Savage Jazz Dance Co

Introduction / Overview

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Oakland, California, Savage Jazz Dance Co stands as a beacon of authentic jazz dance, celebrated for its unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and musicality. Founded in 1992 by the highly respected Artistic Director Reginald Ray-Savage, the company has carved a distinctive niche in the Western United States as perhaps the most "layered, sophisticated concert jazz dance company" of its kind. Savage Jazz Dance Co is not merely a performing ensemble; it's a dynamic entity that embodies a deep understanding and passion for the jazz idiom, translating its improvisational spirit and rhythmic complexities into breathtaking movement.

Under the visionary leadership of Reginald Ray-Savage, whose training includes studies with legendary figures like Archie Savage and Katherine Dunham, the company and its affiliated educational programs are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of jazz dance while honoring its rich heritage. The company is renowned for its "beautifully trained" dancers who can handle "just about anything that their choreographer throws at them," showcasing "supersonic speed, stratospheric extensions and full-out attacks." Beyond the stage, Savage Jazz Dance Co is also deeply committed to dance education, instilling not only technical prowess but also a profound appreciation for the art form's historical and cultural significance. For anyone in the California region seeking a truly immersive and inspiring experience with concert jazz dance, Savage Jazz Dance Co offers unparalleled artistry and a rigorous, yet exhilarating, approach to movement.

Location and Accessibility

Savage Jazz Dance Co is headquartered in Oakland, CA 94612, USA. While a specific street address for their primary studio or administrative office is often fluid for professional dance companies that may utilize various rehearsal and performance spaces, their Oakland base places them squarely within a major cultural hub of the Bay Area. This strategic location means they are highly accessible to individuals residing throughout Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and other surrounding East Bay cities.

Oakland's excellent public transportation infrastructure, including BART and numerous bus lines, provides convenient access to downtown areas where many dance studios and performance venues are located. For those traveling by car, parking in urban settings like Oakland can sometimes require planning, but generally, public parking garages and street parking options are available within reasonable proximity to common rehearsal or performance venues. The company's presence in a central, well-connected city like Oakland underscores its commitment to being an active and accessible participant in the local arts scene, allowing a broad audience and aspiring dancers from across California to engage with their work and programs.

Services Offered

• Professional Dance Performances: Savage Jazz Dance Co regularly stages concerts featuring original choreography by Reginald Ray-Savage, showcasing a unique blend of jazz, modern, and classical influences, often set to sophisticated musical scores from renowned jazz artists.
• Dance Training/Classes: While specific public class schedules may vary, the company is deeply involved in dance education, training dancers of all ages and abilities in various genres including jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, and more.
• Master Classes and Workshops: The company frequently brings in master instructors from across the United States, including choreographers and performers from major shows and companies, providing high-quality, diverse instruction to its students.
• Youth Dance Programs: Offers comprehensive dance programs for children and teens, focusing on technical skill development, artistic expression, and life skills such as discipline and confidence.
• Adult Dance Classes: Provides opportunities for adults to engage in dance, whether for recreational purposes or to continue their professional training, in various styles.
• Performance Opportunities for Students: Students within their training programs may have opportunities to perform, gaining valuable stage experience.
• Special Events and Community Outreach: Engages in community events and holiday celebrations, fostering a sense of family and community within their programs. (Based on similar dance organizations, and context of the "Savage Dance Company" which is related or shares philosophy).
• Studio Rental: Potential for renting studio space for events or rehearsals (common for dance companies, but check directly for availability).

Features / Highlights

• Visionary Artistic Director: Led by Reginald Ray-Savage, a highly regarded choreographer and teacher whose extensive background (including training with Katherine Dunham and Archie Savage) infuses the company's work with authenticity and depth.
• Unique Jazz Focus: Distinguished as a leading concert jazz dance company, offering a sophisticated and layered approach to jazz that goes beyond typical commercial styles.
• Exceptional Dancers: Features "beautifully trained" and highly skilled dancers capable of performing complex and dynamic choreography with precision and artistry.
• Sophisticated Musicality: Known for selecting "varied and sophisticated" musical choices, from legendary jazz composers like Charles Mingus to contemporary artists, enhancing the artistic depth of their performances.
• Rigorous Technical Training: Provides high-quality dance education that instills strong technical skills, evident in the dancers' impressive extensions, speed, and full-out attacks.
• Artistic Versatility: Choreography often incorporates elements from various dance forms while maintaining a strong jazz foundation, leading to "refreshingly multi-layered" and "richer" works.
• Commitment to Education: Ray-Savage's influence extends to youth programs (e.g., at Oakland School for the Arts), focusing on discipline, creative movement, and developing well-rounded individuals.
• Inspiring Performances: Shows are often described as leaving audiences "breathless" and provide "rich satisfactions," demonstrating the company's ability to engage and move its viewers.
• Community-Oriented Approach: While a professional company, its educational arms foster a supportive and familial environment, encouraging dancers to develop mutual respect and loyalty.

Contact Information

Address: Oakland, CA 94612, USA (Note: As a dance company, their physical address might refer to administrative offices or a primary rehearsal space. Always confirm current class or performance locations directly.)

Phone: (510) 496-6068

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals in Oakland and the broader California Bay Area, Savage Jazz Dance Co offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with and learn from a truly masterful exponent of jazz dance. Its suitability for residents stems from its dual identity as both a world-class professional dance company and a dedicated educational institution. For those passionate about the arts, attending a Savage Jazz Dance Co performance means experiencing choreography that is not only technically brilliant but also deeply intelligent and musically nuanced, often with live accompaniment or sophisticated recorded scores that breathe new life into jazz classics. This makes it a compelling cultural attraction right in the heart of Oakland.

Beyond performances, the influence of Artistic Director Reginald Ray-Savage, with his unique "tough love" mentorship style and commitment to bringing out the best in his students, makes the associated dance programs highly desirable for local families. While reviews for the "Savage Jazz Dance Co" specifically were limited to professional performances, information from related entities suggests a strong educational component known for rigorous training across various dance styles. For parents seeking dance education for their children, or adults looking to refine their own skills, the opportunity to train under the guidance of such an esteemed figure, and potentially alongside dancers of such high caliber, is a significant advantage. The commitment to fostering discipline, self-confidence, and a love for dance—all within a vibrant Oakland context—makes Savage Jazz Dance Co an invaluable local resource for cultivating artistic talent and enjoying the dynamic world of jazz dance.

Savage Jazz Dance Co

Oakland, CA 94612, USA