Many people go to the theater, read articles like this and listen to musical soundtracks not just because they love the art form but because, at some level, we all want the release and community that the performing arts provide.
However, due to many factors, most of us limit our silliest (and most fun) dances to our bathroom mirrors (and the occasional sock-friendly hallway). That is where Rachel Wynne comes in, with Danceypants.
Theater-goers will know Wynne’s work even if they don’t know them. Wynne choreographed Hair and Elf the Musical at 6th Street Playhouse and Shakespeare in the Cannery’s final show, Shakespeare in Love. She also advised on Cinnabar’s well-received Dancing Lessons. On top of this impressive list, Wynne is also the founder of expandance, a somatic movement practice she currently offers free to cancer patients and survivors through St. Joseph Providence. If one is looking for pure joy, Danceypants is the place to be.
A multi-generational, multi-level group known for being welcoming to all (18+) newcomers, Danceypants brings together people of all body types, genders, sexualities, races, abilities, etc., to learn choreography set to familiar pop songs of the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.
Starting in 2018, Danceypants was originally supposed to be a once-off class for some friends. It proved so popular that it became a monthly event. And then, after a long hiatus during the pandemic, it came back as a weekly (and now twice weekly) offering. This week, it celebrates its 100th class! However, that legacy may be in jeopardy.
Danceypants relies on the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. Founded in 1982, the center is one of the organizations partially funded by the City of Sebastopol in lieu of a dedicated parks and recreation department. Committed to “quality education and enrichment,” the center provides programs that help build community.
Due to financial shortfalls, Sebastopol City Council is considering cutting the funding it supplies to the center by half. Where this cut leaves the communities that have formed around the center is currently up in the air. But thankfully, there’s still the opportunity to let one’s inner child come out to play, for now.
Danceypants is all about the joy of community and movement, two things we can all always use. And while you’re at it, you might even learn something about dance and performance (with or without hallway socks).
Danceypants classes commence at 7:15pm on Mondays and 9am on Wednesdays at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center in the Youth Annex, 425 Morris St. Info and tickets at expandance.com/danceypants.
