About Mendocino Dance Project

Mendocino Dance Project explores the human experience and our relationship to nature through the rich language of dance, enriching the cultural landscape of Mendocino County through performances, education, and community engagement. It is our belief that professional and culturally relevant opportunities to engage in the arts should be available to anyone and should not be determined by geographical location or cost.

With a dynamic and athletic style, we bring the power of dance to theaters and outside spaces, on and off the ground. As a rural arts organization, we address the specific challenges faced by isolated and underserved communities in our region, providing a safe place for representation where all individuals from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate in the arts.

Our dancers are dedicated to their community, working as professional artists, living in a beautiful, rural environment. The sense of place and the connection to the local environment guides the art-making and the programs we offer. Our Dance the Redwoods work deepens our mission of connecting rural communities with the power of dance while inspiring a more profound connection and appreciation to the natural environment.

We aim to create a culture of inclusion, respect, and justice where art can be the primary tool for healing and connection and where all participants in our programs feel valued and supported. We continue to learn and reflect on racial equity issues and the history of Mendocino County so that we may better understand our role and hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.  

As dance can be a powerful tool in bringing people of different beliefs, abilities and backgrounds together, we are committed to continually broadening our scope of work to include different voices and perspectives in our work. These efforts aim to provide artistic opportunities to a broader audience, fostering inclusivity and accessibility in the arts and ultimately creating healthier communities in our region.

In addition to performing and creating original shows, Mendocino Dance Project teaches creative movement in schools, offers free dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s Disease, and teaches workshops and classes throughout the county. Contact the company to book a performance or workshop in your area.