SpectorDance’s mission is “To Create and Present Dance that Makes a Difference!” Everything we do—whether creative, pedagogical, community-oriented, or even managerial—serves this greater purpose. This mission uniquely defines all our work.
Our vision is “A world where everyone is connected, informed, and inspired through the beauty and power of dance.”
SpectorDance will continue to bring dance and the arts to those in our community who experience cultural barriers to participation due to limited income and lack of exposure. Our programs, projects, and partnerships connect us to various underserved populations. Through subject choices that relate to our community, a multimedia presentation style, associated educational programs, and partnerships with outstanding non-arts organizations, we are discovering a creative direction that is both important on the community level and artistically exciting. Funds raised through MC Gives will enable us to continue to provide free dance programming for those in our community who might not otherwise have such opportunities. We see dance a positive force for education, health, healing and community connection. We see dance as way to contribute to the health and well-being of youth in every part of our community. We believe in the beauty and power of dance and creativity.
SpectorDance benefits Monterey County by offering free performances and contemporary dance workshops in underserved parts of our community, provide mentorship for young artists, and continue the creation of issue-based works. Inspired by our diverse community partnerships, we will continue to develop our organizational capacity, enabling us to provide high-quality dance-based activities that have a positive impact on our community, and ensuring that our contributions.
The Ocean Arts Festival targets young artists from all over Monterey County with a special effort to reach youth from South County. In 2025, we are establishing a new partnership with the YMCA of Monterey County, to enable us to reach more under-served youth throughout Monterey County, amplifying our reach with their four locations.
SpectorDance is a wonderful organization that has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering the artistic development of young individuals. SpectorDance provides invaluable opportunities for young artists to express their creativity, share their visions for a brighter future, and engage meaningfully with their community. The annual SpectorDance’s “Ocean Arts Festival” is a beacon of creativity and thoughtful engagement, offering a platform for youth to create and present art that conveys powerful messages about environmental stewardship and community involvement. Through this festival, young participants learn that their voices matter and that they can effect positive change, even from a young age. The festival not only highlights the artistic talents of the youth, but also educates and inspires the broader community on pressing environmental issues. In summary, SpectorDance is a vital and influential arts organization that significantly enriches the cultural landscape of our community.
- Roxanne OWeger, Monterey
