We stopped by for some ice coffee after hip hop class — but since it was lunch time, ppl were ordering sandwiches. Most of the people hanging out were students like us, heading over to the café after dance class. The theatre is located near the odc dance studio and there are tables inside for waiting. Other than students or guests waiting for the show, the place wasn’t packed. I’m thinking of using the café to hangout before class and work on my projects. because there were only two people working, I could see they were busy — only focusing on their work and not really chatting with customers. This was fine but there were some trashes and empty cups next to the water place. They should hire other worker besides the barristes to clean the café.
Greg F.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
Great group that offers quiet the variety of different performers to enjoy. We especially over the walking festival each year, but try to never miss their self produced shows either.
Steph D.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Came here for the first time for Maurya Kerr’s «beast.» Really cool space – the stage is ground level and audience is raked(like a movie theatre). Seats maybe 150 people? Tickets were cheap(and there are discounts for seniors/students) and from their schedule it seems like there’s lots of shows going on. There was wine/beer/coffee for sale in the lobby. Street parking. Will definitely go back often.
Kristina R.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Nice venue I’m surprised I never knew about prior to attending this weekend! A bit balmy in the lobby space — not sure if that’s part of it being comfortable for the performers. Looks like they have a coffee bar during the week, which is neat. Very nice space — enjoyed the art installation by Liss Fain Dance Company, and plan to attend again for Sharp & Fine’s show there in October! One thing — the student price($ 20) is a bit steep when the regular price for tickets is only a fraction higher. Why not $ 10 – 15? I know most students like myself, can afford that much more easily! Just a thought.
Lani N.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Beautiful small theatre. We saw Amy Seiwert’s Sketch 4 at ODC(which was AWESOME). It was a wonderful intimate setting. Their calendar is chock full of awesome things to see. Mélange was open while we were as there was a performance that night, they were offering baked goods, coffee. beer, and wine. If you are in San Francisco, or not, it’s a great place to catch an event.
Bianca C.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Great venue. Cheap tickets, and it’s easy to see the stage no matter where you end up sitting
Vol T.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Went there this past weekend to see the Summer Sampler. Nice intimate theather. It’s smallish so I don’t think any of the seats are bad. It is first come first serve and there was already a line 20 minutes before the show as they open 15 minutes before curtain. We were wearing sweaters because it was cold but it is quite warm inside so dress appropriately. They also sell wine at the lobby which is perfect :) Also, it’s maybe a couple of blocks from 16th Street Mission BART so very easy to get to. As for the performances. wow those dancers have stamina! And they were very good. We’ll be back.
Farah S.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
Rhythm and motion dance classes are awesome! Need some cardio and artistic inspiration? Take a dance class and take it here. Great studios, friendly instructors and fellow students and convenient location in the Mission. The actual theater also puts on some amazing dance performances.
Gwynnie p.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
What must it be like to be in Brenda Way’s brain? This amazingly creative choreographer and ODC company founder is going strong, over 40 years in. To see one of her works is to be entranced, enchanted and exhilarated. We are lucky to have her among us. The company dancers at ODC are passionate and lovely to watch. If you missed their just ended run at Yerba Buena Center, get on their mailing list so you’ll know when they’re performing at their home theater. A must!
Jerry Y.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
I guess I’m obligated to write a review here since I’m the duke. I loved working at this theater. It’s a nice and intimate space in the Mission. The crew that was assigned to manage our tour was very professional and were able to deliver on all of our requests. The best part was being able to walk to Mission St and get some bomb Mexican food on lunch breaks. I can’t wait to do it again!
Robin E.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Amazing space, amazing dance
Jen L.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
«I could have danced all night…» Well, maybe the dancers could have. Came here a few weeks to see a short term production called Want. The two year old space and campus was modern, clean and not a bad seat in the house. I liked that the stage isn’t set up above the audience but rather at eye level or below(easier on the necks) and no curtains to raise/lower. At less than 300 seats, it’s large enough to accommodate good size crowds but is still intimate enough to see the performers without binoculars. The performance was mesmerizing, energizing, rhythmic and yes, engaging. A great way to experience live performance art.
Inigo M.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Intimate. Classy.
Lisa R.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
ODC Theater reopened in Fall 2010 to a beautiful new renovated building. I was extremely excited to see Rawdance perform at the space, as I have been following them for a few years. ODC can be counted on for engaging contemporary dance(whether from their own troupe or others), and this performance did not disappoint. I applaud the experimentation with video and 3-D glasses. Tickets for this recent performance were only $ 18, which is roughly what one person would pay for a night at the movies(plus popcorn). If you were ever curious about contemporary dance, take a chance and see a show at this local gem.
XTA s.
