About Rawdance
Rawdance: Exploring the Power and Vulnerability of the Human Body
Rawdance is a contemporary dance company that has been captivating audiences with their unique and thought-provoking performances for over two decades. Founded in 1994 by Wendy Rein and Ryan T. Smith, Rawdance has become a staple in the San Francisco Bay Area dance scene, known for their innovative choreography, powerful storytelling, and dynamic performances.
At Rawdance, the focus is on exploring the power and vulnerability of the human body through movement. Their works expose an intimate, honest core of our relationships and identities, challenging audiences to confront their own emotions and experiences. Whether it's through intricate partnering work or explosive solos, Rawdance's dancers bring a raw energy to every performance that leaves audiences breathless.
One of Rawdance's most notable works is "Double Exposure," which explores themes of identity and self-discovery through a series of duets. The piece features stunning choreography that seamlessly blends contemporary dance with elements of hip hop and street dance. The dancers move with precision and grace as they navigate complex partnering work that requires trust, communication, and vulnerability.
Another standout piece from Rawdance is "Unprotected," which examines issues surrounding sexual health in today's society. Through powerful movement sequences set to spoken word poetry by HIV-positive artist Brian Freeman, "Unprotected" challenges audiences to confront their own attitudes towards sex education, stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, and personal responsibility.
Rawdance also offers educational programs for students of all ages through their RAW Education program. These programs provide opportunities for students to learn about contemporary dance techniques while also exploring themes related to social justice issues such as gender identity or race relations.
In addition to their live performances and educational programs, Rawdance has also produced several short films showcasing their unique style of movement-based storytelling. These films have been featured at film festivals around the world including Dance Camera West in Los Angeles.
Overall, Rawdance is a company that pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance while also challenging audiences to think critically about the world around them. Their works are powerful, thought-provoking, and always leave a lasting impression on those who experience them. If you're looking for a dance company that will inspire and move you, look no further than Rawdance.