Zaccho Dance Theatre’s (ZDT) mission is to advance aerial arts, site-specific and contemporary dance through innovative performance, arts education, and youth programming. Co-founded in 1980 by Joanna Haigood, Zaccho creates work that explores history, place, and culture through movement-based storytelling, which inspires human connection and social responsibility.
Haigood has shaped the company’s vision for 45 years, using natural, architectural, and cultural environments as springboards for choreography. Her work draws on extensive research into the character and history of people, communities, and place, often addressing cultural history, lived experience and social justice themes.
Community involvement is central to ZDT’s mission, with local voices often integrated into both the creation and programming of new work.
Zaccho’s commitment to artistic excellence, innovation and community engagement has made it a vital part of San Francisco’s artistic landscape.
OUR KEY PROGRAMS
Zaccho Dance Theatre (est. 1980) produces large scale performances and project-related community programming.
Zaccho Studio (est. 1989) is proudly housed in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, which serves as a vibrant creative hub for artists and community members.
Our Youth Performing Arts Program (est. 1990) is an award-winning arts education program serving an average of 125 youth each year, and nearly 7,000 to date.
Our Residency and Fellowship Programs (est. 2010) provide mentorship and critical resources to local artists at various stages of their careers.
Our Biennial San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival (est. 2014), which has featured and elevated 330 artists throughout six festivals to date.
