Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Contemporary Dance & Collaborative Artistry in San Francisco
Founded in 1973, the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company (MJDC) is a collaborative ensemble of dancers, writers, composers, and visual designers dedicated to creating transformative contemporary dance experiences. Our artistic process emphasizes innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and community engagement, pushing boundaries in choreography and performance. Through initiatives like CHIME (Choreographers in Mentorship Exchange) and international partnerships, we foster artistic growth and dialogue. Our work has been presented globally, with over 90 original compositions and residencies across the United States, Europe, and Asia.We maintain a commitment to preserving dance history through archival projects and educational outreach. Our San Francisco-based company has shaped the Bay Area's cultural landscape while maintaining international relevance. We believe in dance as a medium for personal and collective transformation, creating safe spaces for artistic risk-taking. Our legacy includes pioneering studio-performance spaces and mentoring generations of artists. With a focus on collaborative creation, we continue to evolve while honoring our 50-year history of artistic excellence.
Services
Contemporary Dance Performances
Mentorship Programs
Community Workshops
International Collaborations
Archival Projects
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of pioneering contemporary dance innovation
- Our unique collaborative process involves international artists across disciplines
- Our artistic director has received a Guggenheim Fellowship and multiple Isadora Duncan Awards
- We provide mentorship through CHIME, a nationally recognized choreography exchange program
- Our archival projects preserve dance history at UC Berkeley's Bancroft Library
What people say
Magical performances
Dedicated artists
Transformative power
International influence
Preserving dance history
Services
Contemporary Dance Performances
Our contemporary dance performances feature original choreography created through collaborative processes. We present innovative works that challenge traditional boundaries in dance, incorporating multimedia elements and cross-disciplinary partnerships. Each performance offers audiences a unique experience that combines movement, visual design, and conceptual storytelling.
Mentorship Programs
Our CHIME mentorship program connects emerging choreographers with established artists for creative exchange. This initiative fosters professional growth through structured mentorship relationships and collaborative projects. Participants gain valuable insights into the creative process while developing their artistic voices within a supportive community environment.
Community Workshops
We offer community workshops that engage diverse audiences with contemporary dance practices. These interactive sessions provide hands-on experiences with our artistic processes and techniques. Workshops cater to various skill levels and age groups, promoting accessibility to contemporary dance while fostering local artistic development.
International Collaborations
Our international collaborations create cross-cultural dialogues through dance. We partner with artists worldwide to develop new works that blend diverse artistic traditions. These collaborations result in unique performances that reflect global perspectives while maintaining our signature collaborative approach to creation.
Archival Projects
Our archival initiatives document and preserve contemporary dance history. We collect and maintain extensive records of our creative processes, performances, and collaborations. These materials are made publicly accessible through partnerships with institutions like UC Berkeley's Bancroft Library for research and educational purposes.
People
Margaret Jenkins
Artistic Director
Founder of MJDC with 50+ years of innovative choreography, Guggenheim Fellow, and recipient of multiple Isadora Duncan Awards. Pioneered collaborative dance practices and mentorship programs.
Kegan Marling
Executive Director
Manages organizational operations with extensive experience in arts administration. Oversees strategic planning and production coordination for MJDC's performances and projects.
Carolina Czechowska
Project Manager
Former dancer with international companies, now managing MJDC's collaborative projects. Brings expertise in dance education and community engagement initiatives.
Casey Thorne
Fundraising Manager
Leads development efforts for MJDC's programs and Legacy in Motion project. Manages donor relations and grant acquisition to support artistic initiatives.
Questions
What makes MJDC's approach to dance unique?
Our collaborative process involves artists across disciplines in creating original works that push dance boundaries through innovative choreography and multimedia integration.
How can emerging choreographers get involved?
Our CHIME mentorship program connects emerging artists with established professionals for creative exchange and professional development opportunities.
Do you offer community dance classes?
We provide workshops and community programs that engage diverse audiences with contemporary dance practices at various skill levels.
How are donations used?
Donations support our Legacy in Motion project, new performances, archival preservation, and community programs ensuring dance accessibility.
What international collaborations have you done?
We've partnered with artists in India, China, Israel, Sweden, and Japan, creating cross-cultural works like 'Other Suns' and 'A Slipping Glimpse'.
How can I attend performances?
Check our website for current season details at Z Space in San Francisco and touring schedules for international and domestic venues.