Place rating: 1 San Francisco, CA
I a woman of color who used to live around the block from ODC. I took my son, then 9 y. o, to see a casual photo exhibit they had in the lobby of the theater on 17th street. There was no performance on, it was a midafternoon weekday. I think there were a few people talking in the theater or something. My son and i were not being loud, but the one woman in the lobby who worked there kept standing near the door, and finally asked us if we were ready to leave. At the time, i was too confused to react, but later i wondered at how rude she was. It makes me mad to see so-called«culture» nonprofits take up residence in the Mission without trying to do anything for the indigeno people of the Mission, too. Just because you folks don’t want to pay to be downtown.
Carrie A.
Place rating: 5 Bellevue, WA
We watched ODC perform at the Yerba Buena centre recently and absolutely loved it. We had never been to a modern ballet before(and not many traditional ones either) but it was stunning. I loved the simplicity and minimalism of the scenery and costumes. It was like everything was stripped away and it was just about the dancing.
Stefanie B.
Place rating: 5 Los Angeles, CA
The ODC Theater is, and probably always will be, my favorite place to see dance. Sometimes they hold classes here, but with the new space across the street, the old theater is now mostly reserved for performance space, and rightfully so. It’s intimate without being overcrowded and you can still see what’s going on, unlike a lot of similarly small performance spaces. Plus, the programming is generally spectacular and you can always catch a good performance here. Ahh…I get reminiscent just thinking about it :)
Arissa C.
Place rating: 5 Seattle, WA
This review is for the Yaelisa Caminos Flamenco Dance Group which has an ongoing program with the ODC Theatre(until Dec. 16th). Last night I had the magical opportunity to experience the premier of «Jardin de mis Suenos» performed and choreographed by the internationally known artist Yaelisa. Garden of my Dreams portrayed to me the essence of Flamenco– and introduction to the story, a plight for hope and the resilience to persevere. Never has a dream been more real in its pursuit and fulfillment– I definately found the sweet reward through pain and determination but this night belonged to her! Mr. Andres Pena guest stars with the dance company– also a well known artist in his own right– Mr Pena’s dancing could only shine with his performance of «De lo Jondo» in the program. A moving interpretation accented by his taconeo(footwork) and like a pianist the ability to deliver pianissimo to forte phrasing. The excellent tocaor Jason McGuire provided the soulful guitar accompaniment for the dancers. Melissa Cruz, Fanny Ara, Christina Hall, Marina Elana comprised the rest of the dance group. They animated the audience with Cazuela de Pescado(Chor. Yaelisa) and the Fandangos– with their graceful floreo(hand movement) and braceo(arm work) and the fan dance. The singers finalize the cuadro group– the voices of Felix de Lola and Miguel Rosendo were not only earthy in quality but conjured the melancholy and emotional nature of the songs. I would like to mention that the superb costumes by Drea Pacot and M. Mora were beautifully executed ranging in styles, colorful textile choices from the gorgeous mantons(shawls) to the accessories. The ODC Theater provided the stage and the backdrop for the Café ambiance complete with wine and cheese/fruit plate. Hassa!(Great!). PS– If you’re tired of the Nutcracker– try something new– something Flamenco– don’t end the year with a fizz– bring out the fireworks! Tickets prices: $ 40 for 1st and 2nd row caf table seating $ 30 for 3rd and 4th row caf table seating $ 25 for general admission $ 15 youth(12 and under)
Brett D.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
What an amazing space! You can take classes upstairs and see a show in the evening, all in the same venue. Dance has the ability to illustrate the magic that exists in the human form. It doesn’t take much. Some lights, a rhythm and a focused performer. If you have never taken a dance class you are missing out on a very spiritual experience. Right there inside you there is something that can come out. It doesn’t take much. Letting it go is good; letting it go in context seems to make more sense. If you like to broaden your horizons, if you live in San Francisco, take in a show or a class at the ODC theater. You won’t be disappointed.
Lisa T.
Place rating: 5 Oakland, CA
I wound up here on a first date to see a production by Nanos Operetta and inkBoat called«Our Breath Is as Thin as a Hummingbird’s Spine.» I had NOIDEA what to expect. But, seeing as I work with museums and cultural sites for a living, I’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff, and am forced to make it interesting for the common man(viva la common man!). I thought, «I can do this! BRINGITON, smart boy!» (Just kidding. Actually, I was like, «THANKYOU for asking me out and making me feel some measure of self worth! THANKYOUTHANKYOU!») The performance was incredible. If this is the kind of stuff they’re bringing in at ODC, then I’m ashamed I’d never heard of it before now. Truly ashamed. I will be keeping my eye on this place from now on. The space itself is a classic black box theater. Its intimate size, exposed brick walls and wood-beam ceilings, coupled with the fluttering orchestrations of Nanos and the whimsical, Tim-Burtonesque sets created a deep, warm, enveloping kind of environment that I just didn’t want to leave. I’m really, really looking forward to the next show at ODC. Or to just seeing this show again. Whichever comes first.
Miriam W.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I first visited the ODC theatre to see The Courage Group perform ‘Pressed’. Love the intimate community feel of this place. An excellent venue to catch avant garde modern dance performances by up and coming local companies.