sjDANCEco

Based in San Jose, California, sjDANCEco is a contemporary dance company founded in 2003 by artistic directors Gary Masters and Maria Basile, and Melanie Doerner.[1] The sjDANCEco is in residence at the San Jose State University.[2][3]

Gary Masters, sjDANCEco co-founder and co-artistic director

Maria Basile, sjDANCEco co-founder and co-artistic director

Julia Booker, sjDANCEco company manager

Fred Mathews, sjDANCEco choreographic advisor

Barbara Day Turner, sjDANCEco music director and principal conductor

The sjDANCEco evolved out of the San Jose-based Limón West Dance Project, which Gary Masters founded and directed from 1994 to 1998, with present-day sjDANCEco dancers Maria Basile, Hsiang Hsiu Lin, Raphaël Boumaïla and Robert Regala.[4] During its first 10 years, sjDANCEco has presented 42 World Premieres, six Revivals, works by master choreographers Donald McKayle and Fred Mathews, and eight works by José Limón during a five-year collaboration with the José Limón Dance Foundation.[4] In addition, sjDANCEco also provides two annual showcases for new works by professional San Francisco Bay Area choreographers through its two annual ChoreoProject Awards and through its "FESTIVAL @ SANTANA ROW", celebrating National Dance Week.[4]

The sjDANCEco is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves both the community of San Francisco South Bay residents and the community of local dance artists.[5] They introduce new audiences to dance and strive to install a lasting appreciation for the art form.[2]