While the Bay Area has always attracted artists, musicians, dancers, and writers alike, the rest of the Bay Area is finally taking note. Oakland’s Art Murmur draws thousands to the city’s monthly art and performance gathering in the heart of Uptown every first Friday, and the lively farmer’s markets (like Saturday’s Lakeshore Market), entices a growing crowd of locals and out-of-towners who enjoy the live music, food, and crafts. In addition, Oakland has a bevvy of dance troupes, and its own professional Ballet Company that has been in existence for 49 years.
This ballet is reaching a whole new audience under the guidance of Artistic Director Graham Lustig with its exciting and creative “Oakland-esque”.
Last month I joined fellow art aficionados and real estate agents America Foy and Herman Chan at the fabulous Spring Gala. America and I served on the board of the Gala Committee, and had a fantastic time at the fundraiser, where we were privy to a special performance of Oakland-esque.
Oakland-esque is not your mom’s (or my!) classical ballet. Instead, it was a kaleidoscope of dance performances mirroring the complexity, diversity and beauty of Oakland. I had to stop and take a good look—where are the tutus? But immediately began grooving to the talented dancers’ performances. Their hard work and enthusiasm was palpable, and it was a terrific show! Like Oakland itself, it was progressive and incorporated varied forms of music, art and dance to celebrate and respecting the old, while embracing the new. The outcome was that it reengaged the community with the Oakland Ballet Company, especially youth who may not have access to (or an interest in) classical ballet.
Sonya Delwaide, Molissa Fenley, Robert Moses and Graham Lustig, all world-premiere choreographers, collaborated to create these artistic dances. The performances featured Company dancers alongside talented local dancers from Oakland’s AXIS Dance Company and turf dancers extraordinaire from Oakland’s dance crew the Turffeinz. Street and ballet dancers fused to create one inspiring and unique performance. The music also reflected the range of talent and styles in this truly amazing part of the world, including Oakland funk and a new score by composer Joan Jeanrenaud.
At the end of the performance, one more form of art was added to the collage—Samuel Renaissance’s rich and colorful paintings of Oakland were brought onto the stage. And as if the entire performance were not impressive enough, Lustig then encouraged guests and dancers to take to the streets to celebrate.
Events like Oakland-esque make me proud to be a part of this community and grateful that I live in the East Bay. As the mother of a 7th grader, I’m ecstatic knowing that my daughter will be raised in an environment filled with talent and creativity. The arts not only unify Oakland, but also bring the surrounding communities together and give us a chance to bond over creative inspiration.
The arts are just one reason I’m so passionate about finding my clients a home in the East Bay, whether they are already residents, moving over from San Francisco to get “more for their money”, or new to the Bay Area. I have no doubt that they will be happy in this incredible area with everything wonderfully Oakland-esque about it!
A view from above
Here I am with fellow art aficionados and real estate agents America Foy and Herman Chan