Dana Lawton first learned of dance anywhere® from Beth Fein, who discussed her ideas for an international day of dance. “She was talking about how lovely it would be to get dance out of the studio and onto the streets, into the everyday lives of people”. Dana embraced this idea and has thus participated in dance anywhere® every year since it’s inception. “I have danced on street corners, in church courtyards, elementary school classrooms, the gazebo at Lake Merritt and museum patios”. Each year she strives to find a location that will introduce dance performance to communities who may not be familiar with dance and site specific art. 

Dana Lawton, dance anywhere® 2014

This year Dana danced with students at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga where she teaches on the dance faculty. Dana invited her students to perform a structured improvisation in the main quad on campus. “I have students come out into the open space and perform for anyone walking by…we don crazy costumes to get more attention, I play music and the students react, dance, play and have a great time”. Passerby, many of whom are unfamiliar with contemporary dance, stop to watch the improvisation, ask questions, and sometimes join in. Dana says “I love to watch the unexpected happen!”

Dana Lawton, dance anywhere® 2006

Dana participates in dance anywhere® because she loves the idea of people stopping what they are doing to dance “even if it’s just for a minute, in line at the bank”. Over the years she has found inspiration from many dance anywhere® projects from around the world. To Dana, dance is a common language that  has the potential to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds. “I am convinced that if everyone danced a bit everyday we would come together as a community and our differences would melt away with our sweat”.

Dana Lawton, dance anywhere® 2008

Dana looks forward to the positive energy and creativity that dance anywhere® brings into her life each year. “There is a lot of joy in moving and watching others experience moving. When I think of dance anywhere® I think of joy and laughter”.

Dana Lawton is a choreographer, dancer and dance educator living in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is Artistic Director of Dana Lawton Dances and teaches at Shawl Anderson Dance Center and Saint Mary’s College.

For more information about Dana visit her website or dance anywhere® page.