Mixed Bag Productions was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1979 to support Sara Shelton Mann’s work and vision as a choreographer, performer, and teacher. This created an infrastructure to support a collaborative laboratory for Mann and the artists working with her. Mixed Bag is committed to the involvement of artists, dance and music forms from a wide range of cultures, and the company has enjoyed the participation of a diverse, community-wide audience in the Bay Area and beyond. An early manifestation of her work with Mixed Bag was to develop the acclaimed ensemble Contraband, which helped define the San Francisco Bay Area contemporary performance scene in the 1980s and early 90s, producing many iconic and cutting edge works. Mann continues to train artists and produce works through the methodology and lens she established with Contraband.