San Diego Dance Theatre

San Diego Dance Theater and Dance Fierce has made a huge difference in my daughter's life, besides being a great exercise on a weekly basis, it provides confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment AND a sense of belonging. This is a structured and professional class and I highly appreciate not only being affordable but the scholarship opportunities. THANK YOU!

I am a member of the audience. Jean Isaac's Trolley Dances are an innovative program of six or seven original interpretive dances, each one performed at a separate site around the city of San Diego. Each site is easily accessed (and this is how access is encouraged) by taking the trolley. Every year, different dances are created and performed and new sites are chosen to stage each separate dance. Tickets include the trolley fare. Access is available to handicapped individuals. The tour takes about 3 hours. It is a wonderful way to spend a day outdoors, enjoy music and dance, discover new sites in San Diego, and familiarize people with our public transportation. It is not unusual to reconnect with old friends, regular attendees and coworkers.

This organization is a beautiful part of our community that helps many people on a daily basis. Movement, relating to rhythm and music is innate in all of us and is a part of all of our ancestries. This organization is able to fulfill us with the need that we have to take part in dance. Providing us with happiness, health and longevity, and a feeling of accomplishment. Through the amazing art form known as dance, this organization is able to give hope, give a voice, improve heath, educate, and empower individuals of all ages in the community.

I have not only had the amazing opportunity to dance with this organization several years ago, but every year I take part in viewing their beautiful art form and allowing it to touch and inspire my life as well as the lives of my children, family, and friends.

Without this dance organization, there would be a void. My hope is that they will continue to help and empower our community for many years to come.

I am so excited about the new program for elders. I know how important this is for their well-being, socialization, and exercise! Thank you San Diego Dance Theatre.

San Diego Dance Theatre under the tireless, wise and passionate leadership of Jean Isaacs has served thousands of dancers over nearly 4 decades. Another reviewer commented that Jean Isaacs is the mother of modern dance in San Diego and this is true. I've seen numerous performances of Jean's choreographer for both her professional company dancers and her many students and she is truly gifted in her ability to bring out the best in her dancers beginning students to professionals. Jean can and has inspired many people to embrace the calling of the dance.

San Diego Dance Theater is a great group! They do so much for the dance community/audiences of San Diego. The annual Trolley Dances and Cabaret series are always inspired! I've so enjoyed their growth over the years.

San Diego Dance Theater has a wonderful artistic director and choreographer, Jean Isaacs, beautiful dancers, great choreography.

Dance Place is an excellent resource for the San Diego community. I have watched performances there and also received scholarship money to attend classes there. They offer a great service to the dance community and a succesful non-profit organization.

Jean Isaacs is the mother of modern dance in San Diego. She has consistently trained dancers to the professional level while maintaining her outstanding contributions in presenting modern dance in SD. Jean's commitment to the artistic community in SD deserves recognition and reward.
Her dances always delight the audience, her dancers are beautiful, unique and generous. Jean continues to offer dance programs and dance opportunities that extend to all ages, levels of ability, economic/social conditions, ethnicities etc. Jean continues to refine and remake her art and she finds innovative ways to reach her audience. I strongly believe that given financial support, Jean Isaacs will continue to enhance the dance community. On a very personal level, I certainly would not be a professor of dance if were not for Jean's constant support and mentoring. Jean has truly created, from a grassroots level, a solid environment for dance and dancers to flourish in SD.

San Diego Dance Theater is an exceptional, healthy, professional organization with a strong commitment to dancers, dance art, students of dance, and the community in general. I have known SDDT's director, Jean Isaacs, for over 20 years. She has developed a corporate culture based on a vision that embraces individuals and the public through her genuine appreciation for not only the art form of SDDT but for humankind. The company members deliver this vision through their work, their openness, and through their complete commitment to the company and to the art form. San Diego is a better place because SDDT is part of the arts and culture industry here, and because SDDT and its stakeholders are dedicated to dance and to San Diego.

Jean Isaacs and Sand Diego Dance Theater have been very influential on my life as a dancer/choreographer. I consider Jean my first dance teacher; her teachings deeply informed my dancing and choreography, which have in turn informed almost all other aspects of my life.

San Diego Dance Theater was one of the first producers of my solo projects through their summer workshops. These early opportunities allowed me to discover my voice as a choreographer and solo performer.

Currently, I am studying architecture, another way to look at form and movement through space. I also still perform. Dance my have been an unusual way to arrive at architecture, but I think it was a good one.

Jean's enthusiasm in the studio is exciting to see, as is her commitment to her art; it is this enthusiasm and commitment which led me into the deepness of dance, which altered the direction of my life.

many thanks to Jean Isaacs and San Diego Dance Theater!
Amanda Waal

Jean Isaacs and San Diego Dance Theatre have long been a symbol of creative and innovative dance in the San Diego dance scene. The work Jean does both onstage and off has been vital to the development of modern dance in San Diego. She has trained many young dancers in the community that have gone on to be performers, teachers and choreographers across the continent. Her classes are rich with imagery and detail, refining the artistry of each dancer while challenging their physicality. Her ability to inspire and nurture curiosity while challenging ones intellect is inspiring to me as a teacher and choreographer. Ms. Isaacs work is often clever, engaging and rich, full of lush movement and laced with detail. I always look forward to my return visits to San Diego to see her work and take class.

Not only is the San Diego Theatre an exaple of fine art, but also of passion and perseverance.
I have enjoyed the collaborations we have had together, and have grown with the experiance.

Isabel Beteta
Mexico City

Jean teaches classes that are lush, engaging, musical, and ask commitment of the dancer. You also feel a real sense of community among the students. I simply like being around Jean, moving in her style, and being a part of this warm community. I feel like she is a real light for san diego dancers.
Trolley dances, which I have seen for 3 years, is a wonderful bringing together of a larger community, where we get to see excellent professional and touching dance as well as feel like we are on an adventure. It is what she does so well in so many realms---brings people together and reminds us of our shared warmth and spirit.

