2019 proved to be a full and rewarding year for Epiphany Dance Theater, as we
focused efforts on making the subtle changes necessary for beautiful growth. This
year, Epiphany hired a new Managing Director (Jes DeVille) and Company Coordinator
(Kaylamay Paz Suarez) to steer our administrative efforts. Also full time artists, we
found our team operating at our maximum. 2019 was full of lessons including the
importance of taking care of ourselves in the work, learning what is too much, and
calling it when what we’ve done is enough. We found success in our annual
programming and non-profit development while still remaining true to the core of
the company; creating thought-provoking, accessible dance performances and
educational programs, building understanding across cultures and ages.
I started the year as Artist in Residence at Bessie Carmichael Elementary School
through Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, teaching storytelling/dance theater and
visual arts classes to four 2nd grade classes. I look forward to working with the young
people in the SoMa District each year. In doing this work, I get to witness the
progress of the students with the teachers as they strengthen their language skills
and gain confidence through the performance, design, and creatively expressing
themselves. It’s a joy to see the value of these universal art forms helping with all
modes of learning - including enhancing cognitive and building collaborative skill
sets.
2019 was also the 33rd year of co-directing the Mudd Butt Mystery Theatre Troupe in
Telluride, Colorado through the Telluride Academy. In April, Mudd Butt International
traveled to Imouzzer Kandar, Morocco to facilitate a foreign exchange program with
our American students. It concluded in collaborative performances of The Drum. I
have been so informed by these cross-cultural adventures and always come away
with a deeper understanding of how wonderful and creative people are all over the
world. Epiphany hosted its first Ohana Floor fundraiser in September; A full moon
celebration on the top floor of Salesforce Tower. With guidance and excitement from
Board President, James Hunter, our event featured local live music (Kitten on the
Keys) and Epiphany Dance Theater’s excerpts of new dance-theater work, Rock &
Mortar.
We collaborated with long-time partner SFMTA/MUNI to produce the 16th annual San
Francisco Trolley Dances in October, exploring the Tenderloin/Mid-Market and Noe
Valley neighborhoods with at-capacity tours visiting 7 site-specific commissioned
dance works each day. We are thankful for the communities that welcome our art
each year, as well as the artists and volunteers who help make the magic that keeps
this popular SF Civic event going!
Executive
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