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EDT 2020 Annual Report

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DANCE LOVERSAntoine Hunter and Kim EpifanoPhotography: Robbie Sweeny Epiphany Dance TheaterSF BAY AREA2020AnnualReportSF BAY AREA | WINTER | VOLUME 2

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02 | ANNUAL REPORTEQUITY STATEMENTWe weave cultural advisors and community ambassadors into our dance-makingprocess, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of our intergenerational, multi-lingual, andvaried socio-economic audience in the Bay Area. Our success is inextricably linked tothe communities we serve. We’re committed to offering artists opportunities to sharethe unique breadth of their lived experiences; with equity as one of our coreorganizational values. We strive to grow ever more competent in navigating andhonoring race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, identity and ability. We acknowledge that there have existed institutional and structural hurdlespreventing equity and racial justice in this country, causing historically marginalizedcommunities to navigate systemic and systematic violence, prejudice, and intolerance.We resolve to do our part in dismantling these systems of subjugation, working torepair and renew our relationships through the performing arts. We have developed numerous infrastructures to aid in community self-determination,creating lasting traditions for celebration, inspiration, and empowerment, butcontinue to be in frequent evaluation of our values, privileges, implicit biases andpractices in internal and external engagements. We aim to model the inclusive andequitable practices we wish to see in the world. We uphold clear accountability metricsin our journey of understanding in order to achieve these goals:• A diverse internal board and staff that reflects the communities we serve• Increased access to our performance and educational programming for those facing systemic challenges, providing events free-of-charge and on-site engagement for houseless and those without access to technology• Transparency and cultural consultation in collaborative decision-making.• Refine and re-evaluate internal and external policies, procedures, goals, and conduct contributing to Company Culture• Language justice in all promotion and programming• Strategic partnerships and equitable relationships with community benefit districts, minority-owned businesses, and non-profit organizations

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Epiphany Dance Theater createsthought-provoking, accessibledance performances andeducational programs, buildingunderstanding across culturesand ages. On the stage and in the street,we illuminate the ordinary andthe extraordinary, inspiringsocial change using art as avehicle.OUR MISSION 03 | ANNUAL REPORTDANCE LOVERSAntoine Hunter and Kim EpifanoPhotography: Robbie Sweeny

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CONTENTS04 | ANNUAL REPORT02 - Epiphany Equity Statement03 - Epiphany Mission Statement04 - Contents06 - 07 From Our Board08 - Art In Action 2020 09 - Company Profile10 - Board of Directors11 - Performance Programming12 - Dance Lovers14 - Swaying In Stone18 - San Francsico Trolley Dances25 - Community Engagement 26 - Social Media28 - Education and Outreach32 - Kids On Track 2020 34 - Coming up in 2021 35 - Sponsors and Donors

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05 | ANNUAL REPORTHien Huynh & Gama HsuPhoto by: TD McCoy Photography

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In addition to an annual production I’m even more proud of the work the company has beendoing for students. With shelter in place there was a lack of outlets for children to play, exercise,and release their energy. EDT focused on motion-based curriculum to address this need in a fun,easy, and entertaining approach for the health and well-being of these children. I’m proud ofhow the company responded to challenges that 2020 brought, embraced our new reality, anddelivered a new approach to accomplish our mission statement.Arleen VatuveiBoard TreasurerAs we come to the close of an atypical year, we reflect on the nature of site-specific dance. Thepractice itself approaches obstacles as opportunities, challenging movers to navigate social, cultural,and physical landscapes in thoughtful ways. Epiphany entered its 23rd season awakened to hownatural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, and political disruption affects our global community. Duringthis historic time, we’ve found inspiration in the ways we’ve grown more united. We are grateful forthe support of our contributors, community partners, audience, schools, and artists who have givenus the gift of remaining deeply embedded in San Francisco and beyond. We look forward to nurturingthese connections as we enter the new year and dance our way toward our 25th year!Jes DeVilleManaging DirectorAs President of the Board of Epiphany Dance Theater I am proud of the work of our creative team ofartists that were able to quickly pivot in the first quarter of the year to reframe the experience ofdance making and performance viewing. Our 23rd Season allowed us to continue to providecommunity outreach and entertainment by making our work available online through social mediaand virtual platforms. We thank our continued list of funders, especially those who have been withus for many years, and those new to the Epiphany Dance Theater family. As our strong mission toserve a diverse audience base while providing socially relevant and thought provoking materialcontinues, we hope to remain at the forefront of our funding partners missions. We also thank themany individual donors that support the work that has touched their hearts, expanded their minds,brought joy to their lives, and enhanced their experience of community. We remain financially viablein these challenging times, and with this support, we intend to continue to provide creative workthat employs dance professionals, artists, and others as we build a social network of inclusiveness.Our staff and board, our dancers, musicians, and performers, as well as our teachers, students, andaudiences, reflect the hope and vision we have for a world where all people are treated with dignityand respect. Thank you for being a part of the Epiphany Dance Theater community.James HunterPresident of the Board 06 | ANNUAL REPORTFROM OUR BOARD

