History
In our community, our work has set the pace, and broken ground with many firsts under our belt - which is a function of grit, passion, perseverance, innovation, and vision. Our community was the first arts collective to organize, from the get go, with a vision broader than serving a singular performing company. Consideration of balancing our group's creative explorations with seeking to be sensitive to the needs of others was, and remains, an integral consideration of who we are, what we value, and how we operate. We allow the journey to transform us, and consequently grow as spiritual, creative, and soulful creatures ever on a quest to contribute to making a beautiiful world through pursuit of our primary passion as educators, groundbreakers, visionaries, poets, creatives, peacemakers, and humanitarians.
Our non-pofit, the Future Traditions Foundation received its 501 (c) 3 status in 1998.
YEAR ONE: 1998
Projects:
Center Stage Theatre: “Collective, Choreographic Dreams”
A collaborative showing of choreographic work and installation art created and produced by Santa Barbara Artists at Center Stage Theatre. Please see project report for additional detail.
Music Academy of the West: “Islands of Joy”
Presentation of the Raga Kings first concert. Artists involved were Stephen Kelly (piano), Montino Bourbon (sarod), and Greg Johnston (tablas). Please see files for project program, press, etc.
California Arts Council Grant
Receipt of a CAC grant for assistance in producing “Collective, Choreographic Dreams”
YEAR TWO: 1999
Projects:
Ajiva Dance Theatre/Plexus: Umbrella Services, Costume Subsidy, Space Subsidy
Provision of free umbrella services to Ajiva/Plexus dance theatre receiving and disbursing contributions appropriately. Offering support to the dance company by providing funds for costumes and rehearsal space. Primary contact was Susan Shaberman.
Space Subsidy Grant: SB County Arts Commission
Receipt of a grant from the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission that was disbursed to local choreographers for rehearsal space subsidization. The project was intended to assist in the preservation of a Santa Barbara dance studio in danger of closure due to lack of sufficient funds to maintain the space.
Adopt a Dancer
Exploration of creating a program that would market professional dancers to professional athletes. Worked with ballet dancer Mariko Crane and Michelle Knudsen on an artist mentorship program that explored this possibility. Note: 5,548 hours of training to obtain the professional training necessary to become a professional dancer.
Raga Kings
Presentation of the musical group the Raga Kings at the Unitarian Church. Please see files for records.
Golden Gifts Program
Provided complimentary tickets to those in need at Transition House and the Banana Bungalow.
Letters to the City Council re: dance space needs.
YEAR THREE: 2000
Tongue:
Produced a one week workshop taught by Stephanie Gilliland and Holly Johnston. The workshop concluded with a performance in what was then Santa Barbara’s “Studio B”. Performers included: Stephanie Gilliland, Holly Johnston, Misa Kelly,
Space Subsidies
Provided free space to local choreographers in interest of preserving an endangered studio space, Studio B.
YEAR FOUR: 2001
Dreams in Motion
Provision of free umbrella services and consulting services to Shari Brookler.
Santa Barbara County Arts Commission Grant:
Obtainment of a grant applied towards Shari Brookler’s Dreams in Motion Project.
YEAR FIVE: 2002
Dreams in Motion
Continued provision of free umbrella services and consultation to Shari Brookler.
YEAR SIX: 2003
Center Stage Theatre
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre’s participation in the SBDA’s New Works Concert. World premiere of Gypsy Dreams. Choreography by Misa Kelly. Performance & costuming by Shari Brookler. Music by Iva Bittova.
Dreams in Motion
Continued provision of free umbrella services and consultation to Shari Brookler.
Endangered Species
Production of a dance concert at Center Stage Theatre. Produced by Stephen Kelly & Juliana Bertelson.
Solvang: Danish-American Dreamland
Free umbrella services to Ethan Turpin’s American Dreamland project.
YEAR SEVEN: 2004
Endangered Species
Production of a dance concert at Center Stage Theatre. Produced by Stephen Kelly & Juliana Bertelson.
The Travelling Brick Show
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre collaboration with Open Spaces Dance Collective. Performances at the Mission Gardens, the farmer’s market, State Street, & Cabrillo Boulevard.
Unitarian Church: Open Spaces
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre collaboration with Open Spaces Dance Collective. Performance and installation art presented at the Santa Barbara Unitarian Church.
YEAR EIGHT: 2005
Center Stage Theater
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre’s participation in the SBDA’s Works Concert. World premiere of Cachao’s Galvanized Trash Receptacle.
Choreography, performance, and costuming by Misa Kelly. Music by Cachao.
Company Auditions
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre holds company auditions on May 5th.
Company Newsletter
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre publishes its first newsletter.
New Works Audition
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre is accepted into the SBDA New Works concert.
YEAR NINE: 2006
Center Stage Theatre
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre’s participation in the SBDA’s New Works Concert January 27, 28 & 29. World Premiere of Twang. Performed by Joanna Nobbe, Anaya Cullen, Misa Kelly, Colleen Bialas, and Devyn Duex. Music by Stephen Kelly. Costuming by Anaya Cullen.
Music Academy of the West
Production of the First Annual Rhapsodies for Humanity & Glorious Beings Award Concert. Award granted to Robert and Barbara Muller.
April 14, 2006. Presented by Frank K. Kelly
Monterey Dance Festival
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre travels to Monterey to perform in the Monterey Dance Festival May 2006
Performance of Twang
Company Newsletter
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre publishes its second newsletter. May and June.
Auditions
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre holds company auditions
August 2006: Anaya Cullen, Natalie van Zelm, Phil Taylor, Apricot Capos, Marcos Duran, Tariel Naxon, Stephen Kelly, & Misa Kelly company members.
Master Class: Danah Bella
Danah Bella leads a master class in contemporary dance at the Montecito School of Ballet on August 1st.
Master Class: Gerry Marr
Gerry Marr leads a master class in restorative dance on August 15th at the Montecito School of Ballet
One Day Dances
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre produces its first One Day Dance project on August 26th. Day involves group engaging with Sojourner Kincaid Rolle’s poetry writing workshop participants.
Get Inspired
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre presents Paul Livingstone in Get Inspired at Center Stage Theater on September 2nd.
Chopin to Segal
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre presents Stephen Kelly and Panzumo in an evening of classical western, fusion, and African music on September 16th at the Music Academy of the West.
Master Class: Christopher Pilafian
Christopher Pilafian leads a contemporary “Muller” technique class on October 17th at the Montecito School of Ballet.
Master Class: Susan Gingrasso
Susan Gingrasso, Language of Dance ® Specialist, leads a master class in Language of Dance at the Montecito School of Ballet.
From Chopin to Senegal 2
SonneBlauma Danscz Theatre presents Stephen Kelly and Panzumo in an evening of classical western, fusion, and African music on November 11th at the Music Academy of the West.
Master Class: Danah Bella
Danah Bella of d a n a h b e l l a DanceWorks leads a contemporary dance master class on December 26th.