Dimensions Dance Theater
For General Support
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Amount$135,000
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Program
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Date Awarded11/17/2008
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Term36.0 Months
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Type of SupportGeneral Support/Organization
Overview
Founded in 1972 by artistic director Deborah B. Vaughan, Dimensions Dance Theater (Oakland, CA) presents traditional African dances and contemporary choreography drawn from African, jazz, and modern dance idioms. Dimensions’ Rites of Passage program (created in 1995) provides dance instruction to 900 students in Oakland public schools and a further 150 students attend after-school classes at the organization’s downtown dance studio. Beyond imparting formal dance technique, the company engages youth in the development of original works of choreography that address issues of concern to their lives including teen-pregnancy and peaceful conflict resolution. Dimensions successfully generates earned and contributed income to sustain its $340,000 annual budget and maintains a healthy balance sheet despite great volatility in funding from the City of Oakland. With renewed support from the Hewlett Foundation will continue to present 45 public performances each year and increase opportunities for youth of color in low-income communities of the East Bay to learn how to dance by partnering with more local schools. (Renewal, $120,000/3; 11%)
About the Grantee
Grantee Website
www.dimensionsdance.org
Address
1428 Alice Street, Suite 308, Oakland, CA, 94612-4004, United States
Grants to this Grantee
for general operating support
Dimensions Dance Theater in Oakland creates, performs, and teaches traditional and contemporary dance that centers on African American and African diasporic culture and experiences. Dimensions’ professional company presents two to four productions each year, often combining elements of dance, music, storytelling, and spoken word. The organization serves over 1,000 youth annually in after-school and out-of-school programs that provide dance education, cultural field trips, and performance opportunities. The organization also serves adult community members through community dance classes. Support of Dimensions Dance Theater aligns with the Performing Arts Program’s Communities strategy.
for general operating support
Dimensions Dance Theater presents dance performances drawn from African traditions and the African American diaspora experience. As a dynamic force in the cultural life of the East Bay, Dimensions offers a cluster of programs through residencies in the Oakland public school system, classes at its dance studio, and a sequence of annual performances by the adult company. Dimensions’ programming reaches nearly 8,000 audience members and more than 1,000 students in and after-school. Students are trained in movement and provided a cultural groundwork rooted in African traditions. Funding for Dimensions would address gaps between administrative capacities and artistic growth, and develop a new performance (The Town), which explores the many facets of Oakland’s urban conundrum, and will be the basis of the organization’s artistic and educational programming.