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Even in a year when everything seemed impossible, the team at Epiphany Dance Theater rose tothe occasion to promote, produce, and educate throughout the SF Bay Area. We have innovatednew ways of providing with our online KOT program and debut of the first ever online streamedSan Francisco Trolley Dances. With 2020's call for more virtual experiences, we've been incollaboration and communication more than ever. For me, it has been rewarding to stay presentin performance, teaching, and creating opportunities for other artists. I recognize this time forcontinued questioning and change within myself as a performer, choreographer, director,curator, producer, educator and community arts organizer who has been a member of the BayArea’s dance community since 1981. As the world around me evolves Epiphany is envisioning andstriving towards more equitable work practices for the artists and the greater good of art allmaking.Kim Epifano Artistic Execturive Director07 | ANNUAL REPORTFROM OUR BOARDDid you see it? I hope you did, it was a rare moment of soul nourishing inspiration in a year ofgreat intensity, instability and stress. Our family watched SF Trolley Dances together with our“pod”, young and old and were thrilled with the level of dance, music, narration, backstory andproduction that Epiphany achieved. It is why I donate my time as a board member to this small,efficient and fiercely creative dance company. Epiphany connects people and communities insuch unique and lasting ways through local programs like SF Trolley Dances and internationallywith dance performance and stellar children's education. I encourage you to give them adonation. If you want to know more head to their website to get inspired. Thank you.Todd Laby Board MemberKim EpifanoPhoto by: Jes DeVille

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It is not news to any dancer or expressive artist that history lives within the body.In 2020, communities across the globe have been forced to reckon with the pain,rage, and upset that over 400 years of such history has conjured up. The storiesthat live in our bodies are an essential part of our physical beings, and as suchinform the ways we show up in the world each and every day. Epiphany Dance Theater, an organization that promotes social change throughartistic expression, stands in solidarity with the Black Community. We cannot staysilent another day and allow Black lives to be treated any less than the rest ofsociety. The time has come to acknowledge all people of color and heal the racedivide in this country. Ask yourself what Jane Elliot asks:"You know what’s happening, you know you don’t want it for you, I wanna knowwhy you’re so willing to accept it or allow it to happen for others?" In this critical time of social distancing, we are committed to continuing our work,meeting our mission in new ways. We’re hopeful that our new platforms willcontinue to foster thought-provoking moments of togetherness. Danceprogramming is accessible now more than ever - and we look forward to sharingspace with you from our gardens, yards, and homes - through your screens. We'recelebrating our community’s resilience, creativity, and compassion, and arelooking forward to reuniting in person soon.08 | ANNUAL REPORTPhotos by: Kim EpifanoART IN ACTION 2020

