NWBCA and Polaris collide and bring the business and art world together

NWBCA and Polaris observing the Polaris Company perform

 In January 2009, Polaris Dance Theatre leased a 4,900 square foot warehouse space in downtown Portland and immediately converted it into a world-class dance studio.  Just three weeks later and with the help of 28 incredibly dedicated volunteers, the empty space was transformed.  Polaris Contemporary Dance Center officially opened its doors to the public on January 31st, 2009, to a full schedule of classes.  This incredible accomplishment was made possible by the generous help of private donations from the community, a generous anonymous donor and, of course, Polaris dancers and volunteers.

Robert introducing Development Director Melanie Van Orden

Polaris Company giving a sneak peak of Red Tied

As Polaris Dance Theatre is about to celebrate their second year at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center, Founder and Director, Robert Guitron, opens the space up for business and the arts to collide.  The Northwest Business for Cultural and the Arts (hereinafter referred to as "NWBCA") appreciates everything Polaris Dance Theatre stands for and recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between the business world and the art world.  Therefore, NWBCA rented the space at the Polaris Contemporary Dance Center and held an Arts of Leadership Workshop this morning at 8:00 a.m.  The Polaris Dancers were in the studio bright and early this morning at 7:00 a.m. warming up their bodies to perform a sneak peak performance of their upcoming REPO concert, which is from December 9-11, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Performance Hall at PSU.  To find out more about this performance and to get early bird special ticket discounts, which end on November 26, 2010, please visit: http://www.polarisdance.org

Polaris Company performing for NWBCA

To kick off the 8:00 a.m. NWBCA meeting, Robert Guitron thanked NWBCA for all that they do for the Oregon community and culture and reminded them that Polaris Dance Theatre is a non-profit organization that needs business and individual donations and support in order to make such performances as REPO possible.  Next, the Polaris Company performed two excerpts, Solomente and Red Tied, from REPO and offered the NWBCA members a one time special 50% off ticket discount to show their appreciation and graditude.

Robert then introduced the Development Director for Polaris Dance Theatre, Melanie Van Orden, who explained how every dollar helps buy new safe equipment, costumes, props, and money for the Polaris dancers that often dedicate all their time to practices and performances for no money at all.

Polaris Company

Polaris Dance Theatre wrapped up their portion of the Arts of Leadership Workshop in roughly 20 minutes and then NWBCA continued their meeting, having one break in between where NWBCA members could go out into the lobby to find refreshments, until noon.

The Polaris Contemporary Dance Center is open and available for businesses and/or organizations to rent the studio space.  If you are interested, please visit http://www.polarisdance.org

Polaris Dancers performing for NWBCA

Robert speaking as dancers set up for a performance

Lobby space available for meetings and refreshments

Director, Robert Guitron with NWBCA member

Director, Robert Guitron speaking about REPO

Bringing business and the arts together

NWBCA members watching a live performance by Polaris