National Dance Week
National Dance Week
April 16-25, 2021
Ever Body & All Abilities Welcome. FREE!
We are pleased to announce the third annual National Dance Week. Oregon’s only city-wide National Dance Celebration. This vibrant celebration for dance lovers of all ages will include free workshops, performances and virtual content. All events will be following event safety guidelines as required by the State of Oregon. Please practice physical distancing and remember to wear your mask!
Thank-you to all the artists, organizations, businesses and participants who came together to make this years dance week possible. We loved dancing, learning and celebrating throughout the week with you!
Pictures from the week
Videos from the week
Performances in Kesey Square
FREE weekday lunchtime performances
April 19-23 • 11:30 a.m.-Noon | Free; drop-in
Carlos “Retro” Rasmussen
Monday, April 19
Carlos “Retro” Rasmussen is a 22 year old freestyle animation Dancer/ Movement artist whos grown up in Eugene and was adopted from Portland Oregon. His style consist of combining techniques steaming from waving, tutting, Robotics, popping, ballet, modern, and many styles of footwork. His goals in teaching are to allow people to find the ways they most enjoy creating a story with their body through imagination and our experiences through life. “Traveling around the worlds and helping people with dance with what I want to do with me life. By making the people around me happy and impacting their life and perspectives in a positive way, I’m doing what I want and need to in the world.” Catch Retro a second time, during Downtown Dances, from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 23.
Artistic Encounters presents: DanceAbility Performance Company
Tuesday, April 20
DanceAbility International is a global organization founded in 1987 in Eugene, Oregon. Over the last 35 years, we have helped thousands of people, in Oregon and around the world, experience the joy and satisfaction of creativity in a safe, inclusive space. In 2019, DanceAbility was recognized by the Zero Project, an international joint venture between the Essl and Ashoka Foundations, as one of the 10 best organizations in the world for developing programs that tear down the barriers to inclusion and participation in society for those with disabilities around the world.
Artistic Encounters presents: Eugene Bhangra
Wednesday, April 21
Eugene Bhangra was formed in 1997. We dance and perform dances from India; Bhangra, Bollywood and Giddha. We represent all ages and backgrounds with a shared love of Indian dance, music and culture. We have been performing all over Eugene and other parts of Oregon. Our dance is lively and fun.
Artistic Encounters presents: Rebelle Ballet
Thursday, April 22
Rebelle Ballet is a volunteer performance group based out of the Rebelle Movement studio. Rebelle Ballet is for adults of all levels that would like to perform for various community-based events. We rebel against the notion that adults must have started dance in their youth in order to perform. We provide opportunities for adults of all levels of instruction to perform, showing it is never too late to start dancing!
Maria Antonieta Alvarez & Piel Canela
Friday, April 23
Dance improvisation performance with live traditional Mexican music by the duet “Piel Canela”. Dancer: María Antonieta Alvarez Musicians: Mago Gilson and Willy Ramirez.
Downtown Dances
Friday, April 23 • 5-7 p.m. | Free; drop-in
Enjoy a COVID-safe night out on the town with Downtown Dances, where you’ll see site-specific performances throughout the heart of Eugene, in alleys, on street corners, and in plazas, where you and your small group can roam through the streets as they are transformed into an outdoor dance gallery from 5-7 p.m. Follow the map of performance sites and take in dance as you like! Then stop in to one of four participating businesses who will be offering dance-themed specials for the evening:
- Jameson's Bar, 115 W. Broadway
- Starlight Lounge, 830 Olive Street
- The Barn Light, 924 Willamette Street
- Doc’s Pad, 710 Willamette Street
"GEMLECTRIC”: Mariah Melson & Tim Smith
Site 1: Alley on Willamette between 7th & 8th Avenue
Electric musician & electrifying dancer. Together for an improvisational evening of collaborative alleyway performance art. Catch them performing in the alley between Karin Clarke Gallery & Manifest Brewing on Willamette between 7th and 8th.
Mariah is a professional dancer, choreographer, UO dance alum and local business owner. Tim is an accomplished artist, photographer, recording musician and a member of local rock band Gazelles.
“The Act & Art of Tap Dance”: Jean Nelson & Madeleine Sisson
Site 2: NW Corner 8th + Willamette
Local performers, and choreographers Jean and Madeleine present the roots of tap dance, familiar swing favorites, and a capella riff-off. Join the conversation on how different traditional styles of dance from Africa, Europe, and Latin America came together to create the style we know today as Tap Dancing.
