NORTHWEST DANCE PROJECT } News
March 15, 2010Great review of our Spring Performances show in The Oregonian HERE
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March 8, 2010
Great article about company dancer Franco Nieto and our Spring Performances in The Columbian HERE
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Feb. 8, 2010
We have finalized the details of our next amazing LAUNCH project and Pretty Creatives choreographic competition!
Info HERE
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Jan. 26, 2010
Tickects for our amazing Spring Performances are now on sale!
Show info HERE
For the BEST SEATS at the LOWEST PRICES GET TICKETS NOW!
Prices increase as show draws near.
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December 21, 2009
See and print our revised Winter Class Schedule is HERE.
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December 17, 2009
Great preview in The Portland Mercury of our Waltzing + Wassailing shows HERE
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December 10, 2009
LINES Ballet Summer Program and Summer Dance Lab will be holding auditions in January 2010 at the Northwest Dance Project studio. Details HERE
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November 1, 2009
Check out our NEW repertoire clips video HERE - amazing company, stunning new works.
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October 18, 2009
Oregonian review of our Fall Premieres show HERE
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October 15, 2009
Great preview of our Fall Premieres show on Portland arts blog Art Scatter HERE
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October 6, 2009
Join us for our special holiday "Waltzing + Wassailing" in-studio shows Dec. 18 and 19 with new dance works from local choreographers and live music from Portland's fabulous Vagabond Opera. Details and tickets HERE (limited seating).
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September 29, 2009
Calling All French Speakers:
Join us for our special Dance / France event on Friday, October 9th!
Come into our beautiful studio to enjoy French wine and cheeses while watching Paris-born choreographer and Artistic Director of the amazing Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, work with our Project Company on his latest creation. Following the rehearsal, host Sharon Kitzhaber will lead a discussion with Benoit-Swan about his art in his life, in French. Attendees will be encouraged to join the conversation - in French.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Northwest Dance Project Studio + Performance Center
833 N Shaver Street (at Mississippi Ave.)
6 - 7:30 PM
$20 ($10 students) suggested donation at the door
View the event flier here in FRENCH or in ENGLISH
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September 20, 2009
Just confirmed that Edgar Zendejas' new piece for our Fall Premieres show will feature a live performance of Bizet's "Récit et Romance" from The Pearl Fishers with piano playing by Bill Crane and operatic singing by Eric Stern of Vagabond Opera.
Great tickets still available HERE
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August 27, 2009
View our Fall Class Schedule HERE and print it out HERE
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August 21, 2009
DANCERS: The Northwest Dance Project is looking for company members. For information about our Portland audition on Sept. 6, click HERE
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August 20, 2009
Oregonian review of our Summer Premieres show HERE.
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August 1, 2009
TEENS - Immerse yourself in dance of all styles during Teen Dance! Week, Aug. 24 - 28. Please register at the studio by Aug. 21 to secure your spot. For information on Teen Dance! Week, click HERE
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July 28, 2009
Good news!
We have just learned that we have received generous funding from the Oregon Arts Commission as well as Oregon's innovative program that allows you to double your contribution to arts and culture and no additional cost to you, the Oregon Cultural Trust.
We urge you to support these and all organizations that support the arts!
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July 17, 2009
Another great article on the Northwest Dance Project in today's Oregonian HERE.
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July 16, 2009
Fantastic article on the Northwest Dance Project in today's Portland Tribune HERE.
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July 11, 2009
We had a blast today at Portland's largest party, the Mississippi Street Fair. Our Project Company dancers joined the 15,000 people who poured onto the street to teach free dance classes for kids and to bust out the moves in the streets. They were a real hit, especially with the event bloggers, as you can read and see HERE.
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June 26, 2009
See pictures of the 4-day fixturing blitz and the results - our gorgeous new dance studio and performance center in the heart of Portland's super-cool Mississippi District HERE.