San Diego Dance Theatre (SDDT) is like a dance home to me. When I first moved to San Diego from Boston 15 years ago, I didn't know anyone. As soon as I walked into San Diego Dance Theatre's studios I felt like I was at home: I made new friends, was able to take professional-level classes, but most importantly I connected with the finest modern dance company in all of San Diego. SDDT, under the director of Jean Isaacs, has been a mainstay in the San Diego Dance world for many reasons: SDDT attracts talented dancers to the company, develops emerging dancers (such as Monica Bill Barnes), sponsors partnerships with dance companies all over the world by offering master classes and performance opportunities, has a wonderful Summer intensive dance program, and offers many opportunities for the community to be involved in dance, such as the now-famous Trolley Dances and the current partnership with High Tech High. Lastly, SDDT performances are beautiful, funny and entertaining.

I have really enjoyed taking class from Jean Isaacs and all the teachers at SDDT. I've also enjoyed their shows - their Cabaret dances in the winter of 2004/5 was the first dance show I'd ever seen, and how keenly did it whet my appetite. Jean has also hosted a wonderful series inviting some outstanding Mexican dance companies to come to San Diego to teach and perform. I'm really grateful to Jean and to SDDT. They are wonderful people and wonderful performers and wonderful curators and wonderful choreographers.

I have supported Sand Diego Dance Theatre and enjoyed multiple performances for over 10 years. Jean Isaacs is an innovator, mentor, and outstanding Artistic Director. She has inspired, taught and given multiple beginning dancers their start in the modern dance world. Jean Isaacs through her invention of The Trolley Dances has exposed a vast number of new audience members to Modern Dance. Who knows how many tiny tots to teenagers has her work and the work of other National and Internationally known choreographers introduced and helped create the future modern dancers, choreographers and Artistic Directors.
Jean Isaacs is a visionary.

SDDT did a fabulous job at two events revolving around TEDxSanDiego. They had an incredible duo perform an innovative in the midst of a reception. They stopped everyone in their tracks it was simply incredible, almost beyond belief. Jeanne Isaacs, the lead and one of her key performers, John also performed for the TEDx audience at the main event. They actually created a short dance right in front of our eyes. It was a highlight of the day and one we'll never forget. It opened our eyes up to this amazing group that has brought dance to all corners of San Diego County. Their innovative Trolley Dances bring dance toa new level. Regretfully I forget the specific name, but it's location specific and requires an insane ability to improvise.

SD dance theater was my first exposure to modern dance and attending live dance performances. What I appreciated most was the intimate settings for the performances. As an audience member, you felt very connected with each performance, especially since they also allowed audiences to come watch works in progress at the studio. Their annual trolley show is a perfect example of how this organization wants to and continues to stay connected with the city and its people as they use the city elements as their stage and you are there right in front watching.
It is such a valuable addition to the "culture" of San Diego.

I have enjoyed watching the Jean Isaacs dance groups for over 20 years. When you search for a dance that emphasizes artistic expression and development of all aspects of modern dance in San Diego, the name Jean Isaacs heads the list. The performances are frequent, the dancers represent all ages, and the dance routines are fresh and contemporary. One of the many artistic achievements that I notice is the integration of the music and the dancing. Recently, the Trolley Dances, held outside at various locations along the trolley route for several years, exemplify the connection Jean Isaac performances have the general public. Families, groups of children of all ages, and performing arts enthusiasts stand side by side absorbing the wonderful performances. San Diego is blessed to have such a dedicated artist as Madame Isaacs leading our young aspiring dancers. More information can be found at: http://www.sandiegodancetheater.org/

Jean Isaacs' San Diego Dance Theatre brings so much to San Diego! Her outreach constantly exposes new audiences to dance and always includes art that is accessible for ALL to enjoy. Not only does Jean bring communities wonderful shows to view, she also reaches out to help people understand that dance is for EVERYbody, no matter the age or ability. Her studio offers adult classes at all levels and they have recently added a class called "aging creatively"- something not to miss. Take a class today!

What a wonderful idea...providing music and dance to a group of high school students that have neither in their curriculum...And not just a good idea on paper...the students really love it! The performance was great..everyone was having fun and had learned an incredible amount in such a short period.

The San Diego Dance Theater is a wonderful group. They put on high quality performances that appeal to a wide variety of viewers. Before seeing my first dance performance, I was skeptical on how much I would enjoy it. The San Diego Dance Theater was my first exposure to dance and I have loved it ever since. I believe that this is largely due to my first experience. I think the San Diego Dance Theater is a good model for other dance groups to follow.

I am writing this review as part of a contest to get the SDDT funding from Guidestar. I appreciate being able to assist.

Jean Issacs company provides theater for the community as well as opportunity for dancers to perfect their craft and perform. As a dance company, they are inventive, lively and so much fun to watch. You hear and see music and movement that is original and exciting. If you wax nostalgic there are programs that mix musical standards with unexpected new movement. I enjoy live performance and feel that all communties should support local talent with attendance and appreciation. When an artist has the passion to dance and desires to be seen by those who celebrate their art, the communion is sublime.

The San Diego Dance Theater has been a great way for me to step outside of my boundaries and expand and grow as a dancer. The people who attend this organization are very welcoming and encouraging despite your age and ability. I love attending class on Wednesday evenings, and look forward to it all week long.

I love Trolley Dances! The stops change every year and put the rider (you actually get to ride on the trolley) in touch with different parts of San Diego and it's diverse community. The dances are funny, touching, historical, imaginative... The group you "trolley travel" with becomes a backdrop through which the experience is magnified. These performances have deeply impacted my life; my interaction with, and how I perceive the performing arts. Thank you Jean Isaacs and all your troupe. May God bless your every endeavor.
PS To "Rubber Legs" who was part of our trolley travel group 2010: It was a pleasure to meet you and your lovely wife. Thanks for all your kindness and personal insights into the dance world! (And sharing your water spray bottle to ward off the heat also deeply appreciated.)

