About Dana Lawton Dances

Dana Lawton Dances (DLD) was founded in 2007 by Bay Area choreographer Dana Lawton in order to make dance that celebrates social diversity and challenge ageism through meaningful collaborations with other artists. DLD is committed to providing access to the art of dance to all members of the general public, creating a wide range of accessible works that resonate with people’s personal experiences, touch their hearts, and inspire them to tap into their own creative spirit at any age or phase of life. The company is currently made up of 12 dancers ranging in age from 23-75.

Since its founding, DLD has produced and toured evening length works and created a repertory that includes over 25 individual dances - all made in collaboration with musicians and visual artists. Home seasons have included: DLD’s 10th  Anniversary (2018), HOME (2015), Silence Of (2014) and Beyond This Moment (2013). In addition to its fully produced seasons, DLD presents performance excerpts multiple times per year at venues throughout the Bay Area. The company has toured to Southern California and internationally to France, Northern Ireland and Thailand. DLD was an Artist in Residence at the Flight Deck (Oakland) in 2014-2015 and in 2018 is one of the four permanent companies in residence at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, a distinction coveted by many local companies given the center’s well-earned reputation.

Dana Lawton Dances is committed to dance education and providing access to the art of dance to the general public and students. In addition to ticketed performances open to the general public, DLD frequently offers open rehearsals and participates in salons - offering a deeper insight into the choreographic process and art form. This not only cultivates deeper audience engagement but sparks dialogue between the artists and the patrons.