Sarah Berges Dance

Introduction / Overview

For Californians with a deep appreciation for the artistry and expressive power of dance, Sarah Berges Dance in Oakland stands as a significant and innovative "dance hall," though perhaps not in the traditional sense of a social dance venue. Instead, Sarah Berges Dance is a dedicated studio and performance space that serves as the creative hub for a professional dance company committed to the creation of groundbreaking, multidisciplinary works of dance theater. This institution is focused on exploring and reflecting the human condition through movement, offering audiences a unique and often thought-provoking experience. While one customer noted that "I guess it depends on your type of music but that damn style is not for me," this feedback highlights the distinctive artistic vision and specialized nature of Sarah Berges Dance. It is indeed a place where specific styles, primarily modern dance and new ballet, are meticulously crafted and presented. For those who resonate with contemporary and avant-garde explorations in dance, Sarah Berges Dance offers an inspiring and intellectually rigorous approach to the art form, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with its unique repertoire. It aims to bring the life-enhancing experience of movement to audiences of all strata, creating choreography that inspires, entertains, and draws people closer to dance as an expressive instrument.

Location and Accessibility

Sarah Berges Dance is situated at 683 26th St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. This location places it within the vibrant and artistically rich landscape of Oakland, making it accessible to residents throughout the East Bay and the broader San Francisco Bay Area. Oakland's 26th Street is typically a well-connected urban area, offering various modes of transportation. For those using public transit, the venue is often within reasonable proximity to bus stops and BART stations, allowing for convenient access without the need for a car. For visitors arriving by car, street parking may be available in the vicinity, though as with many urban settings in California, it is always advisable to allow ample time to find a suitable spot. The studio itself is located on the 2nd floor, which means accessing the space involves one flight of stairs from the ground level. This detail is important for planning your visit. The company also notes that free parking may be available on the street and in a neighbor's lot across from the studio, which is a significant convenience in an urban environment. Its presence in Oakland underscores its role as a local cultural institution, contributing to the rich artistic fabric of the city.

Services Offered

• Creation and Performance of New Dance Works: Sarah Berges Dance is primarily dedicated to conceiving, developing, and performing original works of modern dance and new ballet. These performances often blend technical precision with compelling narrative and multidisciplinary elements.
• Dance Theater Productions: The company specializes in dance theater, a form that integrates movement with theatrical elements, potentially including gesture, spoken word, and literal storytelling, to explore complex themes and human experiences.
• Contemporary Dance Repertoire: The core offering includes a repertoire of contemporary dance pieces that range from "classic-with-a-twist to avant-garde explorations," often accompanied by original musical scores.
• New Ballet Productions: Alongside modern dance, Sarah Berges Dance also features "new ballet," bridging traditional ballet techniques with contemporary aesthetics and philosophical approaches.
• Public Performances: The company regularly stages performances for the public, both at their studio theater and at various venues throughout California, New York City, and internationally. These are ticketed events showcasing their artistic creations.
• Audience Engagement: A key mission is to bring the life-enhancing experience of movement to diverse audiences, striving to create choreography that inspires, entertains, and draws people closer to dance as an expressive instrument.
• Artistic Excellence: The company is committed to artistic excellence with every performance, focusing on rigorous structure and intellectual depth while ensuring their productions are enlivening and entertaining.
• Educational Outreach (Implied through Mission): While not explicitly listed as classes for the general public, their mission to "teach to diverse populations" and bring movement to "audiences of all strata" suggests potential involvement in educational initiatives or workshops.

Features / Highlights

• Groundbreaking Multidisciplinary Works: Sarah Berges Dance is distinguished by its commitment to creating "groundbreaking, multidisciplinary works of dance theater." This highlights their innovative approach, blending dance with other artistic forms to explore profound themes.
• Specialized Dance Styles: The company features two distinct repertoires: Modern Dance and New Ballet. This specialization offers audiences a focused and high-quality experience within these specific genres of Western concert dance.
• Rigorous Structure and Artistic Excellence: Their work is described as being "undergirded by a steely intellect and rigorous structure," indicating a dedication to technical precision and thoughtful choreography, promising a high level of artistic quality.
• Entertaining and Witty Repertoire: Despite the intellectual depth, the company's repertoire is also noted for being "entertaining and witty," ensuring that performances are accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
• Unique Music Integration: Productions often feature original musical scores, which is a significant highlight, as bespoke music deeply enriches the dance-theater experience and complements the choreography.
• Studio Theater: Having their own studio theater at 683 26th Street allows for intimate performances and provides a dedicated space for artistic development and presentation. This offers a more personal viewing experience for attendees.
• Accessibility Features (Physical): While on the second floor, the mention of free street parking and a neighbor's lot is a valuable convenience for an urban dance venue, simplifying attendance for those driving.
• Focus on Human Condition: The company's mission to "explore and reflect the human condition" through dance ensures that their works are often poignant, relatable, and emotionally resonant, offering more than just aesthetic pleasure.
• Experienced Performers: As a professional company, they seek "professional male dancers" and "professional dancers (men and women)" for their projects, indicating a high caliber of talent involved in their productions.

Contact Information

To connect with Sarah Berges Dance for information on upcoming performances, collaborations, or general inquiries, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 683 26th St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

Phone: (510) 423-2762

Mobile Phone: +1 510-423-2762

For the most current schedule of performances, ticket information, or any audition announcements, it is also highly recommended to visit their official website or follow their social media channels. While the phone numbers are provided for direct contact, digital platforms often offer the most up-to-date and comprehensive details about their artistic season and any public engagement opportunities. We encourage interested individuals to reach out and discover the unique and thought-provoking world of dance theater that Sarah Berges Dance brings to the Oakland and wider California arts scene.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Sarah Berges Dance is an exceptional fit for Californians, particularly those in the dynamic Oakland and Bay Area, who seek a sophisticated and enriching artistic experience within the realm of dance. While one review hinted at a specific taste, this is precisely what makes Sarah Berges Dance a suitable local destination for discerning audiences: it offers a distinct artistic voice with its focus on "Modern Dance and New Ballet" and "groundbreaking, multidisciplinary works of dance theater." For locals passionate about contemporary art, this means access to high-caliber, thought-provoking performances that push boundaries and explore the human condition in profound ways. Unlike general social dance halls, Sarah Berges Dance provides an opportunity to engage with dance as a rigorous, intellectual, and deeply expressive art form. Its convenient Oakland location at 683 26th St, coupled with the potential for street parking and public transport accessibility, makes it an easily reachable cultural gem. For the Californian who values artistic excellence, innovative storytelling through movement, and supporting local professional arts organizations, Sarah Berges Dance is not just a venue to visit, but a significant cultural institution to embrace. It offers a unique opportunity to witness world-class dance crafted right in their community, inspiring and entertaining audiences in a way that resonates deeply with the state's vibrant artistic landscape.

Sarah Berges Dance

683 26th St, Oakland, CA 94612, USA