Urban jazz Dance Company

For locals across California, and particularly those deeply rooted in the diverse and culturally rich tapestry of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Urban Jazz Dance Company stands out as a truly unique and impactful point of interest. Founded in 2007 by the visionary Deaf dancer and choreographer Antoine Hunter, this company is far more than just a performance group; it is a powerful vehicle for education, advocacy, and artistic expression. Comprised of a dynamic mix of professional Deaf and hearing dancers, Urban Jazz Dance Company is dedicated to providing opportunities for Deaf and other-abled artists, while simultaneously raising awareness about Deaf issues through the captivating medium of performing arts. Their work seamlessly integrates the syncopation of urban jazz rhythms with the expressiveness of American Sign Language (ASL), creating performances that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful and universally accessible. For those in the Bay Area seeking to engage with dance that is both innovative and socially conscious, Urban Jazz Dance Company offers an experience that resonates long after the final bow.

At its heart, Urban Jazz Dance Company values the importance of play and performance as a means to connect cultures of all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of their work, from their engaging school assemblies to their impactful campus talks and major festival appearances. Artistic Director Antoine Hunter, also known as Purple Fire Crow, is an internationally recognized Black, Indigenous, Deaf, and Two Spirit choreographer, dancer, and advocate whose personal and professional lived experiences infuse the company's work with authenticity and profound insight. The company views Deafness not as a disability, but as a rich human experience with its own unique values, principles, and cultural norms, a perspective they powerfully convey through their artistry. They are also the proud producers of the annual Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival (BAIDDF), a groundbreaking event that further celebrates the creative talents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing performing and fine artists. This dedication to inclusivity and empowerment makes Urban Jazz Dance Company a vital and inspiring presence in the California arts landscape, offering transformative experiences for both Deaf and hearing audiences alike.

The Urban Jazz Dance Company, while performing and engaging with communities across the Bay Area and beyond, maintains its administrative presence at 1446 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA. This central San Francisco location places it within a vibrant urban core, making it relatively accessible for many residents across the city and surrounding areas. Given its mission to reach diverse audiences, accessibility is a key consideration for their performances and engagements. When the company performs at various venues, they actively work to ensure their events are as accessible as possible. For instance, their home season shows often include ASL/English interpreters for all performances, and specific dates may offer live captions and audio descriptions for blind and low-vision audience members, demonstrating a strong commitment to universal access. Their performances often take place in venues that are wheelchair accessible and located near public transportation hubs. For example, some past performance venues in San Francisco have been noted for being near BART stations (like Powell BART or 16th and Mission BART) and various MUNI bus lines, providing convenient public transit options. While the Market Street address primarily serves as an administrative base, their expansive reach through performances and workshops across schools, universities, and festivals ensures their presence is felt throughout the Bay Area, making their artistic and educational offerings widely available to the local California community.

Urban Jazz Dance Company offers a compelling range of services that extend beyond traditional dance performances, embodying their mission of education, advocacy, and cultural connection through movement.

• Professional Dance Performances: The company delivers captivating and thought-provoking performances that feature a unique blend of urban jazz rhythms and American Sign Language. These shows are designed to thrill both Deaf and hearing audiences, often exploring themes related to Deaf culture, identity, and social issues, such as homelessness within the Deaf community. They perform at diverse venues, including schools, universities, community centers, and major festivals across the Bay Area and internationally.
• Educational Assemblies and Talks: As evidenced by customer reviews, Urban Jazz Dance Company provides highly engaging, educational, and uplifting performances and talks for various institutions, including elementary schools and college campuses. These sessions introduce audiences to Deaf culture, the power of dance, and the lived experiences of Deaf and other-abled artists, leaving a lasting positive impression.
• Workshops: The company offers exciting dance workshops for both children and adults, led by their talented Deaf and International Artists. These workshops provide practical dance instruction while also integrating elements of Deaf culture and communication, making them accessible and enriching for participants of all backgrounds.
• Consultation and Advocacy: Artistic Director Antoine Hunter and the company actively engage in advocacy, using their platform to raise awareness about Deaf rights, women's rights, and disability rights. They consult on accessibility, often sharing their expertise on creating truly inclusive spaces and experiences.
• Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival (BAIDDF): As producers of this annual festival, the company provides a significant platform for Deaf and Hard of Hearing performing and fine artists. BAIDDF features workshops in Deaf Leadership Development within the arts and showcases collaborative works between hearing and Deaf artists, enriching the cultural landscape for the entire Bay Area community.
• #DeafWoke Online Talk Show: In response to the need for amplified voices, Antoine Hunter founded #DeafWoke, an online talk show that specifically highlights BIPOC Deaf and Disabled stories, serving as a powerful force for cultural change and accessible dialogue.

