It’s been a few weeks since American Dance Abroad wrapped up its first American Dance Recon event in the Bay Area. After two symposia in New York City, we wanted to make sure artists on the West Coast had the same opportunity to meet international presenters. Due to generous funding from the Hewlett and Rainin Foundations, ADR/SF’s launch was a great success.
The group with Shinichi Iova-Koga in the Tenderloin
Just as with ADR/NY, nine international presenters arrived throughout the day on November 7th, then were shown around for four and a half very full days. Thanks to the expert skills of Jane Forde, ADR’s Project Coordinator, American Dance Abroad managed to fit in seeing over 20 companies in studio showings and performances. The sites included some unlikely spaces such as the Tenderloin National Forest, the Tamalpa Institute, and the Great Wall of Oakland.
As in New York, the Town Hall was an important part of the program. We’re learning that it’s important for the attending artists to have plenty of time to mingle and talk with our guests. There was a short panel discussion and Q&A session, but everybody wanted more time. After decades in which American touring has dwindled for most artists, there’s a lot to catch up on.
Some of the highlights included a serendipitous trip to see Anna Halprin perform (the group ran into the her during an open rehearsal showing, and switched around the schedule to make a visit happen); all of the wonderful studio showings and performances at the ODC Theater, CounterPULSE, and the Joe Goode Annex; and, as in New York, the chance for arts presenters from many different countries to form great connections with the participating artists and each other.
American Dance Abroad 
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