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COMPANY PROFILEEpiphany Dance Theater extends a heartfelt thanks to the passion, dedication and hard workof the individuals who make up our staff and board. We couldn’t do it without you.09 | ANNUAL REPORTKim Epifano - Executive Artistic Director/ Board member Kim Epifano is a long-time award winning choreographer,director, performer, vocalist, educator and collaborator.Erasing the boundaries between dance, theater and music,she is acclaimed for her interdisciplinary, site-specific worksthat welcome new and diverse audiences to the world ofdance, creating bridges of cross-cultural understanding. Kim'scuration of SF Trolley Dances and nine year teaching artistresidency at Bessie Carmichael Elementary through Yerba Buena Center for the Arts continues to thrive.Jes DeVille - Managing DirectorJes DeVille is an Afro-Latinx choreographer and conceptualartist from NYC. Using dance-theater as a means of communitybuilding for sixteen years, their work explores therelationships we have with ourselves, the environment, andeach other through modern day myth. Jes joined EDT in 2019after working as a corporate team building facilitator withurban adventure group The Go Game, a production lead for SFCity Hall's Centennial Gala, and MPI's World EducationCongress among others.Kayla May Paz Suarez - Company CoordinatorKayla May Paz Suarez is a Bay Area based 1st generationPilipinx American. An actor and youth educator, she ispassionate about igniting the imaginations of audienceseverywhere through theatre, dance, and song. Joining EDT in2019, her previous arts-admin experience includes RedLadder Theater, Berkeley Playhouse, and New ConservatoryTheater.Kayla May currently spearheads Epiphany's Kids onTrack coordination, digital archiving, and social mediamarketing.Photo by: Kim Epifano and TD McCoy Photography

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS10 | ANNUAL REPORTJames Hunter - Board President, CEO James has served on Epiphany’s Board since theorganization was founded in 1997, and is currently thePresident of the Board and CEO. James is a Design Principalwith The Wiseman Group in San Francisco. James receiveda Masters of Science in Art Education (magna cum laude)from the State University College of Buffalo, New York.Arleen Santos - Board Treasurer Arleen joined Epiphany’s Board in 2017. Arlene is a WealthManagement Client Associate at US Bank and holds severallicenses and professional memberships. Arlene graduatedfrom San Francisco State University with a BS in BusinessAdministration, with a concentration in Finance.Richard Kittle - Board MemberRichard is an aerial design artist and rigger, who hasworked in the Bay Area Dance world for 25 years, with manyoutstanding choreographers including Kim Epifano, AmeliaRudolph, Suzanne Gallow, Jo Krieter, Jody Lomask andcompanies like Bandaloop and UpSwing. Richard has 45years of experience in the building trades—from bridges toboats, cars, homes and art pieces.Todd Laby - Board MemberTodd joined Epiphany’s Board in 2016. He is a visual artistand has a background in art direction, product, set,furniture and digital design. He holds a BS in BusinessEconomics, BA in Advertising Design and a BFA in Furniture,Sculpture and Product Design.

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Epiphany Dance Theater’s repertoire blendsdance, music, theater and spoken word in amulti-textured experience of community, cultureand place. Its body of work reflects the artisticdirector’s exposure to different perspectives oncommunity art-making and diverse culturalnorms from her experiences around the worldfrom Latin America, South East Asia, Europe andAfrica. Kim Epifano’s work is known for its boldand imaginative outdoor explorations thatresonate with all ages and backgrounds,newcomers to dance-veterans. Epiphany isequally celebrated for its development andcuration of new choreographers, dancers andongoing contribution to the vibrancy of the BayArea dance community.11 | ANNUAL REPORTHien Huynh & Gama HsuPhoto by: Kim Epifano

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An annual performance event heldin San Francisco aroundValentine’s Day. James GrahamDance Theatre produces andcurates DANCE LOVERS. Grahaminvites artists to present duets invarious styles/genres with diversepairings (friends, lovers, familymembers). The event began in2011 at what was then calledKunst-Stoff Arts in San Francisco,presented at Joe Goode Annex in2020.DANCE LOVERS12 | ANNUAL REPORTDANCE LOVERS Antoine Hunter and Kim EpifanoPhotography: Robbie Sweeny

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"We Hear It Here"A duet by Kim Epifano and Deaf dance-artist Antoine Hunter featuring ASL storytelling-dance andvocalization as part of James Graham DANCE LOVERS 9, a showcase inviting diverse pairings offriends, lovers, and family members to present various dance styles/genres.13 | ANNUAL REPORT

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SWAYING IN STONEAugust 5, 2020Telluride Transfer Warehouse SWAYING IN STONE was anintimate evening with ValerieMadonia and Kim Epifano for thereveal of a site-specific dancetheater piece created through amonth long artist residency atTelluride Transfer Warehouse. Theproject was made possible byTelluride Arts Fund, a program ofTelluride Arts, Colorado.14 | ANNUAL REPORTSwaying In Stone Photos by Amy Levek

