Bandalooping: A unique dance form in Oakland - 510 Families
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Bandalooping: A unique dance form in Oakland

Thanks to the Bandaloop organization for hosting 510Families.com at an introductory workshop, in which my daughter got hooked (literally). 

Since attending a half-day workshop, Scarlett has been taking a weekly Bandalooping class called “Up the Walls” at the West Oakland warehouse-turned-studio space. She, along with a group of about 12 kids of all genders, is learning to essentially dance on a wall, controlling the position of her body with core muscles and leverage the harness and cables that allow her to dangle from the ceiling.

Bandaloop Studio | Photo: Whitney Moss

This unique dance form has been made famous by P!nk in a televised music event in which she sang while gliding up and down the facade of a skyscraper. Other Bandaloop performances have created lyrical spectacles around the world as part of special events and festivals. Dancers treat vertical surfaces as floors; they move up and down with their feet against buildings or natural elements while audiences watch from below.

Professional artists: Bandaloop troop performs in public spaces

In 2019, Bandaloop introduced a studio where beginners could learn the skills, including how to use the harnesses to rig themselves safely.

The weekly afterschool class allows kids ages 9-14 to don a harness, similar to rock climbing, and rotate through different stations for skill-building. (One station positions students next to a wall made of trampoline material!)

Three teachers have been on-hand to coach the students through exercises, learning the basics of how to move through space, while oriented parallel to the ground. The 90-minute class includes all equipment, a snack, and concludes with a brief gratitude circle.

We are grateful to have the community of artists right here in the East Bay who support kids learning amazing skills like Bandalooping!

Learn more about Bandaloop’s work in the performance world (adults) at their website >

Learn about Bandaloop classes for kids and adults at their education-focused website >

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