Polaris Dance Theatre

New website - New blog home

2011-03-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Finally! After many months of tweaking and perfecting, Polaris Dance Theatre launched their NEW and improved website on Monday, February 28th, 2011. The new websites address is the same as their old website address: http://www.polarisdance.org/, but now hosts multiple pages including a blog page. All blog articles now launch directly on the Polaris website. This "blogger" post is the last Polaris Dance Theatre's "blogger" post. To follow Polaris Dance Theatre's blog articles, become a fan of Polaris Dance Theatre's facebook page by clicking the "Like" button today. Snippets of all blog articles are shared on the wall of the Polaris Dance Theatre's fan page to keep Polaris fans updated.

The Our House Benefit Auction Received Record Breaking Funds with the Help of Polaris Dance Theatre

2011-02-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

Polaris Dance Theatre performed at the Portland Art Museum during the Our House Benefit Auction's "Midnight at the Oasis" last Saturday, February 19, 2011. Our House is a Portland based organization that kicked off in 1988 to help low income people living with HIV/AIDS.

Guided by compassion, collaboration and respect, we provide 24-hour specialized care, adult foster care, and independent housing with support services. ~ Our House Mission

The Our House Benefit Auction is held every year and is the biggest fundraiser for all the programs Our House offers to people living with HIV/AIDS. For this year's Auction, "Midnight at the Oasis", Our House held a Silent Auction, Libations, Seated Dinner, Live Auction and Entertainment. Polaris Dance Theatre was invited to provide the entertainment portion of the evening.

Our House Benefit Auction reached record breaking funds by raising over $400,000

Polaris Dance Theatre's Company performed fire dancing (including delivering the MC on stage in a flaming treasure chest), aerial dancing and even Scheherazade harem girls to fit the theme of "Midnight at the Oasis". Trained llamas were also provided to complete the theme and were accessible to pet including kissing. A Polaris Dance Theatre supporter, Bill, attempted the kiss by placing a carrot in his mouth for the llama to grab. Bill explained the kiss was harmless as the llama delicately nibbled and barely made contact with his mouth.

Bill kissing a llama

Members of the Polaris Dance Theatre greatly enjoyed the evening and were overwhelmed with gratitude to be invited as guest artists for this important event. Our House Director of Marketing and Communication, John Oules, expressed his appreciation that Polaris Dance Theatre performed during the Our House Benefit Auction, "Midnight at the Oasis" by posting a comment of Polaris Dance Theatre's Artistic Director's facebook wall, "It was amazing! Big thanks to Robert and all the beautiful dancers!!!!" Mr. Oules goes on to explain that this year, the Our House Benefit Auction reached record breaking funds by raising over $400,000. When Polaris Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Robert Guitron read this comment, he "teared up", as he responded back, explaining Mr. Oules comment means so much to Polaris and that he loved the event and was grateful to have a part in it.

All Access Dance Lab Series

2011-02-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

Join Polaris Dance Theatre this Saturday, February 26, 2011, for a "Sticks and Stones" All Access Workshop. All Access is dedicated to exploring healing through movement and empowering individuals of all ages and abilities by connecting them on a deeper level to their bodies. One-on-one sessions address each unique individual’s abilities, while group dance and fitness classes offer both a connection to the body and to the community at large. Refer to the class schedule for classes that are ALL ACCESS. The All Access Workshop is led by Kathy Coleman and explores how bodies link with nature to create movement through the disability art and culture project. Ms. Coleman will utilize objects, memories and imaginations to dance winter into spring. All bodies are welcome. Contact Colleen to register.

Summer Dance Intensive

2011-02-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

Space is limited. Polaris Dance Theatre is holding auditions this Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center. Audition, get placed, and guarantee yourself a spot this summer during one of the best dance intensives Portland has to offer.

Auditions

2011-02-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

Polaris Dance Theatre is holding auditions this Sunday, February 27, 2011 for their Company's June performance and for their Summer Intensive Program. Don't miss it!

Sarah Lakey Update

2011-02-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

Dancer, Sarah Lakey

Polaris Dance Theatre dancer, Sarah Lakey, collapsed during rehearsal in excruciating pain last January. She tore her ACL and immediately was bedridden. Ms. Lakey is not only a Polaris company dancer, but she also teaches yoga at Yoga Pearl. She loves yoga and dance, but cannot afford health insurance, which makes this injury a living nightmare. Ms. Lakey is now unable to work making her also unable to pay for her everyday expenses let alone afford the needed surgery. Thankfully, Ms. Lakey's dear friend, Jason Van Orden, created a paypal donation page and Ms. Lakey received enough love and support for her needed surgery.
Last Friday, February 11th, Ms. Lakey survived a two hour surgery to discover she had completed severed her ACL. Her ACL was not even holding on by a thread. The surgery was successful, but the first 8-10 hours after surgery were difficult. Ms. Lakey's recovery time is prolonged since the torn ACL was so severe. Polaris and Ms. Lakey thank every donor from the bottom of their hearts for their generous financial help during these difficult times. Every little amounts helps Ms. Lakey have a safe recovery and Polaris is thrilled Ms. Lakey's surgery is behind her and she can eventually get back to what she loves: dance and yoga.

The Fertile Ground Festival got Groovin' at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center

2011-02-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Fertile Ground Festival, a 10 day celebration from January 20th-30th of citywide and locally grown art, celebrated their third year in Portland to a larger audience. Originally, the Fertile Ground Festival launched in 2009, by the Portland Area Theatre Alliance (PATA) to provide a platform for Portland theatre companies to showcase their commitment to new works. This year for the first time, the Fertile Ground Festival collaborated with Polaris Dance Theatre and, together, launched a dance hub called the Groovin' Greenhouse.

On Friday, January 28th and Saturday, January 29th at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center, the Groovin' Greenhouse showcased new works specifically in dance. Portland based dance companies such as NW Fusion Dance, Legacy Dance, Aaron Wheeler-Kay, Dance Coalition of Oregon, Les Watanabe with Portland Festival Ballet Dancers, and Polaris Dance Theatre performed new works to a sold out audience each night. Polaris Dance Theatre's staff and volunteers tried to accommodate the general public wanting to buy tickets at the door by pulling out chairs to set up next to the packed bleachers and creating a standing room only section by the exit door. Unfortunately, the Groovin' Greenhouse was so popular, especially by the second evening's performances, that Polaris Dance Theatre's staff and volunteers had to eventually apologize and send people away at the door explaining there were no more seats available.

The Polaris Contemporary Dance Center opened a little over a year ago to provide Polaris Dance Theatre with a studio of their own. The Polaris Dance Studio consists of one large studio space with a smaller aerial studio space off to the far right, a changing room, and an extra bonus room off to the left for speciality needs such as Pilates equipment. With all the small side events Polaris Dance Theatre is involved in along with their main concerts, Polaris Dance Theatre had literally no time at all to transform their studio space into a professional theatre space. However, Polaris Dance Theatre pulled off this amazing transformation.
The Polaris Contemporary Dance Center was transformed by the addition of
professional wings, stage lights, speakers, musical equipment and bleachers. Audience members were greeted at the door by Polaris Dance Theatre's staff and volunteers and immediately entered into the lobby where much socializing before the performances occurred. Off of the lobby was the extra bonus room where all the speciality and Pilates equipment was removed allowing the room to be transformed into a bar/refreshments area that offered complimentary wine and cookies. A donation was requested, but not necessary. A Polaris Dance Theatre staff and/or volunteer greeted audience members at the door to the studio/theatre room handing out programs and directing people to their seats.

Polaris Dance Theatre's "Lil' Mo"

Founder and Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, directed his staff and volunteers who were all available for any questions or concerns allowing the audience members and multiple dance companies performing on both evenings a stress free and relaxing environment. Performers were provided with the smaller aerial studio, which created a private room off of the stage that had it's own stage entrance for performers to change and prepare before each performance. As someone who has stepped foot in the Polaris Contemporary Dance Theatre multiple times myself, I was jaw-dropped shocked by the outstanding studio to theatre transformation.

Polaris Dance Theatre's dancer, Sarah Lakey

The audience responded enthusiastically each night with loud applause and vocal shout-outs in between each dance performance. Many audience members enjoyed Friday night's performances so much, they returned the following evening on Saturday to observe a whole new line up of dance companies showcasing their new works. I was pleasantly surprised to see each dance company bring something new to the table.
NW Fusion Dance presented "Alarm Sounds", "Mowgli's Road & Fly Aware", a Broadway big jazz hand vibe by NW Fusion Dance's remarkable pre-professional company of younger performers. Dance Coalition of Oregon presented "Botanical Madness" and truly brought a wide variety of movement including a ballroom performance, gypsy performance, and a modern/avant garde performance. Les Watanabe presented "I Wish" and showed his versatility by performing aerial movement, modern/hip-hop/break movement and a tap solo that received a standing ovation prompting Mr. Watanabe to give a brief and emotional speech at the end of his performance. Mr. Watanabe explained in his brief speech how important dance is in his life and thanked his supportive family and first dance teachers including his first tap teacher that happened to be in the house that evening. Polaris Dance Theatre's company members, Cerrin Lathrop and Carlyn Hudson presented "Solos in Progress" including a hilarious pointe comedy that got the whole audience laughing. Polaris Dance Theatre tapped into Motown music and presented "Lil' Mo Taste" by performing a fabulous piece done to the song "Stand By Me". "Lil' Mo Taste" is literally a "taste" of their Spring concert, "Lil' Mo". Dates for "Lil' Mo" will be posted shortly. This performance resonated with all of the Polaris dancers, staff and volunteers as fellow Polaris dancer, Sarah Lakey, recently injured herself in rehearsal making her unable to perform "Stand By Me" with Polaris Dance Theatre.
Ms. Lakey arrived with crutches on Saturday during the last performance at the Groovin' Greenhouse to show her love and support for Polaris Dance Theatre and fellow dancers. As she arrived, Polaris Dance Theatre gave a shout-out to Ms. Lakey and the whole house applauded in support. Although Ms. Lakey was a prominent dancer in Polaris Dance Theatre's new work including doing partner work with fellow Polaris dancer, M'Liss, Polaris still showcased a "taste" of their new work. As fellow dancer, M'Liss, performed without her dancing partner, Ms. Lakey, M'Liss broke down emotional and began crying. The dance ended with all Polaris dancers standing together while the song said "Stand By Me." As the dancers stood together, they faced Ms. Lakey in the audience expressing their love and support the best way dancers know how to, through movement. When Ms. Lakey was asked if it was hard to watch Polaris dance without her, she replied, "It was awesome! I never knew the movement that happened behind me while I was dancing." She was shocked at how dynamic all the dancers were that Polaris performed that evening and spoke with high spirits.
After the performances ended, the dancers joined audience members in the lobby and enjoyed wine, cookies and great conversations. Polaris Dance Theatre hosted three separate performances all filled with different dance companies showcasing new works. The performances were truly eclectic and were met afterwards by an eclectic audience. I really believe I witnessed a fertile art environment at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center last weekend and can't wait to see these "new works" completed later this year.

Polaris Documentary

2011-02-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, and dancers

Watch this documentary on Polaris Dance Theatre and see why Polaris Dance Theatre is so much more than a dance company. Polaris Dance Theatre is a family. One of Polaris Dance Theatre's dancers, Sarah Lakey, recently injured herself. She is so thankful for her family at Polaris, but can use all the help she can get. Please "Help Dancer Sarah Lakey Recover" and donate towards her surgery and safe recovery today.

Dancer, Sarah Lakey

Fertile Ground Gets “Groovin’” This Weekend

2011-02-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Fertile Ground Gets “Groovin’” This Weekend

Help Dancer Sarah Lakey Recover

2011-02-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

DONATE today for Polaris dancer, Ms. Lakey's recovery.

Dancer, Sarah Lakey

Polaris Dance Theatre's dancer, Sarah Lakey, seriously injured her knee recently during rehearsal. Ms. Lakey was rehearsing at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center in preparation for the Fertile Ground Festival's Groovin' Greenhouse performance and tore her ACL. Ms. Lakey is a Polaris dancer and yoga instructor at Yoga Pearl who relies on her physical health for her financial survival. Regretfully, Ms. Lakey has been unable to afford insurance and is now unable to pay for the needed surgery towards a safe recovery. Ms. Lakey is trying to keep her spirits high and is thankful for her family at Polaris Dance Theatre who have already stepped in to help their fellow dancer during this difficult time.
Ms. Lakey arrived with crutches on Saturday during the last performance at the Groovin' Greenhouse to show her love and support for Polaris Dance Theatre and fellow dancers. As she arrived, Polaris Dance Theatre gave a shout out to Ms. Lakey and the whole house applauded in support. The Groovin' Greenhouse was a dance hub for new works held at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center. The Groovin' Greenhouse showcased multiple professional dance companies in the Portland area, including Polaris Dance Theatre. Although Ms. Lakey was a prominent dancer in Polaris Dance Theatre's new work including doing partner work with fellow Polaris dancer, M'Liss, Polaris still showcased a "taste" of their new work. Polaris Dance Theatre's new work is based on the Motown era and will showcase during their Spring Concert, Lil' Mo. The piece Polaris Dance Theatre chose to show was "Stand By Me". As fellow dancer, M'Liss, performed without her dancing partner, Ms. Lakey, M'Liss broke down emotional and began crying. The dance ended with all Polaris dancers standing together as the song said "Stand By Me." As the dancers stood together, they faced Ms. Lakey in the audience expressing their support the best way dancers know how to, through movement. When Ms. Lakey was asked if it was hard to watch Polaris dance without her, she replied, "It was awesome! I never knew the movement that happened behind me while I was dancing." She was shocked at how dynamic all the dancers were that Polaris performed that evening and spoke with high spirits.
Polaris Dance Theatre is deeply saddened by the temporary loss of one of their strongest dancers. With Polaris Dance Theatre's big Spring concert, Lil' Mo, only a few months away, Polaris is struggling to stay focused. Polaris recently added a Second Company to their dance family. Unfortunately, the Second Company was busy rehearsing for their own performance at OMSI, which occurred on Saturday at the same time the Groovin' Greenhouse occurred, and was unable to learn the Spring repertoire as alternates.

Dancer, Sarah Lakey

Polaris is asking friends, family and community members to show their support for Polaris Dance Theatre's dancer, Sarah Lakey by making a donation today. All donations go directly to Ms. Lakey to help with cost for surgery and physical therapy. Thankfully, with proper surgery and physical therapy, Ms. Lakey will be able to return to dance and yoga after only 3 months off her feet. However, during her recovery, Ms. Lakey will be unable to work to help pay for her everyday expenses, let alone the needed surgery. Any amount helps and Polaris and Ms. Lakey appreciate all the love and support they have already received. Polaris and Ms. Lakey thank you for any amount you can donate towards Ms. Lakey's recovery.

What is a Softbox

2011-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Polaris Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, had a special three towered softbox designed for his talented aerial dancers. The softbox premiered at Lincoln Performance Hall December 9-11 as part of Polaris Dance Theatre's REPO concert. Aerial classes are offered at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center. Click here for the Winter class schedule and try aerial classes today!

‘Til They Reach The Fertile Ground

2011-01-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

Click here for another great article about the Fertile Ground Festival and Polaris Dance Theatre's Groovin' Greenhouse. Article by Rebecca Ragain.

Third annual citywide arts festival returns with impressive lineup of dance works

A Facebook Page

2011-01-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

Polaris Dance Theatre is NOW on facebook as a page. Click here to check it out and like it today. Polaris Dance Theatre still has their group page, but is slowly transitioning to only using their NEW facebook page. Don't miss regular updates on facebook - make sure you like us on facebook today!

Art Springs Eternal

2011-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Click here for a great article about the Fertile Ground Festival and Polaris Dance Theatre's role as host to the dance hub, the Groovin' Greenhouse. Article by Virginia Thayer.

Lil' Mo Taste is almost SOLD OUT!

2011-01-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

Polaris Dance Theatre collaborated with the Fertile Ground Festival to create a dance hub - the Groovin' Greenhouse. This weekend, Friday, January 28th and Saturday, January 29th, the Groovin' Greenhouse launches at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center. Local and professional dance companies such as

NW Fusion Dance, Cerrin Lathrop & Carlyn Hudson, Aaron Wheeler-Kay, Legacy Dance, Polaris Dance Theatre, Les Watanabe, Portland Festival Ballet Dancers and Dance Coalition of Oregon

are showcasing their new works. Polaris is not only hosting the event, but also presents "Lil' Mo Taste", a taste of their Spring Concert Lil' Mo on Saturday, January 29th. Tickets are SOLD OUT for the 5:00 p.m. showing. However, the 8:00 p.m. showing still has a few seats remaining. Buy tickets today for "Lil' Mo Taste" and save yourself the regret tomorrow. Or - Buy a Fertile Ground pass today and half the proceeds go to Polaris Dance Theatre. Your support today helps Polaris Dance Theatre create innovative works in years to come.

Children's Cancer Association

2011-01-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

From left: Robert Guitron, Emily Zaroy, Bobby Fouther,
Kristi Imel, Sara Anderson and John DePue

John DePue

Polaris Dance Theatre hosted a free performance at their Polaris Contemporary Dance Center on Friday evening, January 7th, 2011 as part of a special pilot project for the Children's Cancer Association.

"The energy and love for Polaris Dance Theatre was easy to see and feel." ~ Dancer, Sara Anderson

The performance was co-hosted by John DePue - longtime friend of Polaris' Artistic Director, Robert Guitron. Mr. DePue is a world renowned dancer and choreographer originally from America. He now lives in Germany where he puts his creative energy towards "live communication." Currently, Mr. DePue has tunneled his creative passion towards the Children's Cancer Association in hopes of raising money for families and kids in need of medical treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.
Mr. DePue contacted Mr. Guitron recognizing the solid foundation and following Mr. Guitron has created with his Company, Polaris Dance Theatre, and together they hosted Friday's event. Polaris Dance Theatre opened their doors to the general public anticipating between 20 to 30 audience members, however, a new row of chairs was required as more and more people showed up.
The performance kicked off at 7:00 p.m. lasting 45 minutes and then transitioned into the lobby for an after party including food, cocktails and a chance to speak with the Polaris dancers. Polaris performed three pieces: "Cling" - aerial work performed at Polaris' winter concert, REPO, and two of Polaris' favorites "Quiver" and "Change". There were old and new audience members including a couple that saw "Black Swan" in the movie theaters, which drove them to find local dance performances, a couple from Salem who missed the REPO concert and jumped at the chance to see works from the Winter concert, Studio One Dance Academy teachers and students, and other community members. The night was a true success as a broader audience arrived interested in the Polaris Dance School and upcoming events such as the Fertile Ground's Groovin' Greenhouse.
The Polaris dancers were ecstatic to step into the lobby after their performance and find such an enthusiastic reception prompting dancer Sara Anderson to say later as I spoke with her, "The energy and love for Polaris Dance Theatre was easy to see and feel." Although Mr. DePue has already flown back to Germany, Polaris is thrilled they were a part of such an important event and hopes to aid Mr. DePue in relation with the Children's Cancer Association in the future.
Up next Polaris is excited to open their studio doors for the Groovin' Greenhouse - the dance hub during the Fertile Ground Festival, January 28th and 29th, 2011. The lighting arrived this morning and Polaris is already setting up for performances by multiple local dance companies. Before the Groovin' Greenhouse, Polaris is opening their doors this Sunday as they host auditions for the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. Polaris is also excited to showcase their Second Company for the first time independently in participation with OMSI's new exhibits including fire dancing. Most importantly, Polaris is gearing up for their Spring concert, Lil' Mo, this June. To get a sneak peak of works in progress for "Lil' Mo", Polaris is presenting "Lil' Mo Taste" during the Groovin' Greenhouse. For more information about these events, please visit the Polaris Dance Theatre's official website. These days, Polaris Dance Theatre is everywhere collaborating with all kinds of groups, performing at all types of venues, with two separate companies. The events keep rolling in making Polaris a true staple in the Portland dance scene.

