Della Davidson Performance Studio

Deep within the vibrant campus of the University of California, Davis, lies a truly special venue dedicated to the art of movement and interdisciplinary expression: the Della Davidson Performance Studio. This studio, located in Nelson Hall, serves as a dynamic hub for the Department of Theatre and Dance, embodying the spirit and innovative legacy of its namesake, Mary Adele "Della" Davidson. A renowned modern dancer, choreographer, and beloved professor, Della Davidson was a central figure in the Bay Area dance world, celebrated for her fearless exploration of human experience through movement and her commitment to blending various artistic disciplines.

For locals across California, especially those in the Sacramento Valley and beyond, the Della Davidson Performance Studio represents a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge performance art, witness the development of new choreographic works, and experience the transformative power of dance. It’s more than just a stage; it's a creative crucible where students, faculty, and visiting artists push the boundaries of performance, often integrating dance with film, technology, and compelling narratives.

The studio stands as a testament to Davidson’s vision of dance as a powerful form of activism, deeply rooted in feminist perspectives and a challenging exploration of societal roles. It continues to be a place where innovation flourishes, providing a vital space for artistic development and public engagement within the academic and broader Californian communities.

The Della Davidson Performance Studio is precisely located within Nelson Hall at the University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. This placement within a major university campus offers exceptional accessibility for both students and the public.

For those driving, UC Davis is easily reached via Interstate 80, a major east-west freeway connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento and beyond. Once on campus, Nelson Hall is part of the central academic core, and clear signage directs visitors to various buildings. Parking on the UC Davis campus is well-organized, with several parking structures and lots available. Visitors can often find information on daily parking permits and visitor parking locations on the UC Davis Transportation Services website, making planning a visit straightforward.

For individuals relying on public transportation, UC Davis is well-served by local and regional bus services, including Unitrans, the campus and city bus system, which has numerous stops across campus, often within walking distance of Nelson Hall. For those traveling from further afield in California, Amtrak's Davis station is conveniently located near the campus, providing rail access from major cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oakland, with local transit connections to the university grounds.

The studio's location within a university setting also provides the benefit of a lively academic environment, with nearby dining options, coffee shops, and other campus amenities that visitors can utilize before or after attending a performance or event. This central and well-connected location in Davis makes the Della Davidson Performance Studio a convenient and accessible destination for experiencing innovative dance and performance art.

As a key facility within the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance, the Della Davidson Performance Studio primarily facilitates a range of academic, artistic, and community-oriented services. While it's not a commercial venue in the traditional sense, its services are integral to the university's mission and open to the public through various programs:

• Academic Instruction and Rehearsal Space: The studio serves as a primary space for UC Davis Theatre and Dance students to attend classes, conduct rehearsals for performances, and develop their choreographic and performance skills.
• Student and Faculty Performances: It hosts numerous performances by UC Davis students, including graduate and undergraduate showcases, thesis presentations, and works choreographed by faculty members.
• Experimental Performance Practice: The studio is a known venue for "Performance Practice Initiative" sessions, which involve improvisation, embodied multimedia experiments, and poetic somatic explorations, often open to participants. These sessions encourage interdisciplinary exploration in art, dance, and performance.
• Visiting Artist Workshops and Residencies: Occasionally, the studio welcomes renowned visiting artists and choreographers who conduct workshops, give lectures, and sometimes present their own works or collaborate with UC Davis students and faculty.
• Public Showcases and Festivals: While specific public events vary by academic quarter and year, the studio is a venue for public-facing performances, often free or low-cost, allowing the broader community to experience new and experimental works.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Reflecting Della Davidson's own artistic practice, the studio fosters collaborations across disciplines, serving as a space for combining dance with visual art, film, sound, and technology.
• Community Engagement: Through its performances and occasional open practice sessions, the studio contributes to the cultural life of the Davis community and the broader Californian arts scene.

The Della Davidson Performance Studio, while a specific physical space, carries significant artistic and educational features and highlights, reflecting the legacy of its namesake and its role within UC Davis:

• Legacy of Della Davidson: The studio is a living tribute to Della Davidson, a pioneering modern dancer, choreographer, and feminist artist. Her influence on interdisciplinary work, powerful female narratives, and the fearless integration of diverse artistic elements continues to shape the studio's ethos.
• Hub for Modern and Interdisciplinary Dance: It is a central location for the development and presentation of modern dance and performance art that often transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating multimedia, theatrical elements, and new technologies.
• Support for Emerging Artists: As a university facility, it is instrumental in nurturing the next generation of dancers, choreographers, and performance artists. Students have the opportunity to develop and showcase their original works in a professional setting.
• Focus on Embodied Exploration: Programs and practices within the studio often delve into "embodied multimedia experiments" and "poetic somatic explorations," emphasizing a deep connection between movement, body, and artistic expression.
• Contribution to UC Davis's Arts Program: The studio is a vital component of UC Davis's strong Department of Theatre and Dance, playing a crucial role in its curriculum and performance offerings, often complementing larger productions held at the Mondavi Center.
• Platform for Thought-Provoking Work: Reflecting Davidson's own work which often addressed themes like gender stereotypes and the human condition, the studio continues to be a space where artists can create and present socially conscious and intellectually stimulating performances.
• Flexible and Adaptive Space: As a performance studio, it is designed to be adaptable, accommodating various choreographic and theatrical needs, from intimate solo performances to ensemble works and experimental installations.

For direct contact with the Della Davidson Performance Studio, given its location within Nelson Hall at the University of California, Davis, the primary contact information is associated with the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance.

Address: Nelson Hall, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA

As a departmental studio, there isn't typically a direct public phone number specifically for the Della Davidson Performance Studio itself. For inquiries regarding studio use, performance schedules, or the Department of Theatre and Dance, it is best to contact the main administrative office of the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance. Their general contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, can be found on the official UC Davis Theatre and Dance website. This ensures you reach the appropriate personnel who can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on events, programs, and studio availability.

The Della Davidson Performance Studio stands out as an exceptional resource for locals throughout California, particularly for those passionate about dance, theatre, and innovative performance art. Its location within UC Davis provides a unique bridge between academic rigor and artistic exploration, making high-quality, often cutting-edge, performances accessible to the public.

For residents of Davis and the surrounding Sacramento Valley, the studio offers a consistent stream of culturally enriching experiences. It's a place where you can witness the future of dance and performance unfolding, supporting emerging artists as they hone their craft and challenge traditional forms. The opportunity to see new choreographic works, often multidisciplinary in nature, provides a refreshing alternative to more conventional entertainment options.

Moreover, the studio carries the powerful legacy of Della Davidson herself, an artist known for her deep commitment to exploring complex social themes through movement. This means that performances at the studio are often not just aesthetically engaging but also intellectually stimulating, inviting audiences to reflect on important issues. For those interested in the academic side of performing arts, the studio occasionally hosts public workshops or showcases that allow for a deeper dive into the creative process.

For students and aspiring artists in California, the studio represents an invaluable learning and performance environment. Being able to train and perform in a space dedicated to fostering innovation, under the guidance of a respected university department, is a significant advantage. Even for those not directly affiliated with UC Davis, attending performances here offers inspiration and a chance to engage with the next generation of artistic talent.

In essence, the Della Davidson Performance Studio is more than just a venue; it's a vibrant cultural institution that enriches the local community by providing access to thought-provoking, high-quality performance art and preserving the innovative spirit of a significant artist. For anyone in California seeking to experience contemporary dance and performance that is both challenging and inspiring, this studio at UC Davis is a must-visit destination.

Della Davidson Performance Studio

Nelson Hall, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA