In recent years, federal funding cuts have left many arts organizations in a precarious situation, impacting areas from education and national parks to local media outlets. The dance community in the Bay Area, hard-hit by slashes in support, is grappling with significant financial strain.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) made headlines earlier this year when it canceled over $1 million in grants specifically allocated to San Francisco nonprofits. This decision has left leaders in the local dance scene, including Micaya, feeling the repercussions more than ever.
At Dance Mission Theater, Micaya leads her hip hop fusion dance company, Soulforce, through rehearsals for their show, “Mission in the Mix.” With only one day until opening night, the studio is filled with excitement and urgency as dancers practice their moves.
“I only have one name and I’m a choreographer, dance teacher, consultant, producer, artistic director, and CEO. If the trash needs to get taken out at a theater, I’ll do that,” Micaya asserts with laughter amidst the hustle of her team.
Having been a cornerstone in the Bay Area dance community for nearly 40 years, Micaya even had a hand in naming Dance Mission Theater. She not only teaches at this vibrant venue but also organizes annual showcases, including the San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest.
Despite her long-standing commitment, Micaya has faced increasing financial hurdles over the years, especially following the pandemic. “For 26 years, I’ve been struggling to try to get the funding, respect, and honor that hip hop dance deserves,” she explains, reflecting on the tightening grip of financial uncertainty.
The theater itself has also seen declines in funding. Stella Adelman, the managing director, highlights the challenges that nonprofits face today, noting, “Which means in a nonprofit you unclog toilets and then write grants and produce shows.”
Traditionally, federal grants have been a vital resource for Dance Mission. In 2024, they secured $75,000 from the NEA for performances and workshops at the 24th Street Mission BART location. Unfortunately, that funding was cut in May when the NEA announced it would no longer support programs centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion—principles that the theater has heavily invested in.
Stella recalls the urgency with which the company had to adapt after losing the grant. “We quickly had to figure out how to do it without that funding and how to make it a lot smaller,” she shares, illustrating the precarious position many arts organizations find themselves in.
Reports indicate that at least 28 arts organizations in San Francisco have lost their NEA grants this spring alone. Dance Mission has felt this impact acutely, facing multiple theater rental cancellations and subsequent revenue losses.
The cuts in federal funding are only one piece of a larger puzzle. State financial support has also dwindled. “When we used to get a hundred thousand dollars a year from the California Arts Council, we might get like 20,” Stella explains, underscoring the sharp decline in state-level support for the arts.
In addition to federal and state cuts, the city of San Francisco has slashed the Arts Commission budget by $2 million over the next two years and is currently revamping its grant processes, causing further delays in funding distribution. Moreover, changing policies like AB5 have increased operational costs for many nonprofits.
As the landscape of financial support evolves, both Micaya and Stella find themselves relying more than ever on individual donors. “So now more than ever, we’re needing to depend on individuals and really asking our private donors to step up,” Stella notes, revealing the urgent need for community support.
Despite these challenges, some donors have stepped up, although contributions often fall short of what is necessary to bridge the funding gap. “I wish I could, but I’m giving it all to the ACLU,” Stella recalls hearing from potential donors, exemplifying the tough competition for charitable contributions.
Amidst these trying circumstances, Stella admits to a sense of frustration about society’s trajectory. “I’ve been so just like—we deserve what we get. We’ve just destroyed it all. Forests are burning. The air is polluted. Oh, well that was fun. See you on the other side,” she reflects, embodying a common sentiment of disillusionment in the face of global challenges.
Yet, a recent experience at the Carnaval festival rekindled her spirit. “And then to be like, there’s still good in the world. Okay, here we go. Let’s roll up our sleeves. It is worth fighting for,” she says with newfound determination.
Her enthusiasm is evident as she discusses recent improvements at Dance Mission, including the installation of a new ADA-compliant elevator and all-gender bathrooms. She is particularly proud of the theater’s ability to host diverse events that connect people from all walks of life.
As the night of the second-to-last performance of “Mission in the Mix” approaches, the theater is buzzing with anticipation. More than 100 audience members pack the space, eager to enjoy an eclectic mix of dance, humor, and drama.
Micaya takes to the stage periodically throughout the performance not only to introduce numbers but also to engage the audience in the larger conversation about funding for the arts. “Dancers are severely underpaid. And severely under-respected. Did I say it loud enough for the people in the back?” she calls out, emphasizing the urgency of the funding crisis.
The performance kicks off with a dynamic piece that instantly captures the audience’s attention, blending humor and poignant moments. One dancer artfully recites a pop song, while another playfully disrupts the routine, setting the stage for an engaging and emotionally charged show.
For Micaya, dance is more than just an art form; it’s a lifeline. “If I didn’t do it, I think I would be even more insane than I am. It takes me in the moment so that there’s not a time to think about what’s going on in the world or life,” she states, reflecting on the healing power of movement.
In these trying times for the arts, the resilience of community members like Micaya and Stella shines through, reminding us that even amid uncertainty, the spirit of creativity endures and thrives.
image source from：kalw
