Della Davidson Performance Studio: A Hub for Dance and Theatre in Davis, CA

Della Davidson Performance Studio Introduce

Welcome to the Della Davidson Performance Studio, a cornerstone of dance education and performance located within the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, Davis. Situated in Nelson Hall, our studio is more than just a dance space; it is a living legacy dedicated to the innovative spirit of Della Davidson, a visionary choreographer and professor who made a profound impact on the dance community. Her work was celebrated for its fearless blend of dance, theatre, and visual art, a hallmark of the interdisciplinary approach that defines our studio today. The Della Davidson Performance Studio is a place where creativity, collaboration, and a passion for movement converge. We are committed to carrying forward Della's values, which include a deep-seated belief in equity, diversity, and a unique vision for the craft of dance. Our studio is not just a venue for professional artists but also a vital part of the UC Davis campus, offering a space for students, faculty, and the public to explore the performing arts. It's a place where artists can grow, develop their skills, and bring their visions to life. With its professional facilities, the studio provides a supportive and inspiring environment for dance makers and enthusiasts of all ages, including children, to engage with the art form in meaningful ways. We are proud to be a part of the vibrant arts scene in Davis and to continue the legacy of a figure who championed inclusivity and creativity in every aspect of her work.

The Della Davidson Performance Studio is located at Nelson Hall on the University of California, Davis campus, Davis, CA 95616, USA. This location places the studio in the heart of a major educational and cultural hub, making it a central point for dance and performance in the region. Accessibility is a key feature of the studio, ensuring that it is available to the wider community. For those driving to the campus, a wheelchair-accessible car park is available, providing convenient access for all visitors. This consideration for mobility and ease of access is a fundamental part of the studio's commitment to inclusivity. While the studio is located on a university campus, its purpose extends beyond academic programs. It is designed to be a community resource, a place where people from all walks of life can engage with dance. Whether you are a UC Davis student, a local resident, or simply someone interested in the performing arts, the studio's central location and accessible features make it easy for you to visit and participate in our offerings. The studio's proximity to other university buildings also allows for seamless collaboration and interdisciplinary projects, which was a core value of Della Davidson herself, who worked to blend different art forms in her choreography.

As a key part of the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance, the Della Davidson Performance Studio is primarily utilized for academic and professional purposes. While it is a dance school, its services are focused on its role within the university and the broader performing arts community. The available public data, while not listing specific drop-in classes for the general public, highlights its function as a versatile and professional space. Its offerings can be understood through its purpose and its role in the university's academic structure and the local arts scene.

Performance Venue: The studio serves as a performance space with flexible seating for up to 65 people, making it an intimate and versatile venue for a variety of dance and theatre productions.
Academic Instruction: It is the primary teaching and practice space for dance students within the UC Davis Department of Theatre and Dance, supporting the curriculum for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Rehearsal Space: The studio is a professional-grade rehearsal space for university productions and visiting artists. Its sprung maple floor and technical capabilities make it ideal for demanding physical work.
Workshops: The studio hosts workshops for the public and the university community, often led by visiting artists and former collaborators of Della Davidson, continuing her legacy of accessible dance education.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The space is a hub for interdisciplinary projects, reflecting Della Davidson's vision of combining dance with theatre, visual arts, and other mediums.
Artistic Support: The studio provides a crucial resource for dance makers and choreographers, offering a space for them to develop and bring their work to fruition, especially those who receive support from the Della Davidson Memorial Fund.

The Della Davidson Performance Studio stands out not only for its name but also for the features and highlights that embody its purpose and mission. It is a unique and valuable asset to the local and academic communities.

A Living Memorial: The studio is an official commemoration of Della Davidson, a pivotal figure in the dance world. Its existence ensures that her legacy of creative, collaborative, and inclusive work continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Professional Facilities: The studio is equipped with a professional sprung maple floor, an essential feature that provides a safe and high-quality environment for dance practice and performance, helping to prevent injuries and enhance a dancer's skills.
Intimate Performance Space: With flexible seating for up to 65 people, the studio offers a unique and intimate setting for performances, allowing the audience to feel a closer connection to the dancers and the work being presented.
Champion of Inclusivity: The studio’s purpose is deeply rooted in Della Davidson’s commitment to inclusion. The space is a place where artists of diverse backgrounds, body types, and abilities are welcomed and celebrated, continuing a core tenet of her work.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The presence of a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance highlights the studio's commitment to being a resource for everyone in the community, ensuring physical barriers do not prevent access to the arts.
Support for New Artists: The studio is a key part of a larger ecosystem that supports emerging and mid-career dance makers, providing them with the resources and space they need to create innovative work.
Good for Kids: The studio is noted as being "Good for kids," indicating its role in supporting youth dance education and performances, making it a valuable resource for families in the Davis area.

For more information about the Della Davidson Performance Studio, its events, and how it serves the UC Davis and local community, please refer to the university's official Department of Theatre and Dance website. The studio itself does not have a public phone number, as it is an internal part of the university. For general inquiries about the university's arts programs, the address is Nelson Hall, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. For contact information for the Department of Theatre and Dance, you can search the university directory or website, as that is the official channel for all information related to the studio's use and programming. The provided phone number for the Department of Theatre and Dance is a general information line, and all specific inquiries should be directed through the appropriate university channels.

So, why is the Della Davidson Performance Studio a location worth choosing and highlighting? It's not a commercial business in the traditional sense, but its value as a point of interest is immense, especially for those who appreciate the arts and education in the California region. This studio represents a powerful confluence of professional dance, academic rigor, and a legacy of social progress. For anyone in the Davis area, the studio offers a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge performances, attend workshops by renowned artists, and be a part of a community that values creativity and inclusivity. The fact that the studio is named after and dedicated to a figure like Della Davidson, who was a champion of diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, makes it a truly special place. Its professional facilities, including the sprung floor, ensure that all performances and rehearsals are conducted in a safe and high-quality environment. For families, the "Good for kids" designation means that it is a place where young people can be exposed to the performing arts in an accessible and welcoming setting. While it may not offer weekly drop-in classes in the same way as a private dance school, its function as a central hub for performances, rehearsals, and workshops makes it an invaluable resource. By choosing to engage with the Della Davidson Performance Studio, you are supporting a legacy of artistic innovation and contributing to a community that fosters the next generation of dancers, choreographers, and performance artists.