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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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 NO IDEA 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! BRING IT ON, smart boy!" (Just kidding. Actually, I was like, "THANK YOU for asking me out and making me feel some measure of self worth! THANK YOU THANK YOU!") 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. read more

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 Cafe 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) read more

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!! read more

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.. read more

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 :) read more

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. read more

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. read more

"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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Great venue. Cheap tickets, and it's easy to see the stage no matter where you end up sitting

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! read more

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. read more

I was here on Friday night for Shailaja Patel's Migritude. I'm cardinally challenged, so of course I got off the wrong stop off the Bart. I proceeded to walk a few blocks toward 17th street but was semi-freaked because it was dark & not a lot of people on the street. The one person I saw was a women/man (I'm sorry I couldn't tell) who was very helpful. I think I must have look terrified because she/he asked if I had ever been in the city before. I ended up being 15 minutes late to the play & I had to walk barefoot to get to the third row as my heels were making loud noises. It's a great setting for small acts and plays and is essentially a dance studio ( without the mirrors). Parking is street, otherwise you can drive around looking for lots. Just a caution, the area is slightly shady.. read more

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. read more

Update 5/23/07: ODC Theatre goes under construction soon. It will be renovated and revitalized to provide a new, even more wonderful theatre and dance venue in San Francisco. Can't wait. ********************************************************************** The warmest, most intimate modern dance venue I know in San Francisco. Today is 2/1/07 Tomorrow night, we are going to go see Shift. This is modern dance. No, not MODERN dance, Contemporary, what that shape ahhh umph arm's pit languid calf her shoulder her neck her back so fast that curve is so beautiful he is lovely men can be so lovely what are they doing? now what does that mean? why do they look so old? is he angry? is she singing or is that the music? how did he do that? i miss myself that is me what was i thinking just now that image that was some thing reminds me of something so familiar how long is this going to last? i am losing the image like my dream is this what i should be thinking? bring back that one part that one part that is so beautiful you know, the part with her shoulder her neck her back and then he looks like he is going to throw her into love into an abyss into water into heat read more

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. read more

At least one weekend, forego the multiplex and support arts in SF. You'll be glad you did. They feature local groups and have a wide variety of performances. This weekend I saw 8 different groups perform for $12. Last time I went on the flamenco night, they had free tapas. read more

We saw a great performance at ODC by Savage Jazz Dance company. This theater is very small yet you get to be really close to the stage so you get to experience the dancing in a very intimate setting. The staff is very laid back and allowed us to bring our coffee drinks in. It is wonderful to have a theater nearby that showcases all the local artists for a fairly cheap price. It is only $15 if you are a student or $25 otherwise. Definitely recommend this theater but be careful and do not step into any human fecal matter on your way there, the area around the theater is slightly shady. read more

Walked into the Dance Commons wanting to check out class schedule. There was a lady working in the front desk who was doing something on the computer. I did not get any greeting or sort of invitation for assistance. It discouraged me to take class in the ODC space unfortunately. read more

Presents smaller modern companies. Intimate space, but always a treat!

I've been here once for a Killing My Lobster performance but when I walked by this morning it was all boarded up! Not sure what's going on but I think the ODC Theater is no more. read more

Awful experience tonight at ODC ...they said they could accommodate the first seven people on the waiting list then after letting three people in they say that actually they are sold out and can't let the last 4 of us in!!!! Then the house manager comes up to the ticket booth and asks how many tickets are left the ticket person replies 8....so i ask there are 8 no shows it is 15min after the show is suppose to start and i will pay to see only the first half i say i will even pay to just see the one piece in which i know all the dancers and choreographer. They say no what if the people show up after intermission....I say I just want to see the last piece in the first half and i will leave after intermission!!!! They do not budge even though they have already made it clear that there are 8 seats left in the theater....I am completely furious at the lack of hospitality and shear bad customer service, no one even made an effort to accommodate 4 people when there were double the seats in the theater!!!! I will honestly never be going to see a show at ODC again!!!!! read more