Garth Grimball
ODC Theater’s Art Club is a subscription-based membership that raises funds to support the theater as a home for dance and live arts in the Bay Area, and offers unique experiences for members to gather and experience dance together.
What has your experience as an Art Club member been since you joined?
I think the entire experience of being able to see different artists utilize the ODC Theater space in their performances is really interesting. And to see who attends — other people from dance community who have been anticipating the experience. It is a luxury to have the performance.
As an Art Club member, I love introducing friends to ODC Theater on a more intimate level, in a more intimate way to get to know the artists before and after the performance. The variety of programming has been excellent.
Having a routine with Art Club is really helpful, it’s consistent. I don’t know if I would go on my own without the support of Art Club. Its a very curated experience that makes it easy.
Did you see a lot of dance prior to joining Art Club?
Prior to Art Club, I was somewhat familiar with modern, experimental dance. Seeing dancers from ODC and SF Ballet, and ODC leaders like Brenda Way and Kimi Okada come and see performances at ODC Theater, makes it all feel more accessible. It’s a really excellent way to get to know the community in an up close and personal way. A lot of people have ideas that modern dance is some lofty, removed art. It can be, but it can also be a way to process what’s happening.
Being an Art Club member makes entry into modern, experimental dance very easy. It’s thoughtfully done. You get to meet a lovely community. My guests have always been impressed by how relatable it is. You feel so lucky you get to see the performances at such an intimate level. There’s so much going on in San Francisco every weekend that having a program curated for you is very special.
What would you say to people who are interested in dance but maybe don’t know where to start?
There a lot of stigma against modern dance sometimes. If it’s someone’s first exposure I’ll just bring them as a guest. The fact that we can have time speaking with staff, performers, it’s way more personal. Everyone I know in San Francisco appreciates the ODC Theater space, and they have overall been impressed with the venue and how it is used, how you can see local and touring artists. It is a win-win all around.
Being a member of Art Club is a really great introduction to modern dance, and it’s a really good date. It’s stimulating. The size makes it feel like a VIP experience, you’re not just a number in line being developed. ODC is personal. The culture is great.
The Joy & Community of ODC Theater’s Art Club with Lilian Tsai was originally published in ODC.dance.stories on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.