“Field Guide to Dance & Making Dances” and UO Dancers: Kelsi Carter, Milaan Moses, Delaney Moseman in "Moving from Within, Together"
Site 3: West Park Block
The journey of creating as performance. Every 15 minutes, the artists create 15-minute worlds of dance in gravity, lines, feeling and expression. Music: Four Tet from the album Parallel.
“Liminality”: Eugene Ballet Youth
Site 4: East Park Block
Instead of treating this event as a typical performance, the EBY dancers in Contemporary Practices will engage in a public process of building community through movement. We are in a period of acknowledging grief, reuniting with friends and family, and establishing new norms. Working with the premise that we have changed considerably in the past year, we embrace this opportunity to spontaneously craft a dance that is testimony to our belief that we need time to heal and reconsider how we relate. Featuring Faolan Adams, Dania Covarrubias Sollo, Brede Gaston, Shaye Hazen, Amanda Hopper-Moore, Selena Prince, Olivia Ross, Kira Royce, Directed by Sarah Ebert
Photo: dancers Amanda Hopper-Moore and Olivia Ross (PC: Michael Brinkerhoff)
“Volver”: Company Movimiento
Site 5: East Park Block
"Volver", the Spanish word for "return", explores ideas of restarting and returning to some version of normal , as our world slowly opens up again in the time of COVID. The piece will be choreographed on the spot over the course of the two-hour performance event, to engage the audience with the creative process as it pertains to dance making. Members of Company Movimiento will work in real time with Artistic Director Cynthia Gutierrez Garner to generate, explore and refine a finished ensemble work. The final product will be danced in full at 7 p.m.
“Trapped Outside”: Flex Performance Group
Site 6: Breezeway between Park St. & Willamette
Flex Performance Group (FPG), under the direction of Lindsey Shields and housed by flex Studios, melds current dance trends with traditional dance technique. FPG is made up of dancers from various backgrounds and experiences. Each FPG dancer has a wide range of training that varies from Acro Tumbling to Ballet. FPG dancers join together from all over the United States, bringing their own interpretation of life to every performance. Flex Performance Group was founded by Director and Choreographer Lindsey Shields in 2010 after moving from the East Coast where she trained and taught for over 20 years. FPG is motivated by their passion and love of performing arts. They believe it is our basic human right that all people should have access to dance education. As a group, they aspire to have the highest integrity and quality within their performances, training program and personal beliefs.
“Peace”: Michael Moloi & Josh Caraco
Site 7: Kesey Square
Tumelo Michael Moloi brings the sights and sounds of his homeland, Johannesburg, South Africa to merge with the mesmerizing musical stylings of Joshua Caraco on his African harp called the kora. Together, the pair fascinate audiences of all ages with interactive music, dance, song and story. Caraco is a talented musician and teacher who learned to play kora while living in Senegal 11 years ago. Today he can be found playing at many local venues around Eugene and even at University of Oregon. Moloi was a member of Cirque du Soleil, the world’s most famous acrobatic troupe, where he was noted for his outstanding performance for eleven years in the highly successful Las Vegas production of Beatles LOVE show. Moloi & Caraco are very versatile in their ability to adapt each show to smaller, intimate settings, as well as easily commanding the attention of a large crowd when Michael’s brightly costumed Pantsula and Gumboots Dancers join in. These two traditional dance forms were born on the streets and in the gold mines of South Africa, and both styles are high energy, percussive and captivating. Today, Michael teaches weekly community dance classes at Denbaya Studio in Eugene. Award winning Moloi is a dance pioneer. Combining his own extensive training of South African dance styles with modern tap dancing, he has created a new art form called “Tap Pantsula”.This innovation in movement art incorporates, steps, sound, clapping, clicking and shouting, adapted for traditional African music on the kora. Whether nestled along the path contributing to the atmosphere with ambient music and awe inspiring sounds of nature or stopping people in their tracks with vibrant and pulsating dance numbers, Moloi & Caraco are sure to amaze and invigorate audience with sounds and visions beyond wildest expectations.
