Children's Cancer Association

From left: Robert Guitron, Emily Zaroy, Bobby Fouther,
Kristi Imel, Sara Anderson and John DePue

John DePue

Polaris Dance Theatre hosted a free performance at their Polaris Contemporary Dance Center on Friday evening, January 7th, 2011 as part of a special pilot project for the Children's Cancer Association.

"The energy and love for Polaris Dance Theatre was easy to see and feel." ~ Dancer, Sara Anderson 

The performance was co-hosted by John DePue - longtime friend of Polaris' Artistic Director, Robert Guitron.  Mr. DePue is a world renowned dancer and choreographer originally from America.  He now lives in Germany where he puts his creative energy towards "live communication."  Currently, Mr. DePue has tunneled his creative passion towards the Children's Cancer Association in hopes of raising money for families and kids in need of medical treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.
Mr. DePue contacted Mr. Guitron recognizing the solid foundation and following Mr. Guitron has created with his Company, Polaris Dance Theatre, and together they hosted Friday's event.  Polaris Dance Theatre opened their doors to the general public anticipating between 20 to 30 audience members, however, a new row of chairs was required as more and more people showed up.
The performance kicked off at 7:00 p.m. lasting 45 minutes and then transitioned into the lobby for an after party including food, cocktails and a chance to speak with the Polaris dancers.  Polaris performed three pieces: "Cling" - aerial work performed at Polaris' winter concert, REPO, and two of Polaris' favorites "Quiver" and "Change".  There were old and new audience members including a couple that saw "Black Swan" in the movie theaters, which drove them to find local dance performances, a couple from Salem who missed the REPO concert and jumped at the chance to see works from the Winter concert, Studio One Dance Academy teachers and students, and other community members.  The night was a true success as a broader audience arrived interested in the Polaris Dance School and upcoming events such as the Fertile Ground's Groovin' Greenhouse.
The Polaris dancers were ecstatic to step into the lobby after their performance and find such an enthusiastic reception prompting dancer Sara Anderson to say later as I spoke with her, "The energy and love for Polaris Dance Theatre was easy to see and feel."  Although Mr. DePue has already flown back to Germany, Polaris is thrilled they were a part of such an important event and hopes to aid Mr. DePue in relation with the Children's Cancer Association in the future.
Up next Polaris is excited to open their studio doors for the Groovin' Greenhouse - the dance hub during the Fertile Ground Festival, January 28th and 29th, 2011.  The lighting arrived this morning and Polaris is already setting up for performances by multiple local dance companies.  Before the Groovin' Greenhouse, Polaris is opening their doors this Sunday as they host auditions for the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance.  Polaris is also excited to showcase their Second Company for the first time independently in participation with OMSI's new exhibits including fire dancing.  Most importantly, Polaris is gearing up for their Spring concert, Lil' Mo, this June.  To get a sneak peak of works in progress for "Lil' Mo", Polaris is presenting "Lil' Mo Taste" during the Groovin' Greenhouse.  For more information about these events, please visit the Polaris Dance Theatre's official website.  These days, Polaris Dance Theatre is everywhere collaborating with all kinds of groups, performing at all types of venues, with two separate companies.  The events keep rolling in making Polaris a true staple in the Portland dance scene.