With support from the California Arts Council, Motion Pacific Dance will use funding to support a series of performances, collective community actions, workshops and private gatherings culminating in a multi-day festival, BBQueer (Black, Brown and Queer), in the fall of 2021 and for the development of this event’s following season.
Motion Pacific offers over 1500 dance classes each year for students aged 3 and up. The dance program supports over 100 youth/teen students per semester, as well as a vibrant population of adult dancers. Classes cater to dancers who are just beginning, to those at the pre-professional level. In addition to our regularly scheduled curriculum, Motion Pacific holds dance workshops throughout the year, hosting artists from the local, regional, national, and international stages.
At Motion Pacific, the presentation of dance thrives at all levels. To this end, we run several programs in addition to our bi-annual performance seasons. Our max10 program is an uncurated presentation of short works presented in a low-tech environment. Majesty: A Queer Dance Party and Variety Show hosts drag, burlesque, and queer artistry. Every April, Motion Pacific hosts Santa Cruz Dance Week, a public performance for dance studios and groups in the greater Santa Cruz area. Finally, we co-host the BBQueer Fest, an annual series of workshops, classes, performances, and panels for and by the Black, Brown, and Queer communities. These programs seek feedback and discussion between artists, audiences, and peers.