Dear friends and family, Dance has gifted me with one of the most special things most don’t get to experience—an escape from reality. Dancing along with its creative expression and physical movement means so much to me and this year I’ve furthered my commitment to the art by joining ODC’s teen contemporary dance company, ODC Dance Jam. Though this is my first, and unfortunately only year being part of the Jam, I am forever grateful for what I have learned from all the artists we are privileged enough to work with. The Jam means so much to me not only because of the physical experiences within the studio but because of everyone who makes up the Jam (the jamily!). The 15ish hours a week I spend in the studio wouldn’t be the same without the 7 other Jam members and I am so honored to dance alongside people who encourage and lift each other up all the time. Dancing with the Jam has filled up my schedule and pushed my muscles and my time management skills far beyond what I thought I could handle but the fulfillment I feel is more than worth it. This year, our home season From the Ground Up will be performed Saturday, April 19th and Sunday, April 20th. Alongside incredible pieces by Kimi Okada, Bliss Kohlmyer, and KT Nelson, From the Ground Up will showcase two world premiere pieces from Babatunji Johnson and Dexandro Montalvo. I am so excited to hopefully be able to share the pieces we have been working on all school year for you. I hope to see you there! The ODC Dance Jam is an incredibly special program as we fund and produce our own season. Fundraising, advertising, program/flier design, ticketing, press releasing, and more are all done by us! Though not necessary, the rest of the Jam and I would greatly appreciate you if you considered donating! Your donation would help with the production of our season—videographers, lighting, a beautiful reception for you to enjoy, and so much more. You can donate here. Any amount is welcome! Again, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported my passion and commitment to this art. With much love, Chloe Lau
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.