I attended By George By Jean on January 15th, 2011. It was a cabaret performance with Gershwin inspired dance music served up with food and beverage. I really liked the guitar player and the live music. The people who helped me find my seat and pick up some self serve foods were friendly and personable. My favorite dance piece was Rhapsody in Blue. Inspired choreography hauntingly danced to a well performed musical take. Recalled my own days of romantic fantasy; days that had been so long forgotten I thought they'd never existed. Pleasure!

The dance program extended to High Tech High has immensely helped students to be more confident, active, and creative with dance arts. What the students do here is unequal in results.

Cortney Golub's group of students lovce this! I love it! It looks like fun I'm considering joining!

I've been dancing with Dance Fierce for the past year and a half and it has been a blast! ^~^

I have been dancing on and off with multiple companies since I was four and I haven't been with a company as educational and compatible to new and experienced dancers since San Diego Dance Theatre's Dance Fierce program. It's a lot of fun and I look forward to everyday that I have class.

I am continually impressed and inspired by the work that DANCE FIERCE, in conjunction with its teachers and SDDT, is able to create. The young middle and high school-aged dancers in this program, many of whom are also my own math students, have grown SO much through their experiences with DANCE FIERCE and SDDT. I have seen a noticable increase in levels of confidence. I have also witnessed that these students have learned about the dedication, hard work and persistence that it takes to be successful and fulfilled dancers...more than that, I have watched them apply these same skills to their academics. I have seen how important and beneficial the arts are to ALL areas of one's life, and specifically I am indebted to DANCE FIERCE and SDDT for all that they have done for my students and for the community.

My friend has been dancing with last fierce for the last school year and loved every minute of it. I was able to attend their winter performance which blew me away, and I left the performance energized to dance. The program is so unique and wonderful, allowing students this artistic outlet at High Tech High is extremely important. I’m looking forward to attending another performance and being blown away. The things these students can accomplish are unbelievable!

The dance program that Cortney Golub runs and organizes is a wonderful way for students to release some of that school pressure in a positive, uplifting way. I attended the last Dance Fierce performance and saw many of the students that I teach dancing and twirling and running across the floor in wild outfits with wonderful, beautiful smiles on there faces. I was moved to tears in the beginning of the performance while watching some of my students who are quiet, reserved and timid little things blossom on the stage to performers! Dedication and love are key components to this creation and wonderful people are a part of it trying daily to make it bigger and better! I want Dance Fierce to grow and grow!

San Diego Dance Theater has enriched my life and the lives of my close friends a great deal. Dance is such a central part of my life and SDDT has allowed me to continue my relationship with dance with their work-study and scholarship opportunities. Opportunities like these from a renowned dance institution are very hard to come by but San Diego Dance Theater is exceptional at involving arts in the center of the community. This is definitely an organization that should continue to be supported for its exceptional work.

MY DAUGHTER HAS BEN ATTENDING SDDT FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS.
WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT....IT HAS HELPED HER IMMENSELY IN SO MANY AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE DANCE THEATER.....

I have been attending perfornances of the SDDT for a number of years and believe that they are an important force in the artistic culture of San Diego. There are two annual performances I especially believe to be unique and artistically relevant...a real boon to the local art community.

One is the annual Trolley Dances. This group of interactive performances is always entertaining and the utilization of the local trolley lines is interesting and full of surprises.

The second event I really look forward to is the Cabaret Dances. This evening is sophisticated and often nostalgic. Wonderful evenings!

I love this dance studio because it has tought me so many different types of dance like Hip Hop and Ballet! This is my favorite dance studio ever!

Dance class is fun and challenging. The instructors are knowledgeable and kind.

I have enjoyed watching the Trolley Dances these many years - I have not missed a one. It is fun to watch the dancing and see different areas of San Diego. The choreographers do a great job with the different sites.

I have also attended many student performances and the larger productions. Jean Isaacs does a great job.

Mother of a Dance Student

San Diego Dance Theatre has given my daughter the opportunity to experience dance classes at an affordable cost. My daughter is enjoying her time with the instructors and is learning a side of dance she would have never experienced. She looks forward to every dance class and she feels the instructors are very positive and understanding. She is looking forward to being a part of this organinzation for a long time.

San Diego Dance Theater is amazing! I was stunned to see how dedicated the performets and staff were to putting on a show. Not to mention how each performance can be so emotionally moving, where consciousness is raised. Not on merely a personal level for myself, but probably a community level! Being a border town, SDDT include important diversity components, making it an educational experience that expands one's mind. Thanks for all that you do to make our community great!

San Diego Dance Theatre has offered many shows over the years and I have had the opportunity to see many of the outstanding performances. In addition to viewing shows in the studio or a theatre, the outdoor Trolley Dances are a fun and unique way to see dance in San Diego.

The dance classes offered through Dance Fierce is a wonderful after school opportunity for students in secondary schools. The classes are diverse and the teachers are wonderful. Even though Dance Fierce is just starting out, this is one of the most professional after school programs that I have encountered. The kids are fully engaged as they truly respect their teachers.

I fully support San Diego Dance Theater's mission to create and perform intelligent dances that inspire, provide access to the viewing, training in and dancing of dance by diverse audiences and dancers. They have achieved that goal and continue to raise the bar.

San Diego Dance Theater offers creative opportunities
for people of a wide range of ages.
This company continuously impacts the vitality of art
in this city; San Diego.
Being involved with SDDT as a student, dance performer, patron, and volunteer for almost 20 years has enriched my life immeasurably.

the Dance Fierce program offered by the SDDT is the only one of its kind in the area, and it does a spectacular job of offering high quality, serious modern dance classes to all kids and to girls and boys alike, of the sort one finds only in big urban areas like NY or LA or locations that have top caliber dance companies. Teachers come with serious professional qualifications and some are garnering excellent reviews. This is a quality program in modern dance where kids are really focused and learn a lot while they enjoy themselves, bringing serious and exciting multicultural and progressive dance culture to a town that sorely needs its horizons expanded in arts and culture.

San Diego Dance Theatre is a fantastic program to join if you like dancing. It's so much fun and I love the dance program i'm currently involved with. It's called dance fierce and works with the High Tech Schools in Chula Vista.

I love the San Diego Dance Theatre! I am not a "dance-person" but one of my close friends is, and I really enjoy going to her perfoamnces as well as otherthings that I have seen. My favorite are the trolley dances..what a great way to showcase San diego and all the great dancers!

San Diego Dance Theater is the most comprehensive dance company in town. They are inclusive of all ages, interests, and abilities, and they provide numerous opportunities for the public to get involved.

San Diego Dance Theater is a wonderful modern dance company performing, training, and educating in the San Diego area. It's astonishing that SDDT has been in existence since 1972, entirely through the efforts of the director, Jean Isaacs, with lots of help from volunteers and staff. And it exists as a non-profit entity for the benefit of the community. Can you imagine Jean's vision and dedication for 39 years?

SDDT is a source of pride and joy in San Diego. It is a fountain for creative talent and performance by the company's dancers. It provides opportunity for creative motivation and expression for young people in the community. And, of course, it has provided opportunity for appreciation of dance, artistically and athletically, by audiences for 39 years.

The performing arts add immeasurable vitality and wonder to our lives. As one ad goes, "a great nation deserves great art." Encouragement and support of the performing arts is so important in these times of contentious budgets. We must be grateful to San Diego Dance Theater (and other groups) for its vision, dedication, and perseverance in the performing arts.

San Diego Dance Theater is San Diego's premier modern dance company with an effective educational outreach component. I first met Jean Isaacs and her company in 1992. I was a young teen living in a small town. Knowing the importance of dance as art and education, Ms. Isaacs and company members graciously drove 45 minutes on mountainous roads to my small town to teach a three week residency (tuition free to students) that culminated in a community performance starring the company and students. I attended this workshop for five years in that small town. San Diego Dance Theater has been instrumental is shaping my education and professional choices since that first meeting.

It is a beautiful thing to see children dicover their passions. Dance FIERCE allows students the opportunity to grow through dance. Teens often are subject to peer pressure and find it hard to step out away from the crowd, this program is spectacular in its effort to offer young adults a safe place to explore their own genuine interests. Bravo Dance FIERCE, keep up the excellent work!!

This organization has played a huge role in my life. I have always had a love for dance but started dancing later in life. San Diego Dance Theatre puts out artistic, beautiful, and professional work that is an inspiration to me. I take classes frequently that help me to grow in my dance technique and in my passion for dance. I have tried other schools of dance and and none of them come close to providing me with the experience that this one does. I feel encouraged, welcomed, and supported. This organization also provided me with a scholarship that allowed me to participate in a summer workshop. I love to volunteer as well because I wish to give back to this organization as well as I love being a part of all that they do!

During a very difficult time for arts organizations, Jean Issacs and her company ,the "San Diego Dance Theater" has consistantly continued to contribute greatly to the cultural environment of San Diego. Without compromising or commercializing her approach to modern dance, she has made it more readily accessible to members of the community from all walks of life. By taking well choreographed, well danced works to the streets in "Trolly Dances", and to the informal setting of "Cabaret Dances", she has reached a broader audience, while at the same time continuing to present the excellent formal theatre works which have been the foundation of her company. It takes enormous energy, skill and talent to do what Jean and her company have done. We all reap the benefit of this dedication. It certainly deserves support.

San Diego Dance Theatre has enriched my life for over 25 years. I am a dancer, educator and audience member. Last year when I attended SDDT's performance of Rhapsody in Blue, I was amazed by the quality of the production. The choreography, costumes, and music transported me to a magic place. San Diego Dance Theatre continues to provide this magic to audiences in the San Diego region and beyond.

The organization has also provided me (and thousands of others) with quality dance training, and performance opportunities. On-going classes, workshops for youth, and dance in public schools support the SDDT's mission of providing access to dance for diverse populations.

One of the highlights of my teaching career was when company dancer, Veronica Martin visited O'Farrell Community School where I was teaching music and dance. She set a dance on a group of sixth grade students who then performed for the O'Farrell Community. The audience was amazed by the skill and focus the young dancers displayed. When I think of SDDT, I always think "AMAZING!"

This is an amazing organization with fantastic programs for all ages. We participate in the youth program and are impressed with the generosity of the instructors and the hand on input by Jean. Thank you SDDT!

Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater has a long term track record of student scholarship, emerging choreographer mentorship, and community accessible dance theater. I first became involved with the SDDT in 1999 as a student and volunteer. Jean Isaacs displayed a generosity to all San Diego artists and groups that I found unmatched within the community. An immensely talented teacher and choreographer, Jean also found time to support the arts community as a whole without proprietorship or inclusiveness; her commitment and generosity inspired me as well as her strong work ethic. For this reason, with a full schedule, I made time to donate my skills in any way I could over the years. The company follows her lead, giving back in multiple ways as teachers and performers. I have volunteered my time with various youth groups as a videographer and saw her SDDT company members in action working with the kids at King Chavez and High Tech High. The positive relationship between these SDDT teachers and the youth will resonate for years to come, benefiting San Diego in priceless ways for the family and community good.

