ABOUT US

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

O Dance produces original choreography that expands the vocabulary of dance for all involved.   

O Dance is a new Palm Beach County Dance Company with an ambitious goal - to provide a forum for dance and visual artists that is free from boundaries and limitations with the focus the exploration of dance and theater.  To reinterpret the way dances are constructed and to push dance into the next century, while solidly holding on to the classical ballet training and technique.  O Dance brings a contemporary appreciation and understanding to the art form, immersing its work with an updated vision of vigorous, passionate affinity.

O Dance reflects the vision of a gifted dancer and award winning choreographer, Jerry Opdenaker.  As a former dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet, Kansas City ballet and Ballet Florida and former Director of STEP Ahead (Ballet Florida's choreographic workshop) He was looking for a new way to express his vision, experiment with movement and share in the process of creating dance works from the ground up with the next generation of choreographers as well as those visual artists that have a desire to see their artistic work taken to a new level of production and manifested into a new light. 
  
O Dance has begun the process of contacting a number of choreographers, dancers artists, musicians, visual artists and  designers from the South Florida area and beyond to participate in a choreographic event that promotes the exploration of dance and theatrical skills.  Choreographers wanting to participate in this company will have to submit a written statement of their intended work and define their collaboration with a musician or visual artist of their choosing or from a list willing participating artists.

Each choreographer is encouraged to use an existing piece of art as the springboard for the inspiration for the final work, to use a new musical composition from an upcoming musician or to create an environment that will totally transcend the dance to a different plain.  Art begets Art.  By using the existing piece of art as the starting point, it extends the reach of the choreographer and challenges their choreographic skills to not only complete their vision but to compliment the vision of someone else. There by making this a two fold task and in every direction for the choreographer.  Each choreographer will be provided rehearsals in a dance studio and ample stage time to achieve their final vision.



“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.” 
Martha Graham

“Own up to your true voice and trust that what you make is unique and has a place in the world.” 
Lar Lubovitch


MISSION STATEMENT
"O Dance provides a forum in which the art of making dance performances can be explored and cultivated by aspiring dance and visual artists from inception to performance. O Dance strives to provide the necessary tools and support so these artists can follow their vision and achieve their goals. O Dance encourages the exploration and collaboration between artists in all aspects of production and development of dance - more importantly, providing  participants with the opportunity to create, interpret, present and perform their work."



GUIDING PRINCIPALS
* To provide an outstanding training ground and bring together local, national and international artists to produce a unique dance performance.


*To support and develop dance creation by providing a theatrical laboratory for established and emerging choreographers to work, collaborate and experiment with existing visual artists to enhance
their final vision.

*To provide a showcase for dancers, choreographers and visual artists to present new, emerging dance works, and advance Palm Beach County’s reputation for producing new and inspired art.
 

*To create a collaborative and inclusive environment that actively promotes respect for diversity in all areas of the arts and to further establish Palm Beach County as a leader of arts and culture by bringing together a diverse group of artists to produce and achieve a shared goal.

*To serve the community by providing a unique and meaningful arts program, thereby making Palm Beach County a destination for dance artists, visual artists and supportive audiences.

 

*To build, inspire, entertain and nurture audiences for dance while engaging and deepening public appreciation and support art.



REHEARSAL SPACE(S)

Tina Martin and Heather Lescaille's The Florida Dance Conservatory

Joan Miller's Palm Beach Ballet Center 



O DANCE is a 501 (c) (3) Chatirtable Organization.
 Photos Copyright Janine Harris, Jerry Opdenaker.  Design: III     Content copyright . odance. All rights reserved.