Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home for Inclusive Dance Education in Berkeley
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, our studio fosters an inclusive environment for movers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. We offer diverse dance classes spanning multiple styles while serving as a rehearsal and performance venue for local artists. Our commitment to equity and inclusion drives partnerships with community organizations and initiatives like the Queering Dance Festival. With over six decades of experience, we combine rigorous artistic training with a dedication to creating equitable spaces for expression.Our team of seasoned instructors and administrators prioritizes accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and artistic innovation. We actively work to dismantle systemic barriers through programming that centers BIPOC voices and supports dancers with disabilities. As stewards of this historic institution, we balance tradition with progressive values to ensure dance remains a transformative force for future generations.
Services
Adult Dance Classes
Youth Programs
Community Events
Queering Dance Festival
Performance Space
Rehearsal Rentals
Dance Workshops
Teacher Training
Inclusive Programming
Artist Support
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer over 65 years of dance education expertise in the East Bay
- Our programming includes 11+ dance styles weekly for all skill levels
- We provide wheelchair-accessible facilities at BANDALOOP in Oakland
- Our Queering Dance Festival supports LGBTQ+ artists and expression
- We actively work to center BIPOC voices in dance education and performance
What people say
Inclusive environment
Diverse programming
Welcoming community
Equity initiatives
Experienced instructors
Services
Adult Dance Classes
We offer comprehensive adult dance classes in 11+ styles including ballet, modern, contemporary, and jazz. Our experienced instructors cater to all skill levels from beginner to professional. Classes emphasize technical development, artistic expression, and community building while maintaining rigorous standards of excellence.
Youth Programs
Our youth programs provide structured dance education for children aged 3-18 with focus on creative movement and technical training. Certified instructors nurture artistic growth while emphasizing inclusivity, with financial aid available to ensure accessibility for all families.
Queering Dance Festival
This annual festival creates space for queer artists through performances, workshops, and community dialogues. The program supports LGBTQ+ expression in dance while fostering connections between artists and audiences in the East Bay's vibrant creative community.
Performance Space
Our studios serve as rehearsal and performance spaces for local artists, companies, and community groups. The facility supports creative development with accessible pricing and technical resources for emerging and established dance professionals.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with local organizations to expand dance access and community engagement. Partnerships include joint programming with BANDALOOP and cultural initiatives that address systemic inequities in the arts sector.
People
Jill Randall
Co-Director & Artistic Programming Director
Jill Randall has been part of SADC since 1998 with 26 years in Bay Area dance. She co-founded the Dance IS Festival and expanded SADC's programs from 2006-2010. She writes for Dance Teacher and maintains two dance blogs.
Bianca Cabrera
Director of Education and Operations
Bianca Cabrera directs SADC's education programs and founded Blind Tiger Society. With training from Alvin Ailey School and Cornish College, she has performed with notable Bay Area companies and received awards from Soul of Oakland and arts foundations.
April C. Taylor
Communications & Development Manager
April C. Taylor brings 12 years of arts education experience to SADC. A performing artist and Mills College graduate, she has taught in Bay Area schools since 2000 and serves as a key administrative team member.
Suhaila Salimpour
Board Chair
Suhaila Salimpour is a pioneering belly dance artist and educator with international recognition. She directs the Salimpour School of Dance and received the Isadora Duncan Special Award for her production 'Dancing with Hafez'.
Noah James III
Development Associate
Noah James III brings 20+ years of dance experience to SADC while completing his degree in Philanthropy and Fundraising. He co-directs Visceral Roots Dance Company and advocates for sickle cell awareness through his work with UCSF.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for adults?
We offer 11+ styles including ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, Afro dance, and belly dance with classes for all skill levels.
Are your facilities accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, our BANDALOOP location in Oakland is fully wheelchair accessible with appropriate amenities.
Do you have programs for children?
We provide youth classes for ages 3-18 with financial aid options available to ensure accessibility for all families.
What community initiatives do you support?
We partner with local organizations, host the Queering Dance Festival, and prioritize BIPOC artist representation in programming.
Can I rent your space for rehearsals?
Yes, we offer rehearsal and performance space rentals with technical support available for dance professionals.
How do you promote diversity in dance?
We actively work to dismantle systemic barriers through inclusive hiring, programming that centers marginalized voices, and accessibility initiatives.