For 2 years I've been dancing with the San Diego Dance theature with my fellow High Tech High students. Going through a tough year in life, dancing was my outlet and the mi nute I stepped into my dance shoes and onto the dance floor, I forgot about my problems. By the end of our class when we perform, I feel a bond with everyone and know that we've worked so hard on the dance piece. The teachers provide us with great choreography and they are always fun to learn from. I feel so accomplished when I perform with everyone but then sad that another class has ended. Dance is a hobby I want to continue doing for the rest of my life.

DanceFierce is a wonderful organization. As school funding for the arts continues to be cut in San Diego and throughout the nation, we desperately need programs like this to keep students engaged, focused, and excited about school. I am so grateful that this program exists within my community, and can benefit students throughout the San Diego area.

DANCE FIERCE and SDDT are changing lives day by day! Cortney Golub is tireless in her efforts to connect SDDT with young people in the community and is succeeding beyond measures! Kids need arts, particulatly performance arts opportunities. There are no programs in San Diego who refuse to exist unless they have the ability to serve all. DANCE FIERCE you are an inspiration. I hope you can get funding to continue your efforts. Cortney, you are simply amazing.

Loved the trolley dances, thanks for sponsoring such innovative and professional dancers! Keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing lots more fun events!

The Dance Fierce program has served as an incredible creative outlet for students from all backgrounds and has united these students through the art of dance. Students who participate in this program are more well-rounded, expressive and balanced. They pride themselves on their hard work and are more motivated every day through their experiences.

As a teacher working directly with young people served by this dance community I can say that it serves a vital function. Students all all backgrounds are exposed to new experiences and are giving an opportunity that otherwise is nonexistent. Thanks for giving our kids this healthy and inspiring outlet.

I have watched this little dance group grow into an important resource for the San Diego community and most importantly, its young people. The energy displayed by its founders, volunteers and staff is contagious. Dance Fierce presents innumerable opportunities for personal growth for students from any background or experience. I look forward to watching the continued development of Dance Fierce.

i ama donor and have witnessed firsthand the wonderfule work of the dance fierce program. The students are enthusiastic, the teachers professional, and the cultural experience of dance a wonderfukl additionto a well rounded education

I brought my daughter to the Dance Fierce through a program with her middle school. My daughter had been wanting to take contemporary dance for a while now and we were so happy that Dance Fierce, with its flexible schedule, Mon-Wed or Tues Thurs, fit our hectic schedule. Having a tight schedule and limited budget (as with many families), I am very particular with the type of extracurricular programs I enroll my child in. I am so happy to have found this dance program. Since my daughter has started, her dance skills have grown tremendously and she loves the program. The choreography is challenging and the teachers have high expectations for their students. As a result, my daughter has a renewed love for dancing, has grown in her confidence level and is now motivated to create her own dance choreography! I recommend the Dance Fierce program to all children for developing dance skills and also life skills.

My friends danced for San Diego Dance Fire Theatre and had a wonderful time practicing and performing. It gave them an outlet to express their feelings. They met new friends and got to do something fun outside of school. This is a really nice program and I would one day like to be a part of it myself!

I had never danced before in my life. Starting as a freshman at High Tech High this year, I was encouraged to dance with Dance Fierce so I tried it. After the semester of learning to dance, we became a community together. We are all different ages of high school students at all different levels of skills. We all work together and learn from each other. Dancing is my motivation to go to school on Monday morning. I am inspired by my teachers and students. I love to preform after all of my hard work. Dance Fierce has allowed me to experience new things and become inspired every day.

Great opportunities, great classes, and a very supportive environment.

I found this wonderful place when I moved to San Diego, and haven't missed a week of class since!

Dance communities are typically not known for their welcoming nature, but at SDDT, I felt at home the very first day. I love that every student (regardless of age or ability) is challenged, but also recognized for his/her personal strengths.

The company and students in the school perform often, in very accessible ways. Most performances are inexpensive, informal, and some in unexpected locations, which brings dance to more of the San Diego community.

I love dancing here. It is really fun and the teachers are so fun and nice.(:

This company and school is amazing. I have been taking class with them for more years than I care to admit!!!

I love dancing here, its amazing and everyone is so nice. All everybody wants to do is help you get better at your love of dancing. They welcome all ages and levels. Its really like one big happy family where you can go dance for an hour or two and leave all you worries behind. I absolutely love it and i don't know what i would do without jean issues issacs dance theater!

I'm not personally involved with the dancers. But I have seen many videos of them performing. I have even seen a few live performances myself. I do have a few friends in the Theater and they all say that it is great. I would greatly enjoy it if they were to continue.

i am a student in this program and have had so many great experiences with this program. Ive been there in the class from the start and seeing it grow into something a little bigger each time is amazing. I hope it can continue to grow.

I absolutely love the San Diego Dance Theater! There is such a huge opportunity to learn to dance for any student on any level. It has truly provided a positive experience for myself and for other beginning dancers!

I have students in this group and they think it is absolutely amazing. I've been to a performance and think it does wonders for student self confidence.

Yes! Please, please help the San Diego Dance Theater and artistic director Jean Isaacs. I have been a volunteer with the group for several years and I am happy about the growth shown in the dancers and performances. Jean Isaacs is a very special person and choreographer. I have not been contributing financially however I want to do anything I can to help this wonderful group!

A segment of San Diego Dance Theatre is the new program "Dance Fierce". I personally met both Annie Boyer & Cortney Golub who started this after school dance program and I was blown away!

The commitment these women have to the kids that they teach is amazing. I am so thankful that there is such a wonderful place for all of our teenagers to go for an amazing dance experience.

THANK YOU DANCE FIERCE!!!!!

AMAZING, simply fantastic. the best dance theatre in all of San Diego

I have had interactions with several youths participating in this program. I believe it is having a positive impact on their lives by providing them with such great opportunities in the performing arts. I am especially appreciative of their efforts to provide access to underprivileged youth not just the students who can afford to participate in the fine arts.

