The biggest opportunity of the year to make dance connections!
This event is about connecting dancers to dance-related opportunities and celebrating the immense pool of talent in Portland. Part audition, part high-energy functional networking extravaganza!
April 28, 2024 | 3:00 – 8:30pm
A marathon day of classes that include an audition-style presentation of choreography, structured group networking, and a sweaty after party with free food and a backstage vibe.
In the months leading up to the Connector we support all participants with everything they need to prepare for the event. From mini 1:1 Sessions to tips/tools that make networking purposeful and dare we even say, enjoyable!
DANCERS
Performers
Teachers
Freelance Artists
Dance Talent
DIRECTORS
Company + Theatre Directors
Independent Choreographers
Studio Owners
Casting Agents
COLLABORATORS
Dance Photographers
Videographers + Filmmakers
Tech and Production Crew
Dance Medicine Providers
2023 Highlight Reel
2024 Teacher Reel
Details + Schedule
Date: Sunday April 28th, 2024 | 3:00 – 8:30pm
Location: BodyVox Dance Center – 1201 NW 17th Ave. Portland, OR 97209
| Time | Lobby or SHED | Open Studio | Theatre Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:15 – 2:45 | Check in | warm on your own | |
| 2:45-3:00 | Welcome | ||
| 3:00 – 4:15 | Ballet Barre + Repertory | Classical Jazz | |
| 4:15 – 5:30 | Popping | Contemporary Floorwork | |
| 5:30-6:45 | Commercial Choreography | Afro Contemporary | |
| 6:45-7:00 | All DANCER Circle | ||
| 7:00 – 7:45 | Group Networking Mini presentations by DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS Enjoy Whole Bowl | ||
| 7:45-8:30 | Sweaty after-PARTY! Finally it will be time to relax and hang with all the cool new people you met! |
“The most unique part of the event is the feeling of community. During the classes and audition people are having fun, giggling, and cheering each other on – it feels like you’re just hanging out with your best dance friends!”
Melissa Rumsey
All teachers for this event are active artists collaborators/producers in Portland!
2024 Lineup
3:00-4:15 | Charles Roy | Classical Jazz
Dynamically both precise and graceful, heavy on the style. This class is a mix of 80’s Jazz and modern Jazz Funk. We will focus on technique as well as performance quality.
3:00-4:15 | Carlyn Hudson | Ballet Barre and Repertory
Dancers can expect Carlyn’s rep to be light-hearted, intricately detailed, musical, and mainly rooted in ballet with some theatrical elements.
4:15-5:30 | Katie Janovec | Popping
Class will include a mixture history, grooves, tuts, waving, footwork, and hits.
4:15-5:30 | Kenny Frechette | Contemporary Floorwork
In this class we find juicy, full-body connections that allow us to move into/out of/across the floor with fluidity and strength. We sweep, spin, slide and spiral through sequences. We shift our levels, our focus, and our intentions. Final choreography is our chance to discover dynamic transitions, channel individual artistry, and create collective groove.
5:30-6:45 | Oluyinka Akinjiola | Afro Contemporary
This class emphasizes Africanist perspectives in contemporary dance. Techniques incorporated are Release, Guinea -West African, Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Garth Fagan, Silvestre and Evans-Laban techniques. Complex rhythmic structures are layered with strong lines, torso and pelvis articulation, and undulating spines.
5:30-6:45 | Kindell Rae | Commercial Choreography
In this class we will be exploring intermediate/advanced choreography centering hip hop groove. The intention of this class will be to expand on developing movement quality through textures, musicality, and connection to the audience through intentional authentic self expression. Come learn, grow, and play!
Do Dance Wire members receive any benefits?
We love to treat members extra special because we value their ongoing support of our work. All members get an early registration window to assure they get the classes they want before any fill up. Anyone who is a member at the time of the event will receive a swag bag full of surprise goodies and discounts!
Who should attend as a DANCER?
Anyone who is interested in dance-related opportunities (artistic, educational, admin) and wants to expand their dance bubble! Must be over 18 to participate.
Who should attend as a DIRECTOR?
Anyone who hires for dance-related opportunities (artistic, educational, admin) and wants to expand their dance bubble!
- dance company directors
- theatre company directors
- independent choreographers
- studio owners
- agents scouting talent
Who should attend as a COLLABORATOR?
Anyone who is dance-adjacent but part of making dance happen! Must specialize in dance.
- Photographers
- Videographers + Filmmakers
- Costume Designers
- Makeup Artists
- Lighting Designers
- Front of House Managers
- Dance Medicine Providers
What’s the difference between DIRECTOR/COLLABORATOR AND DIRECTOR+ / COLLABORATOR+ Promo levels?
Details for each registration level is outlined on the registration page. The difference is that DIRECTOR+ and COLLABORATOR+ level registration gets the opportunity to submit marketing materials for us to share through our channels.
What are dance-related opportunities?
- Performing
- Teaching
- Gigs
- Choreographing
- Collaborations
- Administrative Work
- Training
- Volunteering
- Residency Programs
Can I register as a DANCER and a DIRECTOR or COLLABORATOR?
Yes! You will need to sign up for each separately so you are sure to get the benefits that come with the different registrations and so we can share your information accurately.
Who will be attending as DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS?
Check out the profiles of DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS who have registered here once registration opens Registrations are updated regularly so keep checking back as names get added to the list! Click on individual cards to expand the listing.
How is my information shared?
We create a Gallery of DANCERS to share to the DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS who are registered for the event using the information provided on your registration form. This Gallery is active for the remainder of the year. DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS can refer back to this gallery as opportunities come up throughout the year. DANCERS are given access to the DIRECTOR and COLLABORATOR Galleries so they can followup and/or see what opportunities each entity offers throughout the year.
How are teachers selected?
All teachers are active working artists in Portland. We create a new lineup of teachers every year and work to have a variety of movement genres available so DANCERS can show off their many talents!
Is this an audition?
Yes and no. We are calling it a Connector and use the term functional networking to better describe the purpose. As dancers we represent ourselves better through our bodies than on paper which is why this event is centered around movement. We hope you enjoy it!