SpectorDance

- 3343 Paul Davis Dr, Marina, CA 93933

For residents of the **California Central Coast** and the broader **Monterey Bay** region, **SpectorDance** in **Marina, CA**, is recognized as a vital and unique cultural point of interest. Founded in 1997 by Fran Spector Atkins and Jim Atkins, this organization is far more than just a dance school; it operates as a multi-faceted performing arts institution with a compelling mission: "To Create and Present Dance that Makes a Difference!"

SpectorDance is home to the **SpectorDance Company**, which is renowned for its original, issue-driven productions that explore critical social issues—such as ocean health, wildfires, and agricultural labor—by merging factual information with aesthetic dance elements. This signature approach makes its live performances both artistically powerful and socially relevant, deeply engaging audiences from the Bay Area down the Central Coast.

Beyond its professional company, SpectorDance operates a comprehensive **Dance Program** that serves the community by mentoring the next generation of dancers, offering instruction for youth and adults alike. It champions the power of dance to inform, connect, and inspire action, making it an essential hub for performing arts education and socially conscious creativity in California.

---

## Location and Accessibility

SpectorDance is conveniently located in the city of Marina, positioning it as a central arts resource for the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding California communities, including Salinas, Monterey, and Carmel. The organization's commitment to accessibility ensures that its physical space is welcoming to all members of the local community.

The facility's address is **3343 Paul Davis Dr, Marina, CA 93933, USA**. While some of its classes and performance partnerships may take place at satellite locations across Monterey County (such as the YMCA or the Monterey Museum of Art), the core administrative and training location in Marina is equipped with key accessibility features:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance** is provided, ensuring that all visitors, participants, and audience members can easily enter the facility.
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** is available, offering convenient parking access for individuals with mobility needs.

The facility is also recognized as being **Good for kids**, highlighting its safe, nurturing, and family-friendly environment for young dancers and their families in the region.

---

## Services Offered

SpectorDance offers a wide and deep range of programs, reflecting its dual mission as both a professional **Dance company** and a dedicated educational institution. These services are structured to engage all ages and experience levels, from toddlers taking their first steps to pre-professional dancers and adults seeking fitness and artistic expression.

The comprehensive services available to the California community include:

• **Dance Classes for All Ages:** A complete curriculum spanning various genres and skill levels, including:
  • **Creative Movement Classes:** Introductory programs designed for very young children to explore movement and creativity.
  • **Ballet Classes:** Offerings range from **Teen/Adult Beginning Ballet** to **Adult Intermediate Ballet**, providing foundational technique for all stages of development.
  • **Tap and Jazz Classes:** Diverse styles are integrated into the curriculum, often held in partnership with organizations like the YMCA.
• **Youth Dancers and Training Program:** Dedicated programs for young students, including an **Intensive Program** and pre-professional training to prepare serious students for advanced study and performance.
• **Teacher Training:** Opportunities for professional development and training, contributing to the quality of dance education across the region.
• **Live Performance and Production:** The SpectorDance Company creates and presents original, issue-based works that are performed across California and beyond, aiming to spark dialogue on pressing social and environmental topics.
• **Educational Programs (SpectorDance On-Site - SOS):** Outreach programs that bring free or low-cost dance training, performances, and creative movement workshops to under-resourced locations throughout Monterey County and Los Angeles.
• **Choreographers Showcase:** An annual event that expands opportunities for guest choreographers, dancers, and audiences to connect and engage with new works from local, national, and international artists.

---

## Features / Highlights

SpectorDance stands out among California's performing arts centers due to its unique philosophy of using dance as a vehicle for social change, which is reflected in its innovative programs and professional rigor. These highlights make it a significant cultural asset to the Central Coast.

Key features and distinguishing highlights include:

• **Socially Relevant Choreography:** The company is known for its original, issue-driven productions, such as *Ocean Trilogy* (inspired by a partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) and *Wildfires*, which directly address and heighten awareness of critical contemporary challenges.
• **Cross-Disciplinary Approach (STEAM):** SpectorDance actively collaborates with scientists, environmental advocates, and community leaders to integrate factual, scientific, and cultural information into its art, demonstrating how dance can enhance academic and social-emotional learning.
• **Monterey Ocean Arts Festival (MOAF):** SpectorDance is the founder of this free, family-friendly annual event that showcases ocean-themed visual and performing art created by young artists (under 25) to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards and climate action leaders.
• **Deep Community Engagement:** The organization has a proven track record of bringing its programs to under-resourced communities via its outreach programs and partnerships with local entities like Rancho Cielo, the United Farm Workers, and various school districts.
• **Professional Leadership:** The company is led by founder Fran Spector Atkins, who has a vast history of work as a choreographer and teacher across the globe, ensuring the school and company maintain a high level of professionalism and artistic excellence.
• **Comprehensive School Structure:** The availability of training, from **Creative Movement Classes** for the youngest to **Intensive Programs** and **Teacher Training**, provides a complete pathway for dance enthusiasts in the region.

---

## Contact Information

For California residents interested in attending a performance, enrolling in a class, or supporting the organization's mission, the following contact details are provided:

• **Address:** 3343 Paul Davis Dr, Marina, CA 93933, USA
• **Phone:** (831) 601-8510
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 831-601-8510

---

## What is Worth Choosing

Choosing SpectorDance is an exceptional decision for California residents who believe in the transformative power of the arts. It is a point of interest that offers an unparalleled blend of artistic mastery and civic purpose, making it stand out in the Central Coast performing arts landscape.

Firstly, if you are seeking **high-quality dance education** for a child or yourself, SpectorDance's comprehensive school, led by experienced professionals, ensures that you receive rigorous training in a supportive environment. The range of classes, from structured Ballet to **Creative Movement**, caters to every age and goal, providing a local option for a world-class arts education.

Secondly, the organization's core mission to "Create and Present Dance that Makes a Difference!" means that by engaging with SpectorDance—whether as a student, an audience member, or a supporter—you are contributing to **artistic activism** and vital community dialogue. The unique fusion of scientific research and choreography, as seen in projects like *Ocean Trilogy*, offers a stimulating cultural experience that is rarely found elsewhere. This approach connects the local audience to global issues through the emotional language of dance.

Finally, SpectorDance is deeply embedded in the local community through its **extensive outreach and educational programs**. Choosing to attend a performance or enroll in a class directly supports these efforts to bring the physical and emotional benefits of dance to under-resourced youth, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity and positive social impact right here in Monterey County. For a point of interest that truly merges professional art, education, and social responsibility, SpectorDance is the premier choice.

SpectorDance

3343 Paul Davis Dr, Marina, CA 93933, USA