Business Details
35 Years
experience
Contemporary Dance Performances & Education in Hartford
Founded in 1991, Sonia Plumb Dance (SPDC) is a Connecticut-based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to enriching communities through innovative contemporary-modern dance. Our mission centers on education, inspiration, and accessibility, offering performances, workshops, and community outreach that address societal issues while fostering inclusivity. With over three decades of experience, we collaborate with artists, educators, and institutions to create multidisciplinary works that challenge norms and spark dialogue. Our programming spans stages, classrooms, and public spaces, emphasizing equity in dance education and access for underserved populations.SPDCs artistic vision merges choreography with technology, history, and environmental advocacy, exemplified by projects like *The Sound of Migration* and *Penelopes Odyssey*. We prioritize training a diverse workforce, providing free/low-cost performances, and engaging communities in program development. Recognizing historical inequities, we actively counter exclusion by diversifying hiring practices, board representation, and partnerships. Our work acknowledges ancestral Indigenous lands and strives to create a more inclusive dance ecosystem regionally and globally.
Services
Contemporary Dance Performances
Community Outreach Programs
Educational Workshops
Arts Integration Residencies
Digital Dance Projects
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in contemporary-modern dance and community engagement.
- Our programming prioritizes equity, diversity, and accessibility in dance education.
- We create multidisciplinary performances addressing societal and environmental issues.
- Our partnerships with schools and institutions expand dance access to underserved populations.
- We actively collaborate with artists across disciplines for innovative productions.
What people say
Powerful storytelling
Innovative use of technology
Emotionally resonant performances
Accessible community programs
Diverse artistic collaborations
Services
Contemporary Dance Performances
Our contemporary-modern dance performances blend storytelling, technology, and social commentary. Through works like *The Sound of Migration* and *Penelopes Odyssey*, we explore themes of climate change, identity, and human connection. Each production features original choreography, live music collaborations, and multimedia elements, creating immersive experiences for diverse audiences.
Educational Workshops
We offer workshops and classes for all skill levels, emphasizing accessibility and creative expression. Programs like *Active Bodies/Active Minds* cater to children on the autism spectrum, while community residencies integrate dance into school curricula. Our teaching artists focus on physical literacy, cultural awareness, and confidence-building through movement.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives bring dance to underserved populations through free performances, scholarships, and partnerships. We collaborate with schools, hospitals, and cultural organizations to create inclusive programming. Initiatives include low-cost ticket options, in-kind donation programs, and tailored residencies that address local community needs.
Digital Dance Projects
Innovative digital projects expand our reach through online streaming and multimedia integration. Collaborations like the Bushnell Digital Dance Project use projection mapping and AI to create hybrid live-digital experiences. These initiatives preserve artistic quality while making performances accessible to global audiences and remote communities.
Arts Integration Residencies
We partner with schools to develop arts-integrated curricula that combine dance with academic subjects. Residencies align with state standards while fostering creativity and physical engagement. Programs emphasize cross-disciplinary learning, cultural history, and emotional expression, serving as a model for holistic education in public and private institutions.
People
Sonia Plumb
Artistic Director
Founder of SPDC in 1991, Sonia Plumb is a visionary choreographer with 30+ years of experience in contemporary dance. Her work explores social themes through multidisciplinary collaborations, earning recognition for innovation in dance education and community engagement.
Ryan Glista
Bushnell Digital Dance Project
Digital arts specialist who collaborated with SPDC on groundbreaking projection-mapped performances. Ryan brings expertise in integrating technology with live dance, creating immersive visual experiences that expand the boundaries of traditional stage productions.
Questions
How can I support Sonia Plumb Dance Company?
Support through tax-deductible donations via PayPal, Venmo, or check. Corporate sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and volunteer opportunities are also available at various commitment levels.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we provide arts integration residencies and workshops aligned with curriculum standards. Programs include *Dance in the Classroom* and tailored sessions for special needs students.
Where are performances held?
Performances occur regionally in Connecticut and Vermont, with select national and international collaborations. Digital projects expand access to global audiences through online streaming.
Are volunteer opportunities available?
Volunteers assist with ushering, fundraising, costume creation, and event production. Contact us directly to discuss matching your skills with our production needs.
How does SPDC promote diversity?
We prioritize inclusive hiring, offer free/low-cost access to performances, and develop community-driven programming. Our initiatives specifically address historical inequities in dance education and professional opportunities.
Reviews (1)
Katie Riel
Dec 15, 2019
Report
Paid $60 to see the Busted Nut, left very confused. At least the drinks and food were good (go Black Eyed Sally’s!). Could have choreographed something better in my living room 😕