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June 10, 2009
From Willamette's Week's Summer Guide:
Aug. 14-15: Northwest Dance Project
Take some of the sharpest young dancers in the nation and mix 'em with a handful of powerhouse choreographers from around the globe and you've got Portland's own Northwest Dance Project. This August the program presents world premieres from a truly jaw-dropping quartet of choreographers: James Canfield, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's Lucas Crandall, Chinese dancemaker Wen Wei Wang, and Nederlands Dans Theater's Maurice Causey. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, nwpdp.com. 8 pm Friday-Saturday. $20-$40.
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June 3, 2009
After over five years as "gypsies" and nearly three of searching, we finally have a home! Beginning June 15, the Northwest Dance Project will be housed in the historic Mississippi Ballroom at 833 N Shaver (corner of Mississippi Avenue and Shaver Street). Our new dance center will serve as our dedicated studio and performance space. Read the Oregonian's Arts Watch story HERE and The Portland Observer's story HERE. Huge thanks to all for your support!
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May 1, 2009
The best tickets for our August and October all world premiere shows are now available HERE
Get tickets to both programs and save 10%!
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April 27, 2009
New great feature in May issue of Dance Magazine
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April 20, 2009
The Northwest Dance Project has been selected to participate in Macy's annual Community Shopping Day on May 16 at their Washington Square location, 10 AM - 7 PM. We have $10 off coupons that come with a $500 shopping spree raffle ticket available - please call or email for details. More information is HERE.
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April 16, 2009
We have announced the winners of our new Pretty Creatives choreographic project! Read the press release HERE
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April 12, 2009
NWPDP featured in Spring issue of Dance International Magazine
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April 1, 2009
New class schedule and added classes for ALL dancers! Check out the CLASSES page.
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February 14, 2009
We are proud to host a special Countertechnique Workshop Weekend with Angie Mueller of anoukvandijk dc on March 7 & 8 in Portland.
Details are on the CLASSES page.
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February 10, 2009
We have announced our guest artists roster for LAUNCH: 2 and our audition schedule. Details can be found on the PROJECTS page.
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January 30, 2009
NWPDP's LAUNCH program and dancers from LAUNCH: 1 in December are featured on Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet's site - part of the cool "project52" video series! Check it out HERE
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January 25, 2009
Due to popular demand, NWPDP will offer unique Contemporary Ballet Classes led by Cristina Betts every Thurday. This innovative, two-hour class will take the dancer from classical barre to contemporary center, with movement that works in conjunction with the body's natural mechanics.
Thursdays / 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Northwest Academy / 714 SW 11th Ave. / Portland
$15 / class card
Details are on the CLASSES page.
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January 25, 2009
Visit our new FACEBOOK page and become a fan!
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January 22, 2009
We have announced preliminary information about LAUNCH: 2 (July 8 - 16, 2009) as well as our new choreographic project, The Pretty Creatives. Details are on the PROJECTS page.
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January 11, 2009
NWPDP presents a Special Contemporary Ballet Class led by Cristina Betts
This unique, two-hour class will take the dancer from classical barre to contemporary center, with movement that works in conjunction with the body's natural mechanics.
Thursday / January 15 / 2009 / 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Northwest Academy / 714 SW 11th Ave. / Portland
$15 / class card
Details are on the CLASSES page.
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December 18, 2008
Hop into the new year with our special hip-hop class led by Brittain Jackson on Jan. 2, 2009. Details are on the CLASSES page.
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December 4, 2008
We are THRILLED and PROUD to announce that NWPDP has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts!
The funds will be used to support the creation and premiere of three new works in 2009, including creations from Portland favorites James Canfield and Sarah Slipper, NWPDP's Artistic Director.
NWPDP was one of only two dance companies in the state of Oregon to receive this national funding and prestigious recognition.
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December 1, 2008
Please join us for FREE PERFORMANCES in the beautiful rotunda lobby of the Portland Center for the Performing Arts
December 19 and 20, 6 pm
PCPA Lobby, 1111 SW Broadway
Featuring some of the best works from NWPDP's 2008 season as well as new dances from NWPDP's Artistic Director, Sarah Slipper.
Stay after Friday's performance to chat with Sarah and our dancers and enjoy some holiday cheer at the Art Bar!
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We have announced the information and audition schedule for our new LAUNCH Project. CHECK IT OUT!
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We are honored to announce that Cristina Betts has joined our teaching roster! Cristina will teach her first ballet class for NWPDP's fall season on Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 pm. Our fall class schedule and updated weekly schedule details can be found on the CLASSES page.
CRISTINA BETTS, formerly with BodyVox, was Born and raised in Seattle, Washington. Cristina trained at Cornish College of the Arts, North Carolina School of the Arts, and Pacific Northwest Ballet School. She received her first professional contract at the age of 18 with Oregon Ballet Theatre, under the directorship of James Canfield. She has worked with choreographers such as Donald Byrd, Bebe Miller, Karole Armitage, Kabby Mitchell, William Whitener, and Balanchine Trust members Francia Russell and Vicky Simon. Cristina has also danced with Kansas City Ballet, Ballet West, Portland Opera and Seattle Opera. Cristina choreographed for NWPDP in 2007 and has taught for us on special occasions.
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NWPDP classes resume September 15th, 2008. For our fall schedule, please see the the CLASSES page.
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NWPDP is offering a special, free MASTER CLASS led by NWPDP's Artistic Director, Sarah Slipper, on September 6th. NWPDP open ballet classes resume September 15th. Details are on the CLASSES page.
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Watch new clips from NWPDP works in our VIDEO section of the GALLERY page, which has been updated as well.
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NWPDP is headed to Seattle!
The PC has been invited to perform at the Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival on Saturday, August 30, 2008. We'll share a dance bill with LAUNCH and perform Sarah Slipper's "A Fine Balance" at the Bagley Wright Theatre (Boeing Performing Arts Stage - 155 Mercer Street) at 1:30 pm. Details here HERE. Ticket info HERE.
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July 2008 press
- The Portland Tribune ran a really nice article about THE PC and our recent The PC at PCPA performance HERE
- Just Out recently ran a great overview of our summer performances. CLICK HERE
- Portland's free weekly, Willamette Week, came to the studio while we were gearing up for our The PC at PCPA show. Read about it HERE
- The Oregonian preview of our The PC at PCPA show HERE
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As a famous flattopped Portlander used to say, "Free is a very good price!" So come see our amazing NWPDP/PC dancers in action, gratis on July 23 in downtown Portland. Details are on the SHOWS page.
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The Northwest Professional Dance Project is thrilled to announce the addition of two remarkable artists to our 2008 season roster. Alejandro Cerrudo, a Madrid-born choreographer on the rise currently working with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, will create a new work on The PC and Paul Vasterling, Artistic Director of Nashville Ballet, will join us for the 2008 Project period to teach our daily Project ballet classes, to conduct a master class open to the community, as well as to observe our pool of 30 talented young dancers.
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TICKETS FOR OUR SUMMER SHOWS ARE NOW ON SALE! Please see the SHOWS page for details.
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NWPDP is delighted to see one of our 2008 PC choreographers, Azsure Barton, gracing the cover of April's issue of Dance Magazine. Named "a choreographer to watch," Azsure is an innovative and captivating dance maker with a long list of accolades and accomplishments. Azsure will create a new work for our The PC at the PCPA shows July 11th and 12th, 2008, and we couldn't be happier that she is joining NWPDP this summer.
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We are both thrilled and proud to announce that the Northwest Professional Dance Project has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. This three-year capacity building grant represents the largest single gift NWPDP has received and will be used to help support our new, full-time Executive Director position. This generous gift will go a long way towards increasing NWPDP's ability to serve young dancers, innovative choreographers and members of our community, and we extend our appreciative and heartfelt thanks to the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.
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NWPDP is thrilled to announce our roster of incredible 2008 PC Choreographers.
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NWPDP has announced our 2008 Project Guest Artist roster.
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Congratulations to NWPDP guest artist and teacher, James Canfield, who has been named Interim Artistic Director of Nevada Ballet Theatre. Read about it here. James discusses what he has been up to lately and his work with NWPDP here. James will return to NWPDP 2008 to lead classes and create a new work for the PC which will premiere July 11th and 12th at the Newmark Theater/PCPA.
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NWPDP concluded an extraordinary opportunity to participate in a special intensive weekend workshop with Mary Oslund and Eric Nordstrom focusing on contemporary partnering and improv techniques for the professional dancer - everyone involved had an amazing time.
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NWPDP is proud to have partnered again with the Boys & Girls Club! NWPDP dancers performed new works from NWPDP Artistic Director, Sarah Slipper, to help kick-off the organization's benefit evening at the Benson Hotel on February 21st. NWPDP was honored to take part in this amazing fundraising event for such a wonderful organization serving youth in our community.
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NWPDP is now offering open, Community Ballet Classes at BodyVox Studio and the Northwest Academy Dance Studio in Portland.
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NWPDP has announced and posted our 2008 Project audition schedule and application form. This year, video auditions will not be accepted, so please be sure to make it to one of our sessions in New York, Chicago, Salt Lake City or Portland. See the AUDITIONS page for full details and to download the 2008 Project application.
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In an article about Portland's most notable female artists of 2007, Portland's weekly newspaper, Willamette Week, praised PC dancer Olivia Ancona (pictured), stating she "stood out in an already high-level lineup at August's Northwest Professional Dance Project." The piece goes on to say "Ancona brought liquid lines and a cool dramatic intensity to her roles in Sarah Slipper's "The Nuisance of Being" and Luca Veggetti's "Ensemble for Somnambulists." Go Olivia!
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NWPDP was thrilled to be a part of a Portland holiday tradition, the annual New Year's Eve Festive Concert at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
PC dancers Viktor Usov, Andrea Parson, Andrew Smart and Carlye Eckert performed two new works by NWPDP's Founder and Artistic Director, Sarah Slipper, during this engaging and entertaining benefit for Sisters of the Road Café and Our House. The whole evening was a smashing success and the gorgeous cathedral was packed tight!
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NWPDP's innovative and successful community outreach program, Dance Moves, continues to make positive differences in the lives of Portland area youth by bringing them our interactive dance exploration and emersion sessions. Following up on a great opportunity and experience with our friends at the Children Healing Art Project held at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, NWPDP dancers and our Dance Moves staff took part in the amazing Dancing For Physical Therapy Month with instructional and fun movement sessions held at the Shute Park and Recreation Center in Hillsboro.
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Watch clips from NWPDP works in our new VIDEO section of the GALLERY page.
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NWPDP is proud to be featured in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of Pointe Magazine. The article features amazing pictures from Blaine T. Covert of NWPDP/PC dancers Andrew Smart, Amanda Phillips-Bosshart, Olivia Ancona, Viktor Usov and Colby Damnon, as well as quotes from Brittain Jarret Jackson, Kelly Ann Barton and NWPDP Artistic Director, Sarah Slipper.
Please see the CHOREOGRAPHERS page for details. Our "The PC at the PCPA" performances will be held July 11 and 12, at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts' Newmark Theatre. Tickets will be available through our website, the PCPA box office, and all TicketMaster locations soon.
Please see the ARTISTS page for details.
Our Ballet Classes are open to area and visiting dancers 15 and older with intermediate to advance technique. These two-hour focused classes featuring live piano accompaniment are being led by NWPDP Artistic Director, Sarah Slipper, founding Oregon Ballet Theatre Director, James Canfield, Master Teacher Jason Davis and our esteemed NWPDP guest artists and dance mentors.
Please see the CLASSES page for all the details.