Dance Team Struggles to Find Venue

There is life beyond the fringe of mainstream dance, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

Independent dance makers, such as San Diego-based Laurie Lowry and Judith Sharp, compete with full-fledged companies for the limited pool of local dancers, then scrounge for studio space on a catch-as-catch-can basis.

Yet, they find ways to show their wares--even if it means performing in low-tech environments and teaming up with students at a dance school recital.

“It’s very difficult to fund choreography,” Lowry acknowledged. “I teach at Wise-Penasquitos Pointe Dance School, but, without this arrangement and a grant from the San Diego Area Dance Alliance, we probably couldn’t afford to do this concert.”

The ballet-based performances, scheduled for 8 p.m. today and Saturday at the school, will feature two works each by Lowry and Sharp. The balance of the program will showcase student dancers in choreography by Lorinda Wise.

“Judy and I are trying to challenge ourselves with longer pieces on this program. We’re planning to take our work to college campuses and other (local spaces) after this,” Lowry said, “and I want to invite other independents to join us on the program.”