DANCE AND DIASPORA Features Works by Jill Parker and Tania Santiago at ODC, 2/22-23

ODC Theater exists to empower and develop innovative artists. It participates in the creation of new works through commissioning, presenting, mentorship and space access; it develops informed, engaged and committed audiences; and advocates for the performing arts as an essential component to the economic and cultural development of our community. The Theater is the site of over 120 performances a year involving nearly 1,000 local, regional, national and International Artists.

Since 1976, ODC Theater has been the mobilizing force behind countless San Francisco artists and the foothold for national and international touring artists seeking debut in the Bay Area. The Theater, founded by Brenda Way, then under the leadership of Rob Bailis for nearly a decade, and currently under the direction of Christy Bolingbroke, has earned its place as a cultural incubator by dedicating itself to creative change-makers, those leaders who give our region its unmistakable definition and flare. Nationally known artists Spaulding Gray, Diamanda Galas, Molissa Fenley, Bill T. Jones, Eiko & Koma, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Ban Rarra and Karole Armitage are among those whose first San Francisco appearance occurred at ODC Theater.

ODC Theater is part of a two-building creative campus dedicated to supporting every stage of the artistic lifecycle - conceptualization, creation, and performance. This includes a flagship company - ODC/Dance - and a School, in partnership with Rhythm and Motion Dance Workout in San Francisco's Mission District. For more information about ODC Theater and all its programs visit odctheater.org.

Dance and Diaspora, a double bill featuring Jill Parker's "Unfolding" and Tânia Santiago's "Movendo con Capoeira", will play tonight, February 22-23, 2013, Friday and Saturday @ 8pm at ODC Theater, 3153 17th Street, San Francisco, Calif. Tickets are $20. Call 415-863-9834, Monday through Friday from 12-3pm. Or visit online at odcdance.org/buytickets.php.

For more about the program, go to odcdance.org/danceanddiaspora.

Pictured: Jill Parker and the Foxglove Sweethearts. Photo Credit: Brad Dosland/TabooMedia.