conder/dance: Tempe's Hub for Innovative Contemporary Dance

conder/dance Introduce

Hello, Arizona arts and culture enthusiasts! Are you looking to engage with innovative contemporary dance, witness captivating performances, or even deepen your own understanding of movement as an art form? If so, you'll want to explore conder/dance, a dynamic contemporary dance company and a significant pillar of the arts community right here in Tempe, AZ. In our bustling and creatively vibrant Valley, conder/dance stands out as a driving force behind pushing artistic boundaries and enriching the cultural landscape for all residents.

Founded by Artistic Director Carley Conder, conder/dance is more than just a performance group; it's an organization committed to nurturing the local dance scene, providing platforms for artists, and bringing world-class dance to Arizona audiences. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what makes conder/dance such an important "point of interest" for locals. We'll delve into its central location, the diverse range of services and artistic contributions it offers, the unique features that set it apart, and why it has become such a valued part of Arizona's cultural fabric. Prepare to discover a world where movement sparks imagination and artistry thrives.

conder/dance is conveniently located at 2022 E Malibu Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA. This address places the organization firmly within Tempe, a central and easily accessible city for residents across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Phoenix itself. Malibu Drive offers straightforward access, contributing to the ease with which audiences and collaborators can connect with the company.

As a resident arts organization of the Tempe Center for the Arts, conder/dance frequently utilizes this esteemed venue for its performances and events. The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) is a well-known cultural landmark with ample parking and accessibility, making it a convenient destination for arts patrons from all over the Valley. This strategic affiliation ensures that conder/dance's impactful work is showcased in a professional setting that is easily reachable for Arizonans looking to immerse themselves in contemporary dance. The combination of the company's operational address and its performance venues makes it highly accessible for the local community to engage with their artistic endeavors.

Services Offered / Artistic Contributions:

Creation of Vibrant New Dance Works: conder/dance consistently choreographs and produces innovative contemporary dance pieces that explore a range of themes and push artistic boundaries.
Performance Engagements: The company performs its critically acclaimed works at various venues across Arizona, including traditional theaters like the Tempe Center for the Arts, Orpheum Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and Mesa Arts Center, as well as non-traditional spaces such as art museums and hotels.
Production of Breaking Ground Festival: conder/dance is the producer of Breaking Ground, a notable annual dance and film festival held at the Tempe Center for the Arts. This festival features local, national, and international dance artists.
Master Classes and School Residencies: Through initiatives like Breaking Ground, conder/dance provides master classes and school residencies, offering valuable educational opportunities for Arizona students and aspiring artists.
Creative Exchange and Collaboration: Actively builds bridges through creative exchange, fostering collaboration with various artists (including visual artists and filmmakers) and other organizations.
Curated Collections of Past Works: Occasionally presents "RETRO" programs that revisit, reorganize, and reimagine pieces from Carley Conder's extensive choreographic history, offering fresh perspectives on two decades of creative evolution.
Partnerships for Site-Specific Performances: Engages in unique collaborations, such as creating live performance programs for iconic Arizona locations like Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.
Multi-Year Collaborations: Undertakes long-term projects, such as collaborations investigating significant themes like water conservation.
Stipends for Guest Artists: Through festivals like Breaking Ground, conder/dance provides honorariums to participating artists, supporting the livelihoods of dance professionals.

Features / Highlights:

Artistic Director Carley Conder: Founded in 2003 by Carley Conder, the company is a reflection of her two decades of choreographic journey, known for her innovative approach and ability to "capture and crystallize the human experience" through movement.
Commitment to Arizona's Cultural Vibrancy: Deeply dedicated to enhancing the artistic environment of its home community, actively providing opportunities for local students, artists, and audiences.
Resident Arts Organization of Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA): This affiliation signifies a strong partnership with a premier local arts venue, ensuring high-quality production values for performances.
Emphasis on Process, Not Just Product: While producing polished performances, the company values the creative process, allowing for exploration, collaboration, and depth in its work.
Inclusivity in Programming: Breaking Ground, for example, seeks a broad range of contemporary dance forms, prioritizing equity, representation, and diversity in its artist selections.
Bringing High-Caliber Artists to Arizona: Through festivals and collaborations, conder/dance ensures that Arizona audiences have access to dance artists of the highest caliber, both local and international.
Innovative and Thought-Provoking Works: Conder's choreography is often described as hyper-physical and explores complex themes, challenging both dancers and audiences.
Adaptability in Performance Spaces: Performs in both traditional and non-traditional venues, showcasing a versatile approach to presenting dance.
Longevity and Impact: With over 20 years of operation, conder/dance has a proven track record of significant contributions to the Arizona dance scene.
Educational Outreach: Provides valuable opportunities for students and aspiring artists to learn directly from leading professionals through master classes and residencies.

Contact Information:

Address: 2022 E Malibu Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

Phone: (480) 570-3263

For locals throughout Arizona, especially those in Tempe and the surrounding East Valley communities, conder/dance represents an incredibly suitable and vital "point of interest" for engaging with the arts. Its core mission to "enhance the cultural vibrancy of its home community in Arizona" directly benefits residents by consistently bringing high-caliber dance performances and educational opportunities to their doorstep. Unlike transient touring companies, conder/dance is deeply invested in the local artistic ecosystem, developing local talent and providing platforms for both established and emerging artists.

The production of the annual Breaking Ground festival is a significant draw for Arizonans, offering a rare chance to experience a diverse range of contemporary dance, from local innovators to national and international talents, all within the accessible confines of the Tempe Center for the Arts. This exposure to varied artistic voices enriches the cultural palate of our community. Furthermore, the company’s commitment to educational initiatives, such as master classes and school residencies, directly benefits aspiring dancers and students across Arizona, providing them with invaluable training and inspiration.

Carley Conder's innovative choreography and her dedication to making dance accessible and thought-provoking, even in non-traditional venues, ensures that there are varied ways for Arizonans to experience their work. For those who appreciate the performing arts, who seek meaningful cultural experiences, or who are simply curious about the world of contemporary dance, conder/dance offers a dynamic and enriching option right here in the heart of our state. It's a testament to Arizona's thriving arts scene and a true asset for anyone looking to connect with creative expression.