SDDT and Jean Isaacs do such a great job with their dance students. I am an educator and many of my students take classes at SDDT. They have nothing but great things to say. It really is a fantastic experience for the kids.

I had the pleasure of attending a practice session with high school students. It was amazing, to see the integration, play, and openness that dancing, and the dance instructor, brought out in the students. I found myself smiling, thinking about how much students will benefit in their minds, bodies, and souls from this experience. Fantastic!

SDDT creates wonderful dance opportunities for dancers within the community, and makes dance performance accessible to all.

I have personally seen San Diego Dance Theater touch many lives, including my own. From fostering and encouraging different ideas in movement to providing a wonderful space for people of all ages and levels, San Diego Dance Theater is truly one of a kind. The amazing, challenging and thoughtful movement offered in classes brings a sense of accomplishment to dancers once it is mastered. Not only does San Diego Dance Theater offer the community wonderful insights into the world of modern dance through performances, this organization is aiming to continue outreach efforts by engaging youth in after school programs as well as providing classes for older adults giving them the opportunity to express themselves creatively. This organization is at the forefront of creativity, outreach, and adventure in this world we call modern dance.

I was in this dance program for the first semester, I absolutely enjoyed. Since there isn't really dance at our school, the opportunity to have a place like the San Diego Dance Place to go to, is really amazing. Especially since I love to dance, and being able and know that I have my finical issues cover is amazing. This is something that I would love to continue to do, during my time at High Tech High.

My daughter is enrolled in two of the classes. Her experience has been very positive- while the classes are are at times difficult - it creates a challenge and initiative to work harder. She loves the classes and looks forward to going a couple of times a week. I like the instructors and I believe the cost is affordable which makes it possible for my daughter to get a chance to be active and learn.

My name is Cortney Golub and I piloted SDDT's first teen program DANCE FIERCE (http://www.dancefierce.org)
Working with SDDT has been inspirational. Jean, her dancers, her staff, everyone connected to the SDDT family is a true patron of the arts. They are committed to preserving Jean's work, creating new work, and providing avenues for young dancers and choreographers to blossom and "find themselves" as artists. I am proud to be part of the SDDT family.

Cortney Golub

I have been impressed with the caliber of work presented by San Diego Dance Theater. They are creative and set high artistic standards. It's great how they encourage people in the community to get involved and to appreciate the arts.

Through "Trolley Dances", San Diego Dance Theater introduces San Diegans to their city through dance. Not only do people have the opportunity to visit parts of the city that may be new to them, it also showcases the immense talent by members in the dance community. An event like this is a perfect marriage between the arts and the visitor's bureau - and no one else has a program like it.

Not only does San Diego Dance Theater produce dance, it builds communities. I have been consistently impressed with the way that SDDT engages with its audience, especially in the ways that it brings dance to them, and encourages them to think outside of the box.

SDDT is one of San Diego's thriving dance companies! With their innovative choreography, quality training, and wonderful leadership, SDDT has earned its outstanding reputation.

I totally love this dance theater. I go to the trolley dances every year. There is no other venue like this in the country, to my knowledge. Each year the sites and ideas are new and fresh. The dancing is unusual and traditional at the same time, the moves extrodinary. This venue MUST continue. I love it.

Fern

I grew up in new york city. For some 10 years, I was a subscriber to the NY City Ballet. When I came to San Diego 10 years ago, I discovered Jean Isaac's San Diego Dance Theater. I've attended many of Jean's performances. Every year I look forward to Trolley Dances and Cabaret Dances. They are always a pleasure. Great choreography and dancers. Full of fun and vitality.

San Diego Dance Theater is an important part of the cultural fabric of San Diego. Our city would be poorer by far without Jean Isaacs.

Sincerely,

neil marmor

San Diego Dance Theater truly enriches the lives of young and old in San Diego. I believe it is important for members of the public to be exposed to all forms of creative arts, and San Diego Dance Theater brings the art of dance to our community. It is a true San Diego institution that deserves continued public support.

I love attending the SDDT dance events and seeing the incredible talent of the dancers and the original and unique venues created by Jean Isaacs. My favorites are Trolley Dances as well as Cabaret, but many of the other shows are equally inspiring. I am looking forward to what SDDT brings in the future!

I sincerely enjoyed the Trolley Dance performance this year. I was amazed by the variety and the versatility of the performances from the performance in the fountain to that in the Children's museum. The experience of moving from location to location via trolley really gave me a flavor of San Diego and the performances were highly entertaining

San Diego dance Theater has always had the professional edge in the dance community , however I am excited to see the company looking stronger than ever.
They have acquired dancers with powerful technique and artistic talent and Jean Isaacs, the artistic director has been quick to recognize this.
Art does not stand still and the company has allowed the audience to travel with them to exciting new venues ( Mingei Museum , Solana Beach Rail Trail and the JCC ) where Jean has shown her dancers to their full potential. Outstanding!
Thank You SDDT!

I truly have enjoyed the performances of the San Diego Dance Theater-
what a great way to showcase and highlight DANCE as a glorious and sensuous artform!
I love and have been a big FAN of The Trolley Dance. I find this so very accessible to the public and look forward to watch the dances every year.

san diego dance theatre is THE preeminent dance organization in the county!

This is for a contest campaign. My husband and I have enjoyed several performances of Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater. We appreciate the innovative approach and the multiculturalism of the dancers and works performed. Another positive is this dance company is also dedicated to community outreach.

SDDT foments dance awareness through community projects and shows, and have done so in the San Diego area for over 20 years. It's important to keep this and other arts organizations in SD well funded and well attended.

Jean Isaacs, the director of San Diego Dance Theatre, has spent her life building the dance community in San Diego. It is difficult to imagine that this community would ever have matured without her artistic vision and adventurousness, dedication to training dancers, and gift for mentoring students--not only those intending to make dance their career, but those for whom it is a hobby, a passion pursued alongside work in completely different areas.

