Dance: Architecture of Light
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Support ODC Theater Artist in Residence Catherine Galasso
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