Dear Friends and Family, As some of you may know, for the past four years, I have been a part of ODC’s pre-professional company, the Dance Jam. Participating in the Jam has been one of the highlights of my high school experience, as it is the group with whom I express my creativity, challenge myself physically, and from which create a family of like-minded peers. I come to ODC everyday after school, and I build upon my technique, artistry, and individuality. These past four years, I have learned not only about the specifics of dance, but also how to act and carry myself like a professional. This teen company, with lessons in schmoozing, fundraising, and professionalism, has prepared me to move on to the next chapter of my life. While I am heartbroken that my experience in the Jam is coming to an end, I also acknowledge that that is what makes this year’s show so special. On April 4th and 5th, we will be performing Reminiscence, a production that celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Dance Jam. This show will consist of Jam repertoire, an ODC professional company quartet, and a new piece choreographed on us this January. I’m excited to dance my heart out for what some could call my last hurrah, and I hope all of you will be able to come. Our group of six dancers works hard all year to create our season. Besides our 14 hour a week, Monday through Friday schedule, of Ballet, Contemporary, Composition, Pilates, and rehearsal, we also produce the entire show. We are responsible for marketing, fundraising, ticketing, PR, printing programs and flyers, hiring videographers, lighting design, and creating a beautiful reception. The process teaches us what it is like to be in a professional dance company, and the true costs of everything that comes with it. Thus, any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in supporting ODC's teen company, you can donate here. And lastly, I want to thank each and every one of you who donated and/or came to our season, From the Ground Up. Your donation played a valuable role in producing last year's show and your presence meant the world to me. With so much love and gratitude, Ever
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 4 & 5th, 2026 performances.
"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
As part of their home season performances, the Dance Jam will perform a full program of works including a world premiere by Doug Gillespie. Repertory works include Deep Ascent, choreographed by Babatunji Johnson, Specifically Particular, choreographed by Dexandro Montalvo, Foreign Postmark, choreographed by Kimi Okada, and the ODC/Dance company repertory piece Breathing Underwater, choreographed by Brenda Way.