I am a public health researcher with a PhD in mathematics. When I studied in San Diego, I took numerous dance classes offered by this company, its members, and its director. They made a major impact on my life, increasing both my skills as a dancer and my self-confidence in general. My appreciation for all the arts increased as a direct result of Jean Isaacs' guidance.

San Diego Dance Theatre has been an integral part of the dance community in San Diego ever since Jean Isaacs became its artistic director. Not only does it generate excellent artistic work in several shows per year, but it also offers excellent classes to the public (including programs for kids in disadvantaged neighborhoods), performance opportunities to both professional and semi-professional dancers, and mentorship to choreographers in the earlier stages of their careers.

This company is a gift to San Diego and the world.

Jean Isaacs' San Diego Dance Theatre is the the heart and soul of the community. Jean's incredible inclusion philosophy has brought together professionals and nonprofessionals, young and old, and individuals with disabilities, for inspiring dance opportunities and experiences. The organization runs deep in San Diego and plays a vital role in creating and shaping the local dance and arts community.

I have been dancing with San Diego Dance Theatre since I was 19. Almost 15 years later I still feel so blessed that Jean has been a part of my growth as a dancer and a overall person. I have been afforded so many opportunities, ones that I would have never been exposed to, if it were not for the community outreach that San Diego Dance Theatre does.

My husband and I attended the last performance of the San Diego Dance Theater and the athletic ability and the interpretation of the music by the local dance company was incredible. They were as talented as the performers I have seen at Cirque de Solei but without any props.

The choice of music was fantastic as were the vocalists who sang to some of the dance routines.

It was a very memorable evening and the Company is as asset to the San Diego community.

I have not seen a lot of dance performance - but this troupe offered as good an experience as I have had anywhere, anytime.
The choreography was completely amazing. The skill, athleticism, and unbridled joy the dancers brought to the stage was infectious.
I am in awe that such high quality dance performance can be found in this region.
The evening was a true celebration of the highest qualities of the dancer's art.

Trolley Dances are something I look forward to every year. It is such a creative way to introduce the public to the joys of dance, the use of public transportation and exploring new areas of our community.

Cabaret Dances were new to me this year and I loved the experience. We were in the 2nd row of tables and found that it was often difficult to see the dancers. At intermission we move to the upper level seating.

Jean does so much with so little.

Jean Isaacs is a creative and original dance creator, and surrounds herself with hardwoking staff and a talented dance company. I always enjoy her visualy beautiful and sexy dances. She also gives back alot to the community ranging from dance workshops to unique public performances.

Ever since our first time attending a Three's Company performance in the '80s, we were strongly drawn in. We have remained loyal to Jean and her organizations' work and superb performances.

Thanks!!

I have been working with San Diego Dance Theater for almost two years now. The day I arrived in San Diego they have been extremely helpful and supportive to me as an upcoming professional. I started dancing in the summer intensive in July of 2009 which they have produced for numerous years. I was able to study technique and reperatory from the company and work with amazing guest faculty. I participated in the annual Trolley Dances that year as well. It was a big deal for me as it was my first real paying dance performance. Trolley Dances really encouraged me to get out into San Diego and share the fact that there is a wonderful dance community in this city. Currently I am volunteering as a work-study student with the company. I help out in the office and performances/events in exchange for discounted classes. As a dancer it is crucial to keep "in shape" with technique and skills only learned in class if taken regularly. This can get expensive, so it is an honor to be given classes that I could otherwise not afford.

San Diego Dance Theater provides a great combination of performance, training and outreach into the community. Besides being inspired by SDDT performances -- my entire family has gone to their "free dance day" (where the Artistic Director and other staff teach classes to the public for free). It was a great way to introduce my 2 daughters to the fun of expression.

In addition to their outreach efforts - Jean Issac's SDDT consistantly trains some of the finest dancers in the community, and stages thought-provoking and beautiful performances.

Trolley Dances is one of my must see cultural events of the summer. Inspiring and georgous - what better way to see dance! The weather is always great and the dances are always fresh and unexpected.

Jean Isaacs' SDDT hits the artistic gold standard for modern dance. It's smart yet accessible, and gorgeous to watch in the theater. SDDT prides itself on opening art into public spaces and developing diverse audiences, artists, and venues. In short, it's a gem. I've been following the company for over 20 years and still am delighted and amazed with the work and the beauty of the dancers.

The San Diego Dance Theatre's Trolley Dance is one of the best 1/2 experiences that can be had in San Diego. The events are always new, interesting, relevant, expose one to interesting fun places in San Diego that I usually don't go. The performances are wonderful to watch and very inspiring to the mind.

When i moved to San Diego in 2004, one of the first events i attended was a Trolley Dance performance by Jean Isaac's San Diego Dance Theater. I was so happy and inspired to see such great art and culture in a new city. Since then Jean has pumped out many many many more performances and community gatherings that I have attended and have seen what a huge impact San Diego Dance Theatre has in San Diego. The company has been such a focal point for dance in San Diego. It has really become the mecca of dance in southern California. I am a professional dancer in San Diego, and have always looked up to the quality of artistic outreach this company has shown.

This organization provides numerous opportunities for the community to participate in the arts - as spectators and performers. The quality of the performances is spectacular, and is accessible to all ages. Trolley Dances is popular with all ages, and is particularly intriguing to younger patrons.

SDDT is a blessing to the San Diego community, not just the Arts. It offers innovative programming, in particular the famous Trolley Dances performed every Fall for two weekends. We are the only city that offers urban performing art of this kind! Even Toronto, with its incredible arts culture and great public transit system, doesn't offer something like this! So raise your hands with money and accolade for SDDT and the benefits it brings to citizens of our community. Support your local arts since government certainly doesn't.

