Today, we proudly feature Space RENTAL, our initiative supporting local artists pursuing their own visions. We sat down with Michelle Hamff to discuss the role The Dance Foundation played in helping her found Sanspointe Dance Company.
An Artist’s Dream
Michelle Hamff started work as an instructor at The Dance Foundation after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Dance from the University of Alabama. After a few years, she felt a strong desire to express her creativity through choreography and dance.
“The Dance Foundation values having their instructors pursue excellence and elevate themselves creatively and artistically. After teaching at The Dance Foundation for a few years, I talked with Diane Litsey (The Dance Foundation’s Executive Director) about my desire to found a dance company. She was very supportive. She made professional rehearsal space available at a discounted rate to help us get started. We had so little money. I never could have gotten Sanspointe off the ground without The Dance Foundation’s encouragement and support. And now Sanspointe is in its 22nd year!”
Space RENTAL makes professional studio space available to community artists and organizations for their own classes, workshops, rehearsals, and performances. Space RENTAL is more than the name implies. It is an essential expression of our vision everybody dancing. When these talented artists and organizations have space to move, dream, and grow, they expand ideas about what dance is and who is a dancer, taking dance to communities we might not otherwise reach.
“The Dance Foundation supported my dream and trusted our artistic voice. They supported us financially by helping us access professional rehearsal and performance space unlike anything we could have accessed otherwise. They worked with our schedules and supported our performances. They did all this because it fulfills their mission, but they also supported us because it’s good for the dance studio. Several of us were teaching artists at The Dance Foundation, and parents love seeing their child’s teaching artists staying engaged in the arts and dancing professionally. In fact, students participated in some performances, gaining their first experiences dancing with professionals.”
Sanspointe Dance Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is a vital part of the Birmingham arts community. It is funded through donor support and grants. Over the years, the company has had five artistic directors, and all five have been faculty of The Dance Foundation. Since 2016, the company has been directed by Anna Foshee with Dance Foundation teaching artist and Student Ensemble Director Sara Wallace as assistant director of Sanspointe. Because of this, Dance Foundation students have had opportunities over the years to participate in Sanspointe’s unique site-specific performances; for example in 2012 at Railroad Park, in 2014 at Sloss Furnaces, in 2022 at Fresh Air Farms and most recently in summer of 2024 at UAB ArtPlay.
“Our first show in 2003 was called Tidal. 2 years ago, Sanspointe celebrated its 20th anniversary. Throughout that time, the company has been dedicated to creating, collaborating, and connecting with each other and the audience. Shows have been popular and well attended, but that’s not how we measured success. The art is authentic. It speaks for itself and makes an impact. We’ve succeeded when one person in the audience is moved, challenged, or left with a new perspective. That moves me as an artist, and that’s enough. Although we do love it when people come to performances!”
Sanspointe Dance Company is a vital part of The Dance Foundation’s legacy and the Birmingham arts scene. I am proud to be part of their story.
“Sanspointe was sustainable with the support of The Dance Foundation. It’s a center for innovation, creation, and supporting artists.”
Help Artists Realize Their Visions
We are grateful that Michelle Hamff took the time to share her perspective on the Space RENTAL program. She is a shining example of what artists can accomplish with a little support and encouragement.
The Dance Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to teaching the art of dance to all. Studio CLASSES create a community celebrating the dancer in every body and the dance in every movement. Dance PARTNERS takes dance into schools and community organizations, helping preschool and K-12 students connect with each other, academic content, and developmental goals. Space RENTAL helps teachers and artists like Michelle Hamff realize their dreams and expand access to dance in the community.
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Photo of Michelle Hamff and Shellie Chambers performing in The Dance Foundation’s theatre for a Sanspointe event.