The art of dance in our community

[Kale Wisnia]

In the practice of Architecture there is a long tradition of community service. Architects are often brought to the table within a community to solve problems that affect the greater population and often submit recommendations for city planning and building improvements. It is a winning combination when Architects are able to volunteer that service to an organization or group that provides a venue for education back to the community. I am the principal Architect for CRKW Studio, Inc. and StudioCO-de. We are a small group of designers and artisans that have joined together in a small studio on Franklin. Recently (4-6 months ago) my wife and I had the pleasure to meet Amanda Peet and Rick Porter of the Sacramento Ballet. Amanda was the prima ballerina for Sacramento Ballet for many years and has since been on leave in order to start a family. She and Rick (now her fiancé) informed us of some the recent activities at the Sacramento Ballet and their attempts to either remodel or move. One of the obvious challenges being funding for either.

As it happens, Sienna (also a Little Dragon) practices ballet at Sacramento Academy of Dance Ballet so Catherine and I have an appreciation for the art of dance and ballet and its benefits to the community. We decided to approach the Sacramento Ballet to find out if they were in need of some assistance in the design and planning of their facility. We quickly found ourselves in communication with Richard Rich of Mosaic Partners, LLC who was extremely anxious to show us the “new” facility on 24^th and N street reserved for the Sacramento Ballet, the Sacramento Opera Co. and the Sacramento Philharmonic, as well as a variety of other smaller arts groups.

The building was once the home of the Fremont School for Adults but was condemned due to code compliance issues. It is now in the process of being renovated with the help of local Architects Dryfuss and Blackford who have worked (pro bono) to submit plans for bringing the building up to code. Once the upgrade has been approved the next step is for the various performing arts groups to prepare the interior spaces for use, what is called Tenant Improvement. In short, submit plans for interior architectural improvements to the empty spaces within that will provide for the functional requirements of the tenant. This is where I come in.

I (CRKW Studio) have contracted to offer pro-bono Architectural and Design services to prepare and submit plans for tenant improvements for the Sacramento Ballet. We have been reviewing the existing plan for building improvements and the anticipated program that is desired by the Ballet School. This process takes time and we also wait patiently for the Ballet to make some decisions regarding direction. This is a humbling experience in that we have gotten to know some of the current dancers and understand that the facility within which they practice and instruct other young children striving to learn the dance is in disrepair and without proper ventilation or conditioning. The light at the other end of the tunnel is within reach and we hope to continue to move forward before the end of the year.

The art within which they, the dancers, communicate to the public is inspiring and astounding. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity and I will continue to update our community at Zen Martial Arts of the progress.