ORGANIZATIONS & ENTERPRISES

Sonoma Arts Live, a non profit 501 (C)(3), believes that theater is a universal language, rooted in its ability to open our hearts towards greater levels of compassion, and empower our minds to explore new ways of thinking. 

We believe in  presenting theater that enriches the lives of our community, sheds light in times of darkness, and revives our spirits.

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”  

--Oscar Wilde

Our Mission & Vision

Sonoma Conservatory of Dance fosters curiosity, creativity, joy and compassion, through the art and discipline of dance in a learning environment that ignites the creative spirit.

Our Story:

Originally Founded as Sonoma Ballet Conservatory in 1970, Patricia O’Reilly reenvisioned the studio as Sonoma Conservatory of Dance in 2005 after 12 years of directing the Vallejo Ballet Conservatory, which she had founded in 1993. Under the Artistic Direction of Ms. O’Reilly, SCD continues to offer the very highest quality classical ballet and dance instruction to youth and adults.

In 2016, Sonoma Conservatory of Dance transitioned into a public benefit corporation to better serve the community of Sonoma and to more effectively fulfill its mission of providing the youth (and adults) of Sonoma Valley and beyond an opportunity to grow artistically and technically through participation in our classes and productions.

As a nonprofit, we are able to serve as many students as possible regardless of financial circumstances. Our students grow as they train together under the mentorship of an excellent artistic staff who create an outstanding classroom environment as well as high-quality performances that we share with the public, thereby enhancing each student’s sense of self-mastery.

The studio’s students have been accepted into the most prestigious dance programs both locally, nationally and internationally, including: American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Kaatsbaan Extreme Ballet, and Royal Ballet School of Antwerp.

Other Notable Programs Include:

Boston BalletLINES Ballet, Colorado Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Ballet West, Nutmeg Conservatory of the Arts, The Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Dance, Marymount Manhattan College Dance Department, and The Royal Ballet School of London.

To date, SCD students have competed in the Genée International Ballet Competition, Youth America Grand Prix and the RAD Dance Challenge.

The Sonoma International Film Festival provides a welcoming, entertaining, and inspiring cinematic experience that supports and promotes independent films and celebrates the cultural diversity in the Sonoma Valley through the art of film.

We are dedicated to the financial support of the visual arts educational programs in Sonoma Valley schools and community outreach programs. Since its inception in 1997, the annual March film festival has celebrated the best in film, food, wine and fun; bringing positive economic impact to Sonoma and enriching cultural life throughout Sonoma Valley and beyond. Year-round events include special screenings and events, and SIFF Summerfest. The SIFF-conceived SVHS Media Arts Program, started in 2002, provides student filmmakers with the tools and resources to explore visual storytelling and has given more than $725,000 to the program to date.