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STAFF & PRODUCTION TEAMArtistic Executive Director & Curator Kim EpifanoManaging Director, Tech. & Production Manager Jes DeVilleCompany Coordinator, Editor & Graphic Designer Kayla May Paz SuarezPhotographer, Videographer & Editor Andy MoggProduction Associate Janesta EdmondsSFMTA Campaign Design Kevin ClarkePublicist John HillInteractive Map Design Zachary SweetSFTD Theme Song Essie Thomas (essiethomas.com) in collaboration with Kim Epifano18 | ANNUAL REPORTSFTD 2020 Promo shootZaccho Dance Theatre t=Photos by: Andy Mogg

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THE MUNIVERSE:SFTD FEATURES We collaborated with local artist Zachary Sweet who illustrated a map of this year'sroute along SF's Phantom Coast from Dogpatch to the Bayview. Other featuresinclude a look back into SFTD of the years, historical clips from both neighborhoods,and site specific infor pages!19 | ANNUAL REPORTInteractive map found on Epiphanydance.orgTrolley Dances is a registeredTrademark of Jean Isaacs'San Diego Dance Theater and is usedwith permission.San Francisco Trolley Dances isbrought to you with support oflong-time sponsor MUNISFMTA.Melicio Estrella and Andrew WardArtistic Directors of Fog BeastPhotos by: Kim Epifano

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20 | ANNUAL REPORTSFTD 2020 Promo shootFog BeastPhoto by: Andy MoggEBONY THE NIGHTZaccho Dance TheatrePhoto by: Kim EpifanoBLOCKHEADS BIRTHDAY13th Floor Dance TheaterPhoto by: Jes DeVilleUNKNOWN TOGETHEREpiphany Dance Theater Photo by: Kim EpifanoRESICTENCIAArenas Dance CompanyPhoto by: Kim EpifanoSFTD 2020 Promo shootKim Epifano Photo by: Andy MoggSFTD 2020 Promo shootPost:BalletPhoto by: Andy Mogg"Fantastic job! Love the cinematography,the costumes. location, dancers, music,masks. One of our favorite TrolleyDances. We are missing being there.Thank you so much for this amazingwork. We are sending the link to all ourfriends and all the way to France. Thank you. Absolutely loved it. Amazing work!"UNWINDFog Beast Photo by: Andy Mogg

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SFTD IN THE PRESS!21 | ANNUAL REPORTThanks to our amazingpublicist John Hill,SFTD 2020 was a hugesuccess reaching anaudience far and wide!

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23 | ANNUAL REPORT2020 SFTD Production meet via Zoom about17th Annual SanFrancisco TrolleyDancesArenas Dance CompanyPhoto by: Andy MoggEssie Thomas Photo by: KMPSKim EpifanoPhoto by: KMPSZaccho Dance TheatrePhoto by: KMPSSusana Arenas PedrosoPhoto by: Kim EpifanoKayla May Paz SuarezPhoto by: Jes DeVille

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I grew up in the Bayview district of SanFrancisco from 1948 until 1960. It looks verydifferent today. It was wonderful seeing suchcreative dance in settings that were "familiar"and "new" at the same time. I especially lovedthe photo of the 1953 All Hallows FirstCommunion students, since I attended AllHallows from grades K through 8.This was just great! So creative, the dancers werewonderful. I love that some of the companies havedancers with (sort of) 'real people' bodies. I'm soimpressed by what you managed to put togetherartistically and technically to pull this off. I enjoyedthe historic tour of Bayview and seeing the gorgeousmurals! Sad to say I lived in SF for 15 years andnever knew they were there. Worth a trip back tovisit them. THANK YOU for your efforts to bring usTrolley Dances again this year, despite all thechallenges.AUDIENCE REFLECTIONSTrolley Dances is always a touchstone forme this time of the year. Thank you forcontinuing the tradition despite all thecraziness in 2020!I hope everyone heard me clapping. Asusual, a great variety of dancing, music, andplaces I have never been in the city (alsoenjoyed seeing the old pictures of S.F.). Weare missing so many things this year, so itis wonderful that we are able to enjoy theTrolley Dances. Thank you all for the timeand energy used to make our lives morebeautiful.24 | ANNUAL REPORTThe interactivity was great! Thisis the first I’ve seen of 360 dancein this way. I loved the historyand wish there was more. Thankyou! So beautiful.BRAVO!! What a delight to watch, Kim.Fantastic job pivoting to meet theneeds of 2020. Thank you so much forfollowing through with this projectwith us. I love all of the extra behind-the-scenes and digital geographicaland historical information.Everything just looks so great!Photos by: Andy Mogg