”Blink”: House of Strange Rituals
Site 8: 1038 Willamette Street
House of Strange Rituals is a femme-led art collective based in Eugene, Oregon, specializing in interactive art that enlivens all of the senses. This performance will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Carlos “Retro” Rasmussen
Site 9: Eugene Public Library
Dancer/ Movement artist who grew up in Eugene and was adopted from Portland Oregon. His style consist of combining techniques steaming from waving, tutting, Robotics, popping, ballet, modern, and many styles of footwork. His goals in teaching are to allow people to find the ways they most enjoy creating a story with their body through imagination and our experiences through life. “Traveling around the worlds and helping people with dance with what I want to do with me life. By making the people around me happy and impacting their life and perspectives in a positive way, I’m doing what I want and need to in the world.”
Special thanks to WildCraft Cider Works for sponsoring downtown dances.
Community Workshops & Classes
Injury Prevention Workshop with Kendra Lady
Workshop
Saturday, April 17 • 10:30 a.m.-Noon | Free
Virtual & in-person at Platform360, 1840 Willamette Street
Presented by Fermata Ballet Collective
This workshop will include a workout with strengthening and stretching exercises designed to support a healthy and strong dancing body. We will also discuss how to prevent injuries as a dancer and how to increase your longevity as a performing artist. Bring: yoga mat, pen and paper. Optional: theraband and foam roller if you have them! Dancers of all levels are welcome, though some movement experience is helpful.
Register: Register online. For zoom also email fermataballetcollective@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to the event to request a zoom link.
Pre-Ballet Ages 4-5
Class
Saturday, April 17 • 10:30-11 a.m. | Free
In-person at Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Road
Presented by Eugene Rec Petersen Barn Community Center
Explore some basic ballet techniques in a fun and safe setting.
Register: Register online or call 541-682-5521.
Ballet for Ages 6-9
Class
Saturday, April 17 • 11:15 a.m.-Noon | Free
In-person at Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Road
Presented by Eugene Rec Petersen Barn Community Center
Learn basic ballet postures while experimenting with creative movement. Emphasis will be on developing rhythm, balance and creativity.
Register: Register online or call 541-682-5521.
Modern Dance Ages 13 & up
Class
Saturday, April 17 • 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Free
In-person at Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Road
Presented by Eugene Rec Petersen Barn Community Center
This class is for all levels, covering the basic technique and fundamentals of modern dance. Come explore movement in a supportive environment, while gaining flexibility and grace.
Register: Register online of call 541-682-5521.
Choreography Workshop with Fermata Artists & Faculty
Workshop
Sunday, April 18 • 9-10:30 a.m. | Free
In-person at flex Studios, 1005 Oak Alley
Presented by Fermata Ballet Collective
Welcome to Fermata! This workshop will cultivate a collaborative approach to the creative process, valuing the experience of each individual. Includes a warm up, choreography exercises and discussion.
Register: Register online
Dance from Guinea, West Africa
Workshop
Monday, April 19 • 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Free
In-person at the Park Blocks, 126 E. 8th Avenue
Presented by West African Cultural Arts Institute and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Join West African Cultural Arts Institute for an energetic dance class with Alseny Yansane, dynamic teaching artist and fourteen year performing artist with world renown Ballets Africains. Participants will enjoy learning traditional dance steps that build into choreographic sequences and are danced to the sounds of live drumming. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes that allow free movement, light shoes for support, and to bring a water bottle. No previous dance experience is necessary!
Register: Drop-in; no registration required.
Contemporary Workshop with Alaja Badalich
Workshop
Monday, April 19 • 6-7:30 p.m. | Free
Virtual & in-person at Platform360, 1840 Willamette Street
Presented by Fermata Ballet Collective
Engage in contemporary dance techniques and practices. Trust the process, surrender to serenity and find your balance - there is nothing to prove but everything to share. Previous dance experience preferred, but not required.
Register: Register online. For zoom also email fermataballetcollective@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to the event to request a zoom link.
West African Workshop with Cornesha Tweede
Workshop
Monday, April 19 • 8-9 p.m. | Donations accepted
Virtual
Presented by Elite Dance Company
Come dance, groove, and learn the basics of West African dance.
Register: Register online
Ballet & Variations with Jessica Jaye Mackinson
Workshop
Tuesday, April 20 • 9-11 a.m. | Free
Virtual & in-person at flex Studios, 1005 Oak Alley
Presented by Fermata Ballet Collective
This class will follow a traditional ballet warm up structure of barre, center, and across the floor combinations, followed by a variation from classical ballet repertoire. Previous dance experience preferred, but not required.
Register: Register online. For zoom also email fermataballetcollective@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to the event to request a zoom link.
