Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home for Dance in Berkeley
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center has been a cornerstone of the Berkeley community since 1958, dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for dancers of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to build a vibrant, equitable community through dance education, artist support, and partnerships with local organizations. We offer a wide range of classes in diverse styles, from contemporary to ballet, while prioritizing racial equity, accessibility, and intergenerational connection.Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is woven into every aspect of our programming, ensuring all individuals feel seen and valued. With a legacy spanning over six decades, we continue to evolve as a space for creative expression, community engagement, and artistic innovation.
Services
Adult Dance Classes
Youth Dance Programs
Community Workshops
Performance Opportunities
Dance Festivals
Inclusive Dance Spaces
Artist Residencies
Online Classes
Private Lessons
Event Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of experience in dance education and community building.
- Our programs prioritize racial equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all dancers.
- We provide space for local artists, performances, and community partnerships.
- Our team includes certified instructors with expertise in diverse dance styles.
- We maintain a commitment to evolving with the needs of our intergenerational community.
What people say
Inclusive environment
Skilled instructors
Community-focused programs
Accessible spaces
Equity initiatives
Services
Adult Dance Classes
We offer diverse adult dance classes in styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, and Afro-dance. Our programs cater to all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, with a focus on creative expression and technical growth. Classes are taught by experienced instructors committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for lifelong learners.
Youth Dance Programs
Our youth programs provide age-appropriate dance training for children starting at age 3. Curriculum includes creative movement, ballet, and contemporary styles designed to develop motor skills, confidence, and artistic expression. Instructors emphasize joy, collaboration, and foundational dance techniques in a welcoming environment for young movers.
Community Workshops
We host workshops focused on inclusivity, racial equity, and dance pedagogy for educators and professionals. These sessions combine practical training with critical dialogue to advance equitable practices in dance education and community engagement. Topics align with our mission to create accessible, transformative dance spaces.
Performance Opportunities
The center produces annual events like the Queering Dance Festival and Dance Up Close series. These platforms showcase local artists and provide performance opportunities for students and professionals. Our stages prioritize diverse voices and experimental works that reflect the East Bay's cultural richness.
Inclusive Dance Spaces
We maintain wheelchair-accessible facilities and adaptive programs to ensure dance is available to all. Partnerships with organizations like BANDALOOP expand our capacity to serve diverse communities. Our policies emphasize gender-neutral facilities, sliding-scale fees, and trauma-informed teaching practices.
People
Jill Randall
Admin Director of Artistic Programming and Staff Support
Jill Randall has been part of SADC since 1998, with 26 years of Bay Area dance experience. She co-founded the Dance IS Festival and expanded SADC's educational programs. Her career spans performance, teaching, and arts administration, with a focus on community engagement.
Bianca Cabrera
Director of Education and Operations
Bianca Cabrera directs SADC's education programs and founded Blind Tiger Society. A multidisciplinary artist, she teaches contemporary dance and has performed with notable companies. Her work integrates queerness, cultural heritage, and social justice into dance education.
April C. Taylor
Communications & Development Manager
April C. Taylor brings 12 years of arts education experience to SADC. A performing artist and ritualist, she focuses on expressive arts and community building. She has taught at Bay Area schools and studios since joining SADC in 1997.
Suhaila Salimpour
Board Chair
Suhaila Salimpour is a pioneering belly dance artist and educator. She directs the Salimpour School of Dance and received the Isadora Duncan Special Award. Her global teaching and choreography work align with SADC's commitment to cultural inclusivity.
Noah James III
Development Associate
Noah James III combines dance advocacy with nonprofit leadership. As co-director of Visceral Roots Dance Company, he champions accessibility for dancers with disabilities. He is completing a degree in philanthropy and fundraising while managing SADC's development initiatives.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for adults?
We provide contemporary, ballet, jazz, Afro-dance, and modern classes for adults of all skill levels.
Are youth programs available for beginners?
Yes, our youth programs start at age 3 with creative movement and include ballet and contemporary styles for all experience levels.
How does SADC support racial equity?
We implement inclusive hiring, prioritize BIPOC artists, and maintain partnerships focused on anti-racism and accessibility initiatives.
Can I rent your space for events?
Our Berkeley and Oakland locations offer rehearsal and performance spaces available for community rentals.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide sliding-scale fees and gift packs to ensure dance education remains accessible to all community members.
Are classes available online?
We offer virtual classes through our website, including on-demand and live-streamed instruction options.