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WHO'S TUNING IN?SFTD EXTENDS IT'S REACH!This year's SFTD 2020 Content received over 5,300 views from around the world!This year's SFTD premiered on ourwebsite and social media platforms. Thefull length film and special features areavailable year-round!As of 12/19/20 our SFTD2020 Channel received4,638 views 25 | ANNUAL REPORTOur YoutubeViews reached 138 viewsSocialMediaviewsreached 518 views

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BUILDING OUR ONLINE AUDIENCE26 | ANNUAL REPORT687 FOLLOWERS1,064 LIKES201 FOLLOWERSOur audience continues togrow! Visit the SFTD page formore details about how weproduced our first ever virtualSan Francisco Trolley Dances! At the beginning of the California Stay AtHome Order in March, Kim and Billybrought some joy with the Monkey & Billyseries!

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SOCIAL DIST(DANCE)ING"Feelings awaken every part of me." "These moments shaped so much of my internal world andsense of self as a creative."We asked our audience to share a moment wheredance changed their life. The responses were used aprompts and compiled into collage videos. 27 | ANNUAL REPORTPhoto/video collages by: Paz Productions"I was transfixed by the beautiful blend of voice and human body."

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28 | ANNUAL REPORTEpiphany Dance Theater serves awide range of students, engagingyouth of all socio-economicbackgrounds, as well ascollegiate and professionaldancers. We provide enrichmentand educational programs thatemploy interdisciplinaryperformance arts as tools forlearning, inquiry, skill building,community engagement andcultural collaborations.

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29 | ANNUAL REPORTPhotos by: Baharak KhaleghiKim teaches a Storytelling dance,theater and visual arts residencythrough YBCA at the BessieCarmichael Elementary School.She celebrates collaboration withthe students and stories fromaround the world! 2020 will be her9th year!

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Kim directed a new 3-weekprogram featuring drama,movement, music improv,and historic site-specificexploration for students ofThunder Theater in Telluride,CO. The series culminated intwo performances of "Holdon to your Masks: A Peak intothe Past" on August 1st.30 | ANNUAL REPORTPhotos by: Rohanna Mertens

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31 | ANNUAL REPORTPhotos by: Rohanna Mertens

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This year's programming took placeonline. A curriculum was developedwith this in mind. It was Epiphany'smission to cultivate the sameenergy from our in personworkshops and transfer that to avirtual world. We were able topresent historical information, anew curriculum, and dance theaterexercises and games for all ages. We truly had a blast!KIDS ON TRACK32 | ANNUAL REPORT"Kim's fearless ness and abilityto push them out of theircomfort zone and into newmovement territory. The classgave them tools to really stretchtheir perceptions on wheredance movement comes from."- Megan Nicely, USFPhotos of: Students of El Cerrito High SchoolBackground photo: KOT workshop 2018

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The 2020 virtual KOT Program was completed on October 15th totaling 16 workshops!The Epiphany Team served 407 students ages 6 - 2433 | ANNUAL REPORTManaging Director Jes DeVille warms up the students of Thomas Edison Charter School

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LAUNCH online curriculum and children's summer workshops DEVELOP Native Land, Native Hands with Antoine HunterSUSTAIN fundraising and performance efforts for our 25th year!PREMIERE San Francisco Trolley Dances CONTRIBUTE TO ANOTHER YEAR OF EPIPHANY EXCELLENCE donate via PayPal at Epiphanydance.org/donate34 | ANNUAL REPORTCOMING UP IN 2021Parangal Dance Company , JesDeVille, and Kayla May Paz SuarezPhoto by: TD McCoy Photography

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2020 SPONSORS 35 | ANNUAL REPORT

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2020 Annual Report Designed by: Paz ProductionsEdited by: Jes DeVille & Kim Epifano