Dear family and friends, As you know, I have been a passionate dancer my whole life, studying ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. I have danced at various studios around San Francisco, but none of them have had the impact on my life that ODC has. I am currently in my third and last year in the Dance Jam, ODC’s resident teen contemporary company, and the growth I’ve experienced within myself and witnessed from my peers is unbelievable. Five days a week, the eight company members study various dance techniques and practice choreography under the instruction of talented professionals. Being in the Jam has completely changed me as a dancer by fostering my own creativity and training me with top-tier technique. I absolutely love the supportive community here at ODC, and some of my closest friendships have been created through this program. Every April, the Jam hosts our home season at ODC, which we have the privilege of producing ourselves. This means that we write press releases, promote the show via social media, design fliers and posters, organize a reception, and fundraise. This year, we will be sharing our passion for dance in our performance, From the Ground Up on April 19 and 20. If possible, a donation of any amount would mean so much to me, which would be added to a fund to afford lighting, videography, costumes, a beautiful reception, and more. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported my passion and commitment to this art. With overwhelming appreciation, Eve Axelrod
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.