DanceArt was founded in 1998 by Joan Lazarus and Linda Rawlings. Their combined enthusiasm for all things dance- and performance-based, as well as their commitment to the San Francisco Bay Area arts community compelled them to focus their resources on particular projects that had the potential to touch the lives of local, independent artists.

Those early projects included New Shoes/Old Souls, a dance company for people over the age of 40. Even the choreographers and theater technicians working with the company had to meet this age restriction. Choreographers included Michael Smuin, Mark Morris, Priscilla Regalado, and Arturo Fernandez.

DanceArt also raised the necessary funds to put a new sprung floor on the stage at Cowell Theater in Fort Mason. As the only rental theater in the Bay Area seating under 450 with a proscenium, this stage has had a tremendous history. The companies of Michael Smuin, Alonzo King, Joe Goode, Janice Garrett, Patrick Makuakane, The Pickle Family Circus, and Lily Cai are among those who have had their seasons at Cowell.

In 1998, DanceArt also took Summerfest/dance under its wing. The annual choreography festival had been active since 1992 under the direction of artistic founder Cathleen McCarthy and Joan Lazarus. It remains the cornerstone of DanceArt’s presenting programs (renamed WestWave Dance Festival in 2003).

GRANTS AWARDED

In 2010, the Foundation supported WestWave Dance, a presentation of world premiere contemporary choreography from 24 innovative dance artists.