A group of us attended a performance at the Jewish Community Center's Garfield Theatre and we had a front row seat to their terrific show. The dancers were extremely professional and gave it their heartfelt all! It was truly an enjoyable evening.

Lovely, beautiful, writhing bodies, undulating to the music, creating fantasy and imagining strange countries and ancient customs.

Great, great and more great dancing choreography and community service. A true gem in the dance arts in San Diego and world wide.

I had the opportunity to work as choreographer in the 11th trolley dances 2009, it was a lifetime experience!!!!. Almost thirteen year ago, Jean Isaacs and San Diego Dance Theater had this great idea, of bringing dance to outdoors spaces, creating Trolley Dances Festival. Year after year bringing artist from different parts of the world, trolley dances gathers more than 100 people, that takes part as dancers, choreographers, tour guides, staff and more!

What I enjoy most about SDDT performances is (aside from great talent) the intimacy which characterizes their performances. Whether it is outdoors, in a formal theater, restaurant or other venue, the performances are always intimate. Each performance is creatively unique and a real joy to attend.

I have been attending the Trolley Dances and the Cabaret Dances performed by the San Diego Dance Theater for over five years. Each event has given me an appreciation of modern dance and has introduced me to wonderful music and dance professionals. The Cabaret Dance program for 2011 "By George By Jean" was excellant. The music of George Gershwin is perfect with modern dance. This organization adds richness to the culture of San Diego.

I have been taking fundenmental modern dance classes from San Diego Dance Theater for over 5 years. I can not say enough about how it transforms me from a total non-dancer to a dancer. I have exposed to a variety of very skilled and motivated dance instructors. I would recommend most strongly this organization to anyone wanting to improve their lives. Come try some classes, you will be glad that you do. They also perform several dance shows throughout the year, they are absolutely top notch.

The SDDT dancers are not only talented and beautiful, but they really connect emotionally during a performance. I've laughed and cried many times during their performances and will remember some of those moments forever.

I have grown as a dancer, but I have also made lifelong friends in this supportive and fun enviornment. Although I moved away from San Diego for several years, as soon as I came back I couldn't wait to take class from SDDT again. I believe one of the things that sets Jean apart is her huge dedication to fostering opportunities for other dancers- work study programs, teaching opportunities, and of course performance opportunities. She is the main reason I have continued dancing for over 20 years and is a true inspiration.

I enjoyed Jean Isaacs amazing choreography for many years before being honored with an invitation to the board. Jean and her dancers continue to perform at the highest levels from Trolley Dances to Cabaret Dances. With Cabaret Dance performances this season at the The David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla, we reached many new audience members. Dance is the most challenging art to perform and to garner support. I invite everyone out there to come see dance, come see the Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater and be inspired.

San Diego Dance Theatre has enriched my life in many ways. First of all, they are a great company with great performances which I really enjoy as an audience member. They incorporate live music often and encourage artistic collaboration, and often incorporate works by company members.
In addition, Jean Issacs provides regular showcases where new and up and coming choreographers can showcase their works. As a dancer, this organization means a lot to me personally because they provide wonderful dance classes with great teachers that I study with. The showcases allow me to work towards performing when I take class.
Overall, it's a great organization that contributes an enormous amount to San Diego and beyond!

To those who have not had the pleasure of attending, no experiancing is a better word, any of Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theaters many performances I urge attendance at your next opportunity. Jean & company have a regualr schedule of themed performances such as the innovative "Trolley Dances" in which she sets site specific pieces at locations along the San Diego Trolley line. You will find all the human emotions depicted in these very creative and moving (no pun ontended) pieces set by Jean and guest choreographers at this event. Then there is "Caberet Dances" which sets out to recreate a caberet atmosphere for dance and music. Innovative yet never so esoteric as to lose the audiance Jean and company keep an audiance engaged in the movement at all times.

Chris Faust

I am lucky to be a part of San Diego Dance Theatre. My role with SDDT is 'work study student'. In exchange for helping out with events and around the studio I am bequeathed free instructional classes. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with Jean and her dancers and staff. Without dance I don’t know how I would define myself. San Diego Dance Theatre brings art to life in a very publically accessible way. Jean and her dancers give parts of themselves to the community, and both benefit more than either may cognitively realize.

San Diego Dance Theater, under the direction of Jean Isaacs, is at the forefront of creating opportunities and nurturing up and coming dance artists in San Diego. SDDT provides innovative and accessible dance works both in theater as well as in public spaces. Through classes offerred, SDDT trains and shapes future, current, and former performers and dance enthusiasts. I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Jean Isaccs and SDDT for almost 20 years now and can say that Jean Isaacs is a major supporter of the arts and of the performing artist. I have witnessed her take many emerging artists under her wing and ensure that they are given opportunities to blossom and come into their own.

I am an enthusiastic supporter of performing arts. This is one of the more humble organizations I have ever known. It encourages dance in many ways, beyond your average dance company. It is not elitist and is inclusive of dancers at any level.

SD Dance Theater provides immeasurable opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to participate in the wonderful art form of dance. The spectrum runs the gamut - from 1) volunteering (fundraisers, event planning, set up, ticket sales, tour guides) to 2) personal growth opportunities with exploring delicious and creative movement vocabulary in dance class, master classes, studio showings, Trolley Dances, and other unique performance opportunities to 3) taking in the beautiful artistry of the SDDT dancers. Jean Isaacs is an amazing and inspiring dance educator, the best in San Diego.

I have found San Diego Dance Theater at the forefront of creating possibilities for emerging artists like myself with a platform to foster dance performance and choreography. By providing dance classes, summer workshops, master classes, and opportunities to both perform and show new pieces of choreographic work, San Diego Dance Theater is nurturing and shaping future dance artists and dance makers of our community. I am grateful for the opportunities and programming that San Diego Dance Theater has been able to provide me to enhance my dance career.