Good Neighbor Spotlight: Jamie Sachs of Riverside
I had the opportunity to have a sit down with my good friend and community leader Jamie Sachs, the founding artistic director and president of Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet (IECB) in Riverside, California. Since 2006, Jamie’s IECB program has given out scholarships to the underserved youth within the Riverside community.
Not only does her dance school provide a local service for the community, but Jamie also spends her time helping local students by offering services like an after-school program in music theory, a dance program for children with special needs called Ballet Buddies, and tutoring music and art students for the arts council. She was also nominated for the "Distinguished Woman of the Year" award for San Bernardino County, and was the recipient of a heart award from the Unforgettables Foundation for her charity work. Jamie Sachs is truly a good neighbor that you should not only know, but celebrate.
What is The Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet
The Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet is a nonprofit dance company located in Southern California in Riverside. We are a professional dance company, offering scholarships to children so they can dance and learn alongside professional dancers and dance educators.
Our mission statement is to exist solely for the purpose of providing educational and performance opportunities in classical and contemporary ballet to children (ages 8-18) from low-income, underserved communities throughout Inland Empire. Regardless of race, religion, or gender, we serve Inland Empire by providing training and productions of the highest possible quality for the artistic welfare of our vast community.
Why did you start this organization?
I started [it] because of the need of a professional dance company in this area (Riverside). I realized there are so many underserved communities in Inland Empire. It’s a joy to see how it assists them in the long run, which inspired me to make it bigger than when I started it.
What is your history with San Diego County? When did you move here, how long are you staying?
I’m originally from Inland Empire, and I had a professional career in dance. Upon retirement, I moved back home, and noticed the need for professional instruction in the area. There aren’t very many professional dance companies within the region that are run by people who’ve had a professional career in dance.
My background includes professional dancer, contemporary and ballet artist, and [I] have trained with amazing dance companies, such as the Hawaii State Ballet, the Los Angeles Ballet, California Riverside Ballet, and more. My professional career began at age 16, and my resume includes choreographing and assisting in world tours, which I cannot name due to a non-disclosure agreement.
What programs does your organization run?
We offer a mentorship program, an apprenticeship program, full scholarships, partial scholarships, and also interning on the business side (bookkeeping, administrative, social media, marketing, etc.).
The apprenticeship is my favorite, which is something you have to be invited to as opposed to apply. You have to demonstrate leadership ability, have a foundation in all forms of the major dances, and it will allow you to work alongside all of the instructors. Graduation includes having your own class.
The mentorship program is for those on the professional track, and will guide you in the correct direction. That one is pretty much every shape or form of the term [mentorship], and anyone can apply. The mentors include myself and other instructors.
Our scholarship program is a wonderful opportunity for future dancers to learn the art of contemporary dance, as well as ballet, and seek a career as a professional artist or dance educator. We encourage higher education in the performing arts as well as professional careers.
What are your goals for the next three to five years?
To grow, and to produce more original pieces and dance performances. Some of the things that we have, I’ve personally written and produced two ballets, which [we] will be performing nationwide in the spring of 2020. We’re excited to put on our own production of the Nutcracker, as well as Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. I also look forward to taking on more students and mentees.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve had 92 students go through our program, with 75 that have gone on to have professional careers in dance as well as going into higher education and received degrees.
What’s the best part about living in Riverside?
It’s the city of art and innovation. There are so many opportunities for visual and performing arts. It’s what inspired me to make this the homebase for my organization. Once a month there’s an art night in downtown. It doesn’t matter what type of artist you are, you can display it. I’ve seen poets, opera singers, painters, everything you can imagine. Our current Mayor Rusty Daley has expanded on the program. It’s wonderful and encouraged. It’s an old community, but very cultured, with a vast wealth of talent. I grew up in Diamond Bar (Los Angeles County), so having this richness of art and culture now in my backyard of Canyon Crest is particularly thrilling.
How do you keep your team members/employees motivated?
I allow them to express themselves, and bring new and exciting ideas to the table, always. I take the time to listen, and let them know that yes, this is a joint effort. It’s why I have the talented instructors that I have on board, as I respect and value their thoughts and opinions.
What rules should be broken?
All of them! All the rules should be broken. I think we live with too many rules. Well, I take that back. The rules that should be broken are those that confine your artistic expression, to clarify. Everyone needs to have an artistic release in some way, shape or form.
What has been the biggest risk?
Starting this program. It was my biggest risk because I’ve been financing it myself personally. But it’s an incredible dream and worth going out on a limb. It’s an ongoing project that I believe in. Thus far, the community has been receptive of my vision, but there’s always room for growth. This is my passion for the art form on full display.