Zumba Gold
Class
Tuesday, April 20 • 10-11 a.m. | Free
Virtual
Presented by Eugene Rec at Amazon Community Center
Party yourself into shape with this world dance-inspired fitness program that's low-impact and easy to follow. Zumba Gold is a gentler version of Zumba Cardio. It's the same dance and fitness fun with room to slow down and make adjustments for any injuries or mobility limitations.
Register: Register online or call Michael at 541-682-6304.
Dance Eclectic for Adults
Class
Tuesday, April 20 • 10-11 a.m. | Free
In-person at Eugene Ballet Academy, Midtown Arts Center 154 E. 16th Avenue
Presented by Eugene Ballet
For adults, 18+, who have some dance experience. This intermediate level class is a fun, upbeat blend of a variety of dance styles- jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, salsa, lyrical, Irish African, Indian, Reggaeton, Funk, etc. Comfortable athletic clothes and any dance shoes/dance sneakers may be worn. No street shoes. Masks and pre-registration are required.
Register: Register online
Line Dance for Beginners
Workshop
Tuesday, April 20 • 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Free
In-person at the Park Blocks, 126 E. 8th Avenue
Presented by Outlaw Shine and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Come get your Shine on and learn some fun dance steps for all ages and all dance levels. Outlaw Shine’s instructor Debra Rachelle has been a professional dancer and instructor for over 30 years. She has a passion for getting people to find their inner spirit through dance.
Register: Drop-in; no registration required.
Get Healthy While Moving With Us
Workshop
Wednesday, April 21 • 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Free
In-person at the Park Blocks, 126 E. 8th Avenue
Presented by Healthy Moves and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Join Healthy Moves for a free workshop/activity for kids and adults to participate in a fun free environment! Experience a warm up, strengthening exercises, cultural music, funky dance and stretching. Join in on the physical movement fun! Healthy Moves Trainers have experience in a variety of physical movement modalities. They support classroom teachers in PE classes in elementary schools and work with organizations that don’t offer physical activities. They have 7 educational fitness programs to provide targeted solutions to these organizations and continue to build a digital curriculum catalog that may be used in the classroom, or at home for distance learning. Healthy Moves “brings movement, fitness and fun to youth in our communities.”
Register: Drop-in; no registration required.
Double Funk
Class
Wednesday, April 21 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Free
Virtual
Presented by Let's Move Fitness, LLC
Double Funk includes a warm up, funky dance combos, and stylized dance steps. The class helps with conditioning for core, strengthening upper back, arms and legs, and also includes Alexander Technique stretch. Have a fun time moving and grooving to the beat!
Register: Email Denise at letsmoved@gmail.com to get the Zoom link.
Classic Burlesque with Chelsea Godon Ages 18+
Workshop
Wednesday, April 21 • 8-9 p.m. | Donations accepted
Virtual
Presented by Elite Dance Company
Classic burlesque/cabaret movement led by Chelsea Godon. Bring your heels (optional) and all of the sass to this body-positive dance workshop.
Register: Register online
DanceAbility Class: The Art of Being Together
Workshop
Thursday, April 22 • 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Free
In-person at the Park Blocks, 126 E. 8th Avenue
Presented by DanceAbility International and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Join DanceAbility for an introductory improvisation class that will bring participants together to dance in ways that are safe and fun for all people. DanceAbility International is a global organization founded in 1987 in Eugene. Founder Alito Alessi has developed the DanceAbility method and trained over 600 educators across over 45 countries. Over the last 35 years, DanceAbility teachers have helped thousands of people experience the joy and satisfaction of creativity in a safe, inclusive space. In 2019, DanceAbility was recognized by the Zero Project, an international joint venture between the Essl and Ashoka Foundations, as one of the 10 best organizations in the world for developing programs that tear down the barriers to inclusion and participation in society for those with disabilities around the world.
Register: Drop-in; no registration required.
Skate Dance
Workshop
Thursday, April 22 • 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free
In-person, College Hill EWEB Reservoir, Lawrence & 24th Avenue
Presented by Eugene Soul Skaters
Come make a synchronized dance on your skates! Skates (inline or quads) and basic ability to skate required.
Register: Drop-in; no registration required. Limit 50 people.
Beginning Ballet for Adults
Class
Thursday, April 22 • 7-8 p.m. | Free
In-person at Rebelle Movement, 2501 W. 11th Avenue
Presented by Rebelle Movement
For adults who have some ballet knowledge or none at all. This class will focus on technique, posture, and alignment. All ballet classes incorporate barre, center floor exercises, and across the floor movement. Masks are required.
Register: Register online
Ballet Barre
Class
Friday, April 23 • 10:45-11:45 a.m. | Free
Virtual
Presented by Eugene Rec at Amazon Community Center
Ashley creates a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where students experience the beauty of ballet. This is a barre class for teens and adults with emphasis on strength, flexibility and fundamental technique. All levels welcome.
Register: Register online or call Michael at 541-682-6304.
Salsa & Bachata
Workshop
Friday, April 23 • 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Free
In-person at the Park Blocks, 126 E. 8th Avenue
Presented by Salseros Productions and City of Eugene Cultural Services
Come learn some moves in two different popular Latin dance styles: Salsa and Bachata. We will be teaching steps and footwork you can do on your own, and all levels are welcome. Founded by Artistic Director Jose Cruz in 1999, Salseros Dance Company is dedicated to promoting Latino culture through salsa dance and music in the local community and beyond. Salseros believes in the power of salsa to transcend differences and bring people together, and are passionate about building community and sharing their love of Latin dance and music.
Register: Drop-in; no registration required.
Rockettes-Inspired Jazz Workshop with Taylor Harrison
Workshop
Friday, April 23 • 6-7 p.m. | $15 in-person; Free (donations accepted) for Instagram Live and Facebook Live
Virtual & in-person at Ballet Fantastique, 960 Oak Street
Presented by Academy of Ballet Fantastique
Get your kicks on! BFan Company Corps Dancer Taylor Harrison (who attended the Radio City Rockettes Summer Intensive in 2017) leads you through the basics from pivots to eye-high kicks, along with a high energy, authentic Rockette's routine.
Register: Register online
Double Funk
Class
Saturday, April 24 • 10-11 a.m. | Free
Virtual
Presented by Let's Move Fitness, LLC
Double Funk includes a warm up, funky dance combos, and stylized dance steps. The class helps with conditioning for core, strengthening upper back, arms and legs, and also includes Alexander Technique stretch. Have a fun time moving and grooving to the beat!
Register: Email Denise at letsmoved@gmail.com to get the Zoom link.
Pre-Tap Dance Ages 4-6
Class
Saturday, April 24 • 10:30-11 a.m. | Free
In-person at Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Road
Presented by Eugene Rec Petersen Barn Community Center
This playful tap class will focus on coordination, memorization, and rhythmic skills. Dancers will have fun learning a short routine to share at the end of the session. Some tap shoes are available to borrow. Please wear comfortable clothing and come ready to have fun!
Register: Register online or call 541-682-5521.
Intermediate Contemporary Modern with Ellie Weinman
Workshop
Saturday, April 24 • 10:30 a.m.-Noon | Free
Virtual & in-person at Platform360, 1840 Willamette Street
Presented by Fermata Ballet Collective
This intermediate class blends elements of contemporary and modern dance. We will begin on the floor and work our way up to standing. Class consists of a warm-up, across the floor exercises, and a phrase. Long pants recommended for floorwork.
Register: Register online. For zoom also email fermataballetcollective@gmail.com at least 24 hours prior to the event to request a zoom link.
Tap Dance Beginning Ages 6-9
Class
Saturday, April 24 • 11:15 a.m.-Noon | Free
In-person at Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Road
Presented by Eugene Rec Petersen Barn Community Center
This class will focus on learning the fundamentals of tap as well as playing with rhythm and style. Dancers will learn a short routine to show off their new moves at the end of the session. Some tap shoes are available to borrow. Please wear comfortable clothing and come ready to make some noise!
Register: Register online or call 541-682-5521.
Ballet Barre & Stretch Ages 18+
Class
Saturday, April 24 • 12:15-1:15 p.m. | Free
In-person at Petersen Barn Community Center, 870 Berntzen Road
Presented by Eugene Rec Petersen Barn Community Center
This is introduction to ballet for adults with an emphasis on strength, flexibility and fundamental technique. All levels welcome.
Register: Register online or call 541-682-5521.
History of National Dance Week: National Dance Week was formed in 1981 when a group of dance-related organizations began a strong grassroots movement to bring greater recognition to dance in the United States. National Dance Week celebrations occur throughout the nation.
Contact Us
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Community Programs Manager
Ph: 541-682-6347
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Downtown Programs Assistant