Shana Simmons’ level of choreographic sophistication is what
sets her apart from other dance-makers of her generation.
--Adrienne Barr Totino
sets her apart from other dance-makers of her generation.
--Adrienne Barr Totino
UPCOMING:
CONSTRUCTED SIGHT DANCE FILM FESTIVAL
March 11-20
TO CHECK OUT A PREVIEW OF FILMING IN 360-DEGREES
FROM THE VIRTUAL DANCE EXCHANGE PROJECT:
From a computer: use the upper left-hand toggle to change 360-degree angles
On a smart phone: lift phone to flip horizontal and move around yourself
FROM THE VIRTUAL DANCE EXCHANGE PROJECT:
From a computer: use the upper left-hand toggle to change 360-degree angles
On a smart phone: lift phone to flip horizontal and move around yourself
THE MISSION
Shana Simmons Dance seeks advancement of quality dance performance and increased engagement with audiences and the community through financially accessible interactive and immersive productions. Our work relies heavily on partnerships and outreach to explore topics relevant to our community at large with a heavy focus on the integration of movement in education. The vision and passion of the company is to encourage movement in all bodies.
SSD projects aim to draw audiences into modern dance in creative ways and highlight current societal topics for project based work. These projects support communities by creating thoughtful performances and inspiring lives through dance and artistic vision. SSD works with nonprofits dedicated to serving marginalized communities. Simmons firmly believes in supporting artistic growth within its company members by encouraging development of their own voices and providing opportunities for outside choreographic voices to be heard. Shana Simmons Dance (SSD) was founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Shana Simmons to create unique and engaging contemporary dance. Since its founding, Simmons has used dance as a means to express other people’s opinions as well as her own: to interpret and create. She takes inspiration from the immediate world in which we are living, and her choreographic expressions are created from the ways in which our society is changing, the need for intimate connections to people and objects, and providing the viewer a unique perspective, if not participatory action. The result for the viewer is an emotional reaction or a thought process about the work. SSD projects have partnered with Grounded/Allegheny Cleanways, Dafna Rehavia, Carnegie Museum of Art, Bryce Dance Co, NYC, The Moving Architects, NYC, Alzheimer’s Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Aviary, Strong Women, Strong Girls, Project Passenger Pigeon, The Eclectic Laboratory Chamber Orchestra, Amanda Morrison, VALEES Conference, Chicago, Leadership Illinois Conference, Chicago, the Indiana University of PA, Stacy Abalogun, London, and Patricio Forrester/Artmongers, London. Shana Simmons Dance officially received their non-profit status in February of 2017. Shana Simmons Dance's seasons are made possible with generous support from:
The Heinz Endowments Small Arts Initiative A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation The Arts. Equity. Reimagined. Fund The Opportunity Fund Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh Individual Donors |