the CONCEPT series: 16

Named the “Best Way to Sample S.F.’s Contemporary Dance Scene” by SF Weekly, the biannual CONCEPT series focuses on intimacy and innovation. Come see some of the top talent of Bay Area dance in a casual environment complete with coffee and snacks. Joining RAWdance for the 16th round are guest artists: Katerina Wong, GERALDCASELDANCE, KT Nelson (of ODC/Dance), tinypistol, and Lauren Simpson and Jenny Stulberg.

SF Weekly summed up the salon: “Dance aficionados and newbies find plenty to like in this semi-regular series at the historic James Howell Studio, hosted and curated by choreographers Ryan T. Smith and Wendy Rein. Because the venue is awkwardly shaped, you’re bound to meet new people — there’s really no option to keep quiet. You pay what you can to enter. There’s food. And the work is really good. Smith and Rein sometimes perform with their entrancing group RAWdance, bolstering this already-strong argument for mixed-bill style performances. And there’s this running joke they have with popcorn. Just go.” The CONCEPT series is all about making dance accessible without sacrificing the art. Choreographers are encouraged to share work at any point along the creation process, from revisiting repertory to testing out a work-in-progress fresh from the studio. The series began in 2007 and has shared the work of 64 guest artists to date, in addition to RAWdance.