Citywide Dance Connector

Sunday, April 28th 2024 | 2:45 – 8:30pm

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!

Each year this event has grown and this year will be the most comprehensive experience yet! Our goal is to help all participants prepare wisely, show up with intention, and walk away from the main event with meaningful connections that get them to the next stage of their dance journey. As always, we are rooting for you!

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


CONNECTOR PREP – March 18 – April 26

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 new headshots to tips/tools that make networking purposeful and dare we even say, enjoyable!

MAIN EVENT – April 28

The event itself is 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.

“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

Connector Prep Opportunity March 18 – April 26

FREE 30 minute 1:1 Session with Dance Wire staff via Zoom.

  • Review your resume and/or headshot (DANCERS)
  • Discuss what materials you want to bring (DIRECTORS + COLLABORATORS)
  • Share tips and tools that help make networking effective and fun!
  • Give our staff a more thorough introduction to who you are and what type of opportunities you are seeking or offering.
  • Answer any questions you have about the event or whatever else you need to feel prepared!

DANCER Gallery

In advance of the event we send DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS a link to our DANCER Gallery. Results can be filtered by what type of opportunities DANCERS are seeking and what styles of dance they are skilled in. Each DANCER’S resume, headshot, audition number, and personal objective are visible so DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS can followup with DANCERS that caught their attention at the event.

DIRECTOR and COLLABORATOR Gallery

In advance of the event we send DANCERS a link to our DIRECTORS and COLLABORATOR Gallery. DANCERS will be able to see who will be there and what type of opportunities they offer throughout the year. This helps DANCERS decide which mini-presentations to go to at the event while also giving them access to a list of businesses who actively hire dancers.


Main Event Details + Schedule

Date: Sunday April 28th, 2024 | 2:15 – 8:30pm

Location: BodyVox Dance Center – 1201 NW 17th Ave. Portland, OR 97209

TimeLobby or SHEDOpen StudioTheatre Studio
2:15 – 2:45Check inwarm on your own
2:45-3:00Welcome
3:00 – 4:15Ballet Barre + RepertoryClassical Jazz
4:15 – 5:30PoppingContemporary Floorwork
5:30-6:45Commercial ChoreographyAfro Contemporary
6:45-7:00All DANCER Circle
7:00 – 7:45Group Networking
Mini presentations by DIRECTORS and COLLABORATORS
Enjoy Whole Bowl
7:45-8:30Sweaty after-PARTY!
Finally it will be time to relax and hang with all the cool new people you met!

2023 Highlight Reel

2024 Teacher Reel


All teachers for this event are active artists collaborators/producers in Portland!

2024 Lineup

3:00-4:00 | 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.

3:00-4:00 | 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!