Feature Articles

“It’s All Good” Valuing process over product — Rachel Howard, Dance Magazine Studio Talk, June 2005

George Washington High School students and Mentor Deborah Slater are participants in the Vision Series, a program that is simple in structure and infectious in spirit. “Seeing the high school kids reminds me why I do what I do,” says Slater. Nina Mayer says the Vision Series inspired one of her former dancers to pursue a full-time career, though all the students benefit from sharing the stage with professionals. “This project has allowed us to expand their idea of what modern dance can be. This is different than any competitions, they learn more at the Vision Series.” says Director Nina Mayer. Heath believes that at this stage many artists benefit more from “loving suggestions” than “harsh criticism.” What matters is that you’re going to learn and you’re going to get better. I want this show to be a big embrace.” says Heath, the Vision Series Creator.

“High School dancers get a feel for professional performance...” — Janet Cohen, Dance Magazine Press Time News, May 2001

Several dancers are now planning dance careers. But to Donnette Heath, creator of the series, that is just the icing on the cake...”There are so many lessons dance can teach,” says Heath. To bring the experience to as many students as possible, she designed the Vision Series to support and celebrate dancers at all technical levels...“It’s a very supportive environment, the kids learn about the business, but also how to help each other. Vision Series dancers may go on to become scientists, bank clerks, or teachers,” says Heath, “but hopefully the experience will turn them into lifelong dance fans and leave them with happy memories. Most of all,” says Heath, “I hope they walk out of the theater feeling great about themselves. They should all feel as tall as the Empire State Building...”

"Theater, dance, spoken word, comedy & performance" — Vision Series 2001 Sima Belmar, SF Bay Guardian, February 2001

“Donnette Heath, dRepSF executive/artistic director, is one energetic woman. This is a good cause, a good idea, and great fun.”

“Young Performers get big chance with Vision Series...” Rachel Howard, San Francisco Examiner, February 1, 2001

“We can be so paranoid about showing our work, especially these kids,” says Heath. “They’re in a vulnerable state, and so are the young professional artists, who move to San Francisco because they want to become something big. This is about the performance opportunity, the time on stage. The performers are going to walk away from this feeling validated, feeling positive...”

‘Vision’ Inspires Teen Dancers...“Students Find Stories in Dance...” Tori Minton, San Francisco Chronicle, February 2001

“It is that kind of intimate communication that Heath, executive/artistic director of Dance Repertory/San Francisco, wants to encourage in young modern dancers and their audiences through her Vision Series...The program is meant to educate and give exposure to the artists, and to introduce audiences to a commonly misunderstood art form... Heath says dance helped her find her identity. “It might help them discover something new about themselves, and accept who they are.”