Urban Jazz Dance Company is distinguished by several profound features and highlights that make it an invaluable asset and a compelling point of interest for locals in the California region.

• Deaf-Led and Inclusive Excellence: At its core, the company is founded and directed by pioneering Deaf artist Antoine Hunter, and comprises a mix of professional Deaf and hearing dancers. This unique composition ensures authentic representation and innovative artistic approaches that bridge the Deaf and hearing worlds. Their work explicitly promotes Deafness as a human experience with its own rich culture, rather than a disability.
• Educational and Uplifting Performances: Reviewers consistently highlight the performances as "educational, uplifting, and fun!" Whether it's an elementary school assembly or a university lecture, the company's ability to engage, connect, and inspire audiences with powerful messages and dynamic dance is a major draw.
• Advocacy Through Art: Urban Jazz Dance Company goes beyond entertainment, actively using dance as a medium for social change and advocacy. They address critical issues like mental health access for the Deaf community and homelessness, making their art deeply relevant and impactful.
• Visionary Leadership: Artistic Director Antoine Hunter (Mx. Antoine Hunter / Purple Fire Crow) is an internationally recognized, award-winning artist and advocate whose unique identity as Black, Indigenous, Deaf, and Two Spirit informs groundbreaking choreography and profound storytelling. Their leadership ensures the company's artistic integrity and social mission remain at the forefront.
• Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival (BAIDDF): The company's production of this annual festival is a monumental highlight. BAIDDF provides an essential platform for Deaf and Hard of Hearing artists globally, attracting talent and audiences to the Bay Area and solidifying its reputation as a hub for inclusive dance.
• Accessibility as an Integrated Value: Accessibility is not an afterthought but an intrinsic part of their productions and engagements. Offering ASL interpretation, live captions, and audio descriptions for performances demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring that their art is truly accessible to all audiences.
• Community Connection and Outreach: The company actively engages with diverse communities, performing at schools, universities, and senior homes, and partnering with organizations like Bay Area Black Deaf Advocates. They use dance as an expression of healing and empowerment, reaching far beyond traditional performance venues.

For those in California interested in connecting with Urban Jazz Dance Company, learning more about their work, or inquiring about performances and workshops, here is their contact information:

Address: 1446 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Phone: (510) 575-9711

Mobile Phone: +1 510-575-9711

Urban Jazz Dance Company is an exceptionally suitable and enriching point of interest for locals throughout the California region, particularly within the San Francisco Bay Area. Its unique mission, led by the visionary Antoine Hunter, offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with dance that is not only artistically excellent but also deeply impactful and socially relevant. For residents seeking performing arts that actively champion diversity, inclusion, and education, Urban Jazz Dance Company provides a powerful and authentic experience. Their performances are lauded for being "educational, uplifting, and fun," making complex themes accessible and inspiring for all ages. The company's commitment to accessibility, evident in their provision of ASL interpreters and other access services at events, ensures that their art is truly for everyone. Furthermore, their role in producing the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival cements their status as a cultural beacon, fostering a vibrant platform for Deaf artists. Whether you're a student, an arts enthusiast, an advocate for social change, or simply looking for a meaningful and memorable cultural experience, Urban Jazz Dance Company offers a profound connection to the power of dance and the richness of the human experience, making it an invaluable local treasure in the Bay Area.

Urban jazz Dance Company

1446 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA