upside dance co

Welcome to upside dance co, a dynamic and innovative contemporary dance company based in Healdsburg, California. Co-founded in 2012 by the visionary duo Kate Ahumada and Tanya Tolmasoff, upside dance co is more than just a dance studio; it's a creative hub dedicated to expanding the presence and understanding of dance throughout Sonoma County. With a philosophy centered on the belief that "If you can move, you can dance," upside dance co invites individuals of all ages and abilities to explore the joy and transformative power of movement in a supportive and adventurous environment.

upside dance co distinguishes itself by its commitment to non-traditional performances and interactive choreography, often bringing dance to unconventional spaces to connect with new audiences in unpredictable and tangible ways. Their work is characterized by "infectious optimism," multi-media collaborations, and a fresh perspective on what dance can be. Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a curious beginner, or simply someone looking to explore creative movement, upside dance co offers a unique platform to move, create, and collaborate. They aim to foster artistic talent, enhance physical and mental well-being, and strengthen creative communication within the Sonoma County community.

upside dance co is officially located at 401 Center St, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA. This central address places the company within the charming and vibrant downtown area of Healdsburg, a well-known and easily accessible town in Sonoma County. Being on Center Street means the studio is likely in a walkable and community-friendly part of town, making it convenient for local residents.

Healdsburg is a popular destination in Northern California, easily reachable by car via Highway 101 for those traveling from other parts of Sonoma County or the wider Bay Area. While public transportation within Healdsburg itself might be limited compared to larger cities, the central location of 401 Center St generally ensures ease of access for those within the town or arriving from nearby areas. Furthermore, upside dance co often collaborates with other local venues, such as Dragonfly Farm Studio, for specific classes and performances, expanding its physical footprint and accessibility across Healdsburg. This flexible approach to location, combined with a strong community focus, makes upside dance co a readily available resource for anyone in the region interested in exploring contemporary dance.

upside dance co offers a unique array of dance and movement services, designed to cater to a diverse range of ages and experience levels, all while embodying their core philosophy of "Move. Create. Collaborate." Their offerings extend beyond traditional studio classes to include innovative performances and community engagement.

• Adult Dance Classes: upside dance co provides a variety of adult dance classes, focusing particularly on Modern dance and creative movement. These classes are designed to be inclusive, with options for both absolute beginners ("If you can walk you can dance!") and intermediate/advanced dancers. They emphasize body and spatial awareness, musicality, stamina, and provide an adventurous and creative environment. Examples include:
  • Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance
  • Beginning Modern Adult/Teen (ages 13+)
  • Int/Adv UPside class (for continuing dancers)
  These classes often incorporate elements from Yoga, Contemporary Dance, and Ballet, encouraging a holistic approach to movement.
• Kids Classes and Creative Learning: The company offers specialized programs for younger dancers, such as "UPside Kids Classes- Tiny & Mighty" for ages 3-5. These Creative Movement classes focus on structure, solo and collaborative movement, improvisation, and play with props, providing a safe space for children to explore movement.
• Performance Opportunities: A core aspect of upside dance co is creating and presenting new choreographic work. They provide performance opportunities for their dancers and collaborate with local artists. They are known for bringing contemporary dance to "unconventional spaces" and incorporating interactive choreography, offering unique experiences for both performers and audiences. Past performances have included site-specific pieces at venues like Harmon Guest House and Dragonfly Farm.
• Collaborative Projects: The company actively fosters collaborations with local designers, artists, and musicians in Northern California and the Bay Area. This commitment enriches their artistic output and provides unique experiences that blend dance with other art forms, such as live music, poetry, and multi-media design.
• Workshops and Master Classes: upside dance co often organizes workshops and master classes, providing opportunities for dancers to deepen their skills and explore new ideas. These events contribute to the ongoing professional development of dancers and the broader artistic community.
• Community Outreach: Their vision includes bringing dance to the community to strengthen dance as an art form, promote physical and mental health, and enhance creative communication. This includes outreach to schools in Sonoma County for youth programs and supporting dance scholarships.
• Studio Development and Fundraising: They actively work to develop dedicated dance spaces, such as converting a barn at Dragonfly Farm into a studio with specialized flooring and equipment, and engage in fundraising to support student scholarships and studio enhancements.

