A performing arts center for all. Exclusive interview w/Annie Rosenthal Parr proprietress RoCo Dance

On a cool crisp evening in November 2020, we were walking along a street just above Tam Junction. With the faint sound of music, we peared below as performers were dancing under a makeshift stage in a parking lot behind the Roco dance studio. Little did we know this performance was the culmination of a year long process, usually reserved for another more appropriate venue - this parking lot couldn’t have been more perfect. COVID restrictions had shut down performance art all over the world, even Broadway hadn’t produced a show. Luckily, here in our very own community, one performing arts center and its intrepid leader proved that the age old saying of the theater, “the show must go on” still exists. 

As you enter Tam Junction on any given day, you’ll speed past an array of business establishments, some more obvious than others. But just as you enter and the road straightens, a long one story unassuming building on the left will grab your attention. As it turns out, the very foundation of Tam Junction’s community can be found in this particular building. A place of inspiration, community, optimism, dance, and performance, Roco dance studio has made its home in Tam Junction since 1993. Just speak with any member of Mill Valley’s community and I bet you either they or their children took a class or they know someone who has. This is the impact of RoCo Dance.

Annie Rosenthal Parr proprietress of RoCo Dance is a native of Mill Valley, dancer, choreographer, teacher and mother of two. As I came to learn, RoCo is really the physical manifestation of her lifelong pursuit of the art of dance and its relationship with those who interact with it. Her bio is an impressive sight and as you dive into RoCo’s dance class offerings, one can see the full breadth of her experience made available to those in the community. I encourage everyone to read her full bio. 

Annie invited me into her studio for a conversation about RoCo, its founding story and future. Annie’s career in dance started well before Roco Dance was established. A career professional dancer with all the academic and performing arts accolades, she has taken her artform all over the country, teaching at the university level and mentoring young dancers for promising careers. Beyond her career in dance, she took the giant leap to pursue a business that many felt would be too challenging. We all know the pursuit of the arts and especially dance can be challenging if not near impossible to make a full career of it. 

As Annie describes her knowledge of business at the time as near zero, her ability to see past what society felt as business acumen was just what she needed. The birth of Roco, not long after the birth of her daughter, represented really a time of intense focus. Supported by her community, who took part in helping with childcare of her daughters and dance class, she was able to reinforce the notion that women can be successful entrepreneurs and business owners as well as successful parents. Building a business based on a lifelong passion and for a community that always needed such a center of performing arts could not have come at a better time. 

Over 30 years, Roco’s Dance program has evolved. Based in modern dance, Roco Dance provides classes for all ages and skill levels. Unlike traditional sports where there is a score or trophy, dance is based on a development and progression, something not too far off what action sport athletes pursue. In addition, she pointed out the challenge within traditional society that boys and girls are generally separated for activities and there is a hierarcharcy. 

The absence of rules like “right or wrong, winner or loser” she said really resonated for her growing up in dance translated in an incredibly pure and virtuosic way without having to achieve an ultimate status in an activity or sport”. I love the way she removes pressure from a serious competition mindset so that the most young and impressionable people in our community can be free to express themselves together.

Ultimately I believe it's the idea that achieving success in dance may not just be about the end state, but a lifelong pursuit into the soul to find a deeper meaning, and force that meaning into the world in the form of movement. Furthermore progression is never complete. Dance and movement do not discriminate as it breaks down barriers of age and culture and allows a platform for all. 

There’s something romantic about Roco Dance. Ultimately, the community has benefited from her ability to take chances, not follow the rules, and bring people together in this magical space for 30 years. Just incredible.

So what’s next for Roco Dance? 

Pivot Dance Festival by Roco in RoCo Mill Valley’s back Parking lot

In a very short time, Roco will bring one of the most innovative and creative performing arts events Tam Junction has ever seen. 

Saturday, June 5th, 2021

12:30-8:00Pm

Save the date!! All Spring 2021 dancers will be performing in Pivot Dance Festival – a day of outdoor performances by Mill Valley and Fairfax Youth Programs. 

*Additionally there will be a professional Breaking competition starting at 7:00 pm with breakers from San Diego, San Jose and Sacramento

*Professional performances by RoCo faculty

*Dance Films

*Raffle

*DJ

* Food, flowers and retail vendors

Advance ticket purchase is required. Your ticket grants you all-day access to the festival. Capacity is limited as well as seating. Seats will be provided to those who need them most – all other space will be standing room.
Please note that all parking will be offsite. Masks and social distancing will be required.

Buy your day pass HERE