Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Berkeley for All Ages
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center has been a cornerstone of dance education and community engagement in the East Bay since 1958. Founded by Frank Shawl and Victor Anderson, the center was established to provide accessible dance education and foster a vibrant cultural environment. Our mission is to build an inclusive community for movers of all ages and styles, offering diverse dance classes, institutional support for artists, and a platform for performance and collaboration.We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively working to dismantle systemic barriers and create spaces where all individuals feel seen and valued. With over six decades of experience, we combine rigorous artistic training with a commitment to social justice, ensuring dance remains a transformative and accessible art form for future generations.
Services
Adult Dance Classes
Youth Dance Programs
Community Performances
Dance Workshops
Performance Space Rentals
Queering Dance Festival
Creative Movement Classes
Ballet Instruction
Contemporary Dance Training
Dance Teacher Mentorship
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of experience in dance education and community engagement.
- Our inclusive environment welcomes dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
- We prioritize diversity, equity, and anti-racist practices in all aspects of our programming.
- Our faculty includes award-winning instructors and professional artists with global experience.
- We provide accessible programming through financial aid, community partnerships, and multiple locations.
What people say
Inclusive environment
Experienced instructors
Community engagement
Diverse programming
Welcoming atmosphere
Services
Adult Dance Classes
We offer comprehensive adult dance classes in diverse styles including ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. Our programs cater to all skill levels from beginners to professional dancers seeking refinement. With experienced instructors and flexible scheduling, these classes promote physical fitness, artistic expression, and community connection through movement education.
Youth Dance Programs
Our youth programs provide structured dance education for children aged 3-18, focusing on creative movement and technical development. Certified instructors nurture artistic growth while emphasizing inclusivity and self-expression. Classes prepare young dancers for potential professional paths while maintaining accessible, joyful learning environments that reflect our commitment to community engagement.
Community Performances
We produce and host performances like the Queering Dance Festival and Dance Up Close series. These events showcase local artists and foster cultural exchange through contemporary dance. Our programming prioritizes diverse voices and experimental works, reinforcing our role as a vital arts hub for the East Bay creative community since 1958.
Performance Space Rentals
Our studios in Berkeley and Oakland provide professional rehearsal and performance spaces for dance companies and artists. Accessible facilities include sprung floors, lighting systems, and technical support. Rentals support our mission to sustainably serve Bay Area dance professionals while generating resources for community programs.
Dance Teacher Mentorship
We offer professional development opportunities for dance educators through workshops and master classes. Our mentorship programs emphasize inclusive teaching practices and contemporary pedagogy. This initiative extends our educational mission beyond students to strengthen dance instruction quality across the region.
People
Jill Randall
Admin Director of Artistic Programming and Staff Support
Jill Randall has been part of SADC since 1998, with 26 years of Bay Area dance experience. A former performer with Nina Haft & Company, she focuses on dance education and community engagement. She received the Herbst Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013.
Bianca Cabrera
Director of Education and Operations
Bianca Cabrera directs SADC's educational programs and operations. With a performance background spanning 25 years, she founded Blind Tiger Society and has taught at institutions including Velocity Dance Center and Oberlin College. She received early training at the Chicago Academy for the Arts.
April C. Taylor
Communications & Development Manager
April C. Taylor graduated from Mills College with a BA in Women's Studies and Dance. A performing artist and educator, she has taught in Bay Area schools for twelve years. She has been an active SADC community member since 1997.
Elizabeth Zepeda
Youth Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Zepeda has been with SADC for over 20 years. A graduate of Saint Mary's College and Mills College dance programs, she teaches dance and pilates while managing youth programming. She has performed with notable Bay Area dance companies.
Suhaila Salimpour
Board Chair
Suhaila Salimpour is a pioneering belly dance instructor and choreographer. She directs the Salimpour School of Dance and received the 2024 Isadora Duncan Special Award. She serves as Board Chair while completing her MFA in Dance at Saint Mary's College.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, contemporary, modern, hip-hop, Afro-dance, belly dance, and experimental styles across our adult and youth programs.
Are classes available for beginners?
Yes, all our dance classes welcome all skill levels, with specific beginner-focused offerings in both adult and youth programs.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide financial aid options for youth and adult programs to ensure accessible dance education for all community members.
How can I rent performance space?
Our Berkeley and Oakland studios are available for rental. Contact us through our website for availability and technical specifications.
What community initiatives do you support?
We partner with local organizations, produce equity-focused festivals, and maintain a wheelchair-accessible Oakland location to support diverse artists.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students can participate in showcases, and we produce annual events like the Queering Dance Festival and Dance Up Close series.
