Dear Family and Friends, As you might be aware of, I have a deep passion for dance. Over the past ten years, I have developed skills in multiple genres, taking a wide variety of technique classes and once performing in a company for a period of time. More than just being an engaging activity and a means of staying active, I find immense joy in dance, it being a creative outlet and a form of expression through movement. As of September, I joined the Dance Jam, the teen contemporary dance company of ODC, located in the Mission District of San Francisco. As a part of this group, I dance every day after school for approximately fourteen hours a week. The schedule involves training in ballet, contemporary, and Pilates, as well as dedicated hours towards rehearsal time. In the Jam, we not only take classes and learn repertoire from various professional choreographers, but we also produce our own home season. This includes all components of a performance, from funding and marketing to flyers and ticket sales - we handle every aspect. While the Dance Jam’s rigorous schedule takes up a large quantity of my time and energy, I benefit tremendously. Becoming a part of the Jam has helped me to grow both technically and artistically in dance. I have better learned how to manage my time and remain organized amidst a hectic workload. Most impactful, however, are the great friendships I have found and the opportunities I have had to work with outstanding instructors and artists. The Jam has truly become like family. This year, ODC Dance Jam’s 2025 season, From the Ground Up, falls on the weekend of April 19th and 20th. During this performance, we will get the chance to showcase the five unique pieces we have tirelessly worked on for the past several months. In addition to buying tickets for our show, donations are another way to support us. Any amount you give makes a huge impact because it helps provide for our lighting design, videographers, beautiful reception, and overall production. Each contribution is sincerely appreciated. I’m grateful for all your support in my journey as a dancer. I hope to see you during our season! With gratitude, Rylan-Christian Pon
Under the leadership of School Director Kimi Okada and Dance Jam Associate Director Doug Gillespie, the ODC teen contemporary dance company performs work by the choreographers of the professional company, ODC/Dance, as well as renowned guest choreographers. Members of the Dance Jam are challenged with the creation of new works and the complexities of training in multiple dance techniques through a 5-day per week training schedule. With mentorship from ODC staff, the Dance Jam produces all aspects of their annual home season in ODC Theater, richly expanding their skill sets and understanding of work both on and offstage within a professional setting.
Please support this community of young dancers with a donation of any size to help produce their April 19 & 20th, 2025 performances, From the Ground Up.
"You won't want to miss this evening of glorious dancing and bracing choreography performed by a dynamic talented team of youthful artists! Come experience the future of dance." - Brenda Way, ODC Founding Artistic Director
Purchase tickets to the performances
As part of their home season performances, the Dance Jam will perform a full program of works including a new work from former Dance Jam Associate Director Dexandro Montalvo, a new work by noted choreographer and dancer Babatunji Johnson, Jam repertory pieces Mixing Ground by Bliss Kohlmyer and There's So Much To Do To to Save the World by KT Nelson, and Head in the Sand by Kimi Okada from the ODC/Dance Company repertory.