• Innovative and Unconventional Approach to Dance: upside dance co is renowned for its adventurous and non-traditional approach to contemporary dance. They are celebrated for bringing dance to "unconventional spaces" and incorporating interactive choreography, making performances engaging and accessible to new audiences who might not typically attend traditional dance shows. This innovative spirit is a significant draw.
• Founders' International Experience and Local Roots: Co-directors Kate Ahumada and Tanya Tolmasoff bring a wealth of international professional dance experience from cities like London, New York City, and St. Petersburg, Russia. Their decision to bring their "beaming optimism" back to their Sonoma County roots ensures a high level of expertise combined with a deep commitment to the local community.
• Infectious Optimism and Inclusive Philosophy: The company is known for its "infectious optimism" and the belief that "If you can move, you can dance." This inclusive philosophy aims to demystify dance, inviting people of all backgrounds and abilities to "move" and "create" without intimidation. They describe movement using imagery and action words rather than technical jargon, making it highly approachable for newcomers.
• Holistic Development through Movement: Beyond teaching choreography, upside dance co emphasizes body and spatial awareness, musicality, stamina, and personal expression. Their classes, incorporating elements of Yoga, Contemporary Dance, and Ballet, are designed to enhance overall movement technique and provide a creative outlet that benefits both physical and mental health.
• Strong Collaborative Ethos: A core value of upside dance co is collaboration. They actively seek to foster creative projects and communication with local designers, artists, and musicians. This not only enriches their productions but also strengthens the broader arts community in Northern California and the Bay Area.
• Community Engagement and Scholarship Support: The company is committed to serving the community through youth programs, outreach to schools, and fundraising efforts for student scholarships. Their involvement in events like the Healdsburg Dance Collective's Community Dance Festival underscores their dedication to supporting dance artists and enriching the local cultural scene.
• Development of New Studio Spaces: Their recent efforts in converting a barn at Dragonfly Farm into a dedicated dance studio with specialized flooring and amenities highlight their commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for their students.

For those in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, and surrounding areas eager to connect with upside dance co, whether to inquire about classes, performance schedules, or collaboration opportunities, the following contact information is available:

Address: 401 Center St, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA

Phone: (707) 433-6993

Mobile Phone: +1 707-433-6993

Prospective students, collaborators, and community members are encouraged to use the provided phone numbers for direct inquiries. While the main address is 401 Center Street, it's worth noting that upside dance co also utilizes other venues for classes and performances, such as Dragonfly Farm Studio in Healdsburg, as part of their dynamic and collaborative approach. For the most current class schedules, performance dates, and registration details, contacting them directly via phone or visiting their official website (often linked through the Healdsburg Dance Collective) would be the best approach to engage with this innovative dance company.

For residents of Healdsburg and the wider Sonoma County region, upside dance co stands as an exceptionally suitable and enriching local point of interest. Its profound suitability for locals stems from its unique artistic vision, commitment to accessibility, and deep integration within the community, offering something truly distinctive in the realm of dance and movement.

Firstly, the company's central location at 401 Center St in Healdsburg makes it highly convenient and accessible for local families and individuals. Being situated in the heart of town means reduced travel times and easier integration of dance classes or attending performances into daily routines. This local presence is crucial for fostering consistent engagement and building a vibrant, connected community around the arts.

Secondly, upside dance co’s inclusive philosophy – "If you can move, you can dance" – is a significant draw for locals who might feel intimidated by traditional dance environments. By emphasizing creative movement and expression over strict technical jargon, they open the door to individuals of all ages and prior experience levels, from curious beginners to seasoned movers. This approach ensures that dance is not an exclusive art form but a welcoming space for everyone to explore physical and creative well-being. For those in Sonoma County seeking a unique and non-judgmental way to stay active, express themselves, and connect with their bodies, upside dance co offers an unparalleled opportunity.

Finally, the company's strong emphasis on collaboration and community engagement makes it an invaluable asset to the local cultural landscape. By partnering with local artists, musicians, and other venues, and by bringing dance to "unconventional spaces," upside dance co actively enriches the cultural fabric of Sonoma County. Their commitment to youth programs, community outreach, and supporting dance scholarships demonstrates a deep investment in the well-being and artistic development of local residents. For Healdsburg locals looking for a place to experience innovative performances, cultivate their own movement practice, or simply support a dynamic local arts organization that fosters connection and joy, upside dance co truly embodies the spirit of "move, create, collaborate" within their very own community.

upside dance co

401 Center St, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA