Pioneer LogLewis & Clark College’s Student-Run Newspaper

Fall dance season kicks off

September 17, 2010

by Stephanie Bellissimo

Public display of dance was in full swing in downtown Portland Sunday afternoon. Fall.ART.Live, Oregon Ballet Theater’s series of free outdoor performances was in its last installment in Director Park. Exposing the patrons of the arts, downtown dwellers, and everyone in between, the series served to get the public excited about dance.  Oregon Ballet Theater headlined the showcase delivering Like a Samba, an airy, cheerful piece performed in flowing white costumes. 

Tutus and point shoes aren’t your things? Fall.ART.Live also served as a venue for local companies to share their work and what they offer to the community.  North West Dance Project’s artistic director, Sarah Slipper, eagerly had her contemporary dance company perform an exercise on the sidewalk—a pseudo break-dancing circle that played with spontaneity, stillness, and manipulation.

Portland dance companies are raring to get going on their fall season shows, and want Lewis & Clark students to have the chance to check out their work in cost-effective ways.  Volunteering for a company is the best way to ensure that your wallet remains full. Polaris, White Bird, and Oregon Ballet Theater offer tickets in exchange for volunteering.

BodyVox, a local company directed by an LC alum, offers student discounts of 20 percent off the normal ticket prices.

Check out UltraPDX.com, a contemporary arts website often showcasing work by local dance ensembles.