Polaris hosts the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance Summer Intensive Auditions

2011-01-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Professional and students DANCERS!!! Polaris Dance Theatre is hosting auditions for the 2011 Summer Intensive Program with San Francisco Conservatory of Dance company at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center on Sunday, January 16th from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Summer Intensive Program aims to advance students' artistic development through advanced training in ballet and modern technique by a stellar faculty; incorporate the study of William Forsythe's Improvisational Technologies and Ohad Naharin's Gaga movement language as well as learn selected pieces from their respective repertories.
Auditions are held for three separate Sessions of summer intensive programs:

Session 1 - May 30th - June 9th, 2011 Student Showcases on July 8th and 9th (For advance students and professionals 18 and over)

This session begins with a 3 week immersion in William Forsythe's improvisational technologies conducted by Alessio Silvestrin, who will also set a piece from Mr. Forsythe's repertory and choreograph a new work. During weeks 3-6, students also develop new works in collaboration with Christian Burns and Alex Ketley. Highly challenging technique classes are taught by Summer Lee Rhatigan, Chiharu Shibata, Tristan Ching, Christian, and Alex.

Session 2 - June 13th - July 9th, 2011 Student Showcase on July 8th and 9th (For advance students 14-23)

Highly challenging ballet and modern technique classes taught by Summer Lee Rhatigan, Christian Burns, Alex Ketley, Chiharu Shibata and Tristan Ching provide the daily laboratory in which experimentation, focus and physical commitment lay the groundwork for uninhibited collaboration in the choreographic process with Christian, Alex, Summer, Malinda LaVelle and guest artists.

Session 3 - July 11th - August 6th, 2011 Student Showcase on August 5th and 6th (For advance students 14-23)

Batsheva dancer Bobbi Smith teaches daily classes, sets selected works from Mr. Naharin's repertory, and choreographs a new work. Highly challenging ballet and modern technique classes taught by Summer Lee Rhatigan, Christian Burns, Alex Ketley, Chiharu Shibata and Tristan Ching provide the daily laboratory in which experimentation, focus and physical commitment lay the groundwork for uninhibited collaboration in the choreographer process with Bobbi, Christian, Alex, Summer, Malinda LaVelle and guest artists.

Polaris Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, is excited to help his friends at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance find talented professional and student dancers in the surrounding Portland area by hosting the auditions at the new Polaris Contemporary Dance Center. Dancers - here's your chance to see amazing professional dancers in action, practice the auditioning process and hopefully make it to these outstanding summer intensive sessions. Don't miss this opportunity.

Free in-studio company performance

2011-01-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Polaris dancers

Polaris Dance Theatre is opening the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center's doors this Friday, January 7th, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for a FREE dance performance. For those of you that loved REPO and need another Polaris fix NOW or who missed REPO, here’s your chance to view amazing dances for FREE! Polaris is performing a sampling of work in our studio theater (the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center) as part of a presentation for a special pilot project. The program includes “Cling” – the dramatic aerial work that premiered at REPO, as well as Polaris favorites “Quiver” and “Change.” Hope to see you all there! To make a donation to Polaris and it's amazing and talented dancers, click here. Any donation helps keep the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center running and our dancers receiving money for all their hard work and effort. We appreciate all your support.

Winter Class Schedule begins today

2011-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Come take class with Polaris Dance Theatre's professional dancers at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center this Winter. The class schedule is up and available, so sign up now. During January only, try any dance class for only $5.00 per class. Click here to get this special coupon to print off and present at the door before class. Polaris can't wait to dance with you in the new year!

Master Ballet Class by Haley Blaise

2011-01-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

Haley Blaise

Please join Haley Blaise for a Master Ballet Class on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Polaris Dance Theatre located at 1501 SW Taylor Street, Portland, OR 97205.

In the news! "Oregon Arts Commission announces winners of 2011 Individual Fellowships"

2010-12-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Polaris Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, is one of thirteen to receive such an award. See what D.K. Row for the Oregonian says:

Robert Guitron, choreographer/dancer, Portland. Robert Guitron, a choreographer and dancer in the Portland area for over 30 years, established Polaris Dance Theatre in 2002. Guitron has danced, taught and choreographed for companies in the U.S., Canada, Italy and Japan. His work revolves around the human experience and reflects his multi‐cultural upbringing. Aside from his repertory work for Polaris, his credits include operas, musicals, music videos and television commercials, including the choreography for the Portland Opera’s recent production of Aida.

To read more, click here.

Winter Class Schedule is now available online

2010-12-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Polaris Contemporary Dance Center

Winter classes begin January 3, 2011 at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center located at 1501 SW Taylor Street, Portland, OR 97205. (Mapquest directions). The schedule is now available online. Ballet, jazz, hip-hop, aerial, contemporary, adult classes and tiny toes classes are available for registration NOW! Come take classes with professional Polaris dance company members, try something new like aerial movement and/or get your little ones in tiny toes dance classes today. Classes are reasonably priced and held in a fabulous and NEW dance center where the actual Polaris dancers rehearse. Hope everyone has a fabulous and relaxing winter break and we will see you at the beginning of the new year!

Groovin' Greenhouse Dance: Lil' Mo Taste

2010-12-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

Tickets are available and affordable at only $10.00 NOW!
Polaris Dance Theatre is pleased to announce a special collaboration with the Fertile Ground Festival this January 20-30, 2011 by adding a new addition, the Groovin' Greenhouse - a dance hub showcasing local Portland choreographers. The Festival, now in its third year, is a 10-day celebration of local Portland art and with the add of the Groovin' Greenhouse the Festival will now cater to dance lovers giving them a spectrum of local choreographers under one roof located at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center. Polaris Dance Theatre has brought together over a dozen choreographers and two dozen dancers to light up the Groovin' Greenhouse floors. Among the local Portland choreographers showcasing dances, Polaris Dance Theatre is presenting Lil' Mo Taste - a preview of Polaris Dance Theatre's Spring Concert Lil' Mo.

Polaris presents: Lil' Mo Taste

Lil' Mo is a modern dance celebration of the culture of music from the Motown era. The golden age of Motown spanned the 1960s and early 1970s. This was a time of major transition for America; the civil rights movement, the sexual revolution and anti war protests marked a generation of youth that wanted control of their future and hoped to make a difference. The catchy Motown sound - a blend of soul, R&B, blues and pop music - belied the social commentary running through many of the songs. From the plaintive What's Goin' On" to a woman's demand for "Respect," to a stark look at the family unit in "Papa was a Rolling Stone," these catchy tunes packed a societal message. In Lil' Mo, Polaris Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, pulls together clips of Motown songs to present these themes of human experience through theatrical dance. Lil' Mo is the second installment of what Mr. Guitron plan to make into a trilogy of dance works celebrating American music and culture. It follows Polairs' critically acclaimed blues music tribute Too Blue and is followed by Hard - a celebration of American rock music.
On Saturday, January 29th from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and from 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Polaris Dance theatre is presenting Lil Mo Taste during the Groovin' Greenhouse. Along with Polaris Dance Theatre, Legacy Dance, Les Watanabe with Portland Festival Ballet dancers and the Dance Coalition of Oregon are also presenting works from their collections.
Tickets are available and affordable at only $10.00 now with box office tickets. Polaris Dance Theatre hope to see you all there!

Mayor Adams and Polaris Dance Theatre United

2010-12-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

Mayor Adams, President of PSU and
Robert Guitron 12.9.2010

Look who stopped by during the dress and technical rehearsal at Portland State University before Polaris Dance Theatre presented REPO that evening at the Lincoln Performance Hall. Mayor Adams and the president of Portland State University welcomed Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, and the Polaris dancers before their opening night. Polaris was very excited to give a behind the scene look of their REPO concert and to meet the Mayor in person. With Fertile Ground and Polaris Dance Theatre's upcoming Spring concert just around the corner, Polaris is excited to see the Mayor at these future events.

A Standing Ovation received for REPO

2010-12-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

Polaris Dance Theatre performed REPO this weekend at the Lincoln Performance Hall Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening receiving a standing ovation Friday night and non-stop shout-outs during "Red Tied" and "Legions" on Saturday evening. Dancer, Sara Anderson, explained she was choked up with love from the audience as she performed "Red Tied" while the audience began cheering and shouting out with enthusiasm. All the Polaris dancers were caught off guard by the unusual amount of loud vocal energy coming from the audience, allowing the dancers' energy and performance to reach new heights during Saturday's finale performance. Polaris Dance Theatre ended the REPO performance series on an extremely high note.

Artistic Director, Robert Guitron, and the Polaris Dancers saw many familiar faces in the audience such as company members from the local professional dance company, BodyVox, and new faces that are intrigued to watch more works by Polaris Dance Theatre in the near future. Robert and the dancers were humbled with cheers, applause, hugs, smiles, compliments and questions at the end of each night's show. Every night the performance became better and better, really coming together during the finale on Saturday. Bob Hicks of the Oregonian viewed REPO opening night, Thursday, and gave a fair review the following day on Oregon Live noting the reasons why Polaris Dance Theatre is a force to be reckoned with in Portland.

"Three things stand out about Polaris. First is the company's sheer energy: these dancers are in terrific shape. Second, the group dynamic is more important than individual prowess: What Polaris does, it does together. Third, Guitron and company have a keen eye for the dazzling visual moment – for those brief tableaux that stick in your mind's eye long after the moment has passed. It may be a trick of the light (and the fabric), but it's effective" ~ Bob Hick's dance review on Oregon Live

Robert Guitron introduced new material in this weekend's performance such as the "soft box" he had specifically designed for his dancers' aerial work and was excited to see the audience respond positively to this unique creation. At the end of the three night performance of REPO this weekend, Robert explained it was bittersweet - Having only a few months to finalize this performance series and get new company members up to speed, Robert was relieved it all came together, but wished he had more time to polish the collective narrative. Robert's works-in-progress, "Legions" was received with highest regard by the audience energizing Robert to bring "Legions" and other works from his upcoming performance "Stand Down" to the stage later this year. "Stand Down" is a project looking to collaborate with people and organizations that help soldiers dealing with post traumatic stress disorder in hopes to bring peace to these brave soldiers fighting for our freedom. The performance of REPO is over, but Robert and the Polaris dancers are already hard at work gearing up for new works ahead.