East Portland dance troupe bound for Washington Park performance

Here’s a good reason to travel west of the Willamette River! Go support the Metro Dancers at their repertory concert, Under the Summer Sky, on August 1 …

Members of The Metro Dancers work on a number – “The Tambourine Dance” from Les Ruses d’Amour – for their upcoming repertory concert, in the theater studio at Portland Metro Performing Arts’ new home on SE Stark Street.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Looking for great free entertainment on Sunday evening, August 1?

Pack a blanket and picnic dinner, and enjoy an excellent dance and music program set against the backdrop of the evening City skyline, scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.

“We’re inviting everyone to see ‘Under the Summer Sky’, that showcases the talents of Metro Dancers and other local dancers, performing dance works by gifted local and nationally known choreographers,” exclaimed Nancy Yeamans, director of Portland Metro Performing Arts and artistic director of Metro Dancers, when we visited in their new building.

Metro Dancers Emelie Larison and Violet Lane-Ruckman rehearse.

“This repertory concert features a wide variety of different dance styles and engaging choreography,” Yeamans continued. “You’ll see classical pieces, cutting-edge and even hip-hop performances.”

Yeamans reminded us that the “Metro Dancers” was formed in 1977 to create an avenue for gifted advanced dancers to perform traditional full-length ballets – as well as modern, jazz, character and contemporary ballet pieces.

The dance troupe go over their choreography, perfecting the dance number

Classes resume on September 11
Portland Metro Performing Arts – now in their new building in Montavilla, at 9003 SE Stark Street – offers dance, music, and arts classes for individuals who are “still in the womb to senior citizens,” as Yeamans put it.

And, their building is always abuzz with activity because groups like the An Daire Irish Dance Academy, McKinney Highland Dance group, Skylark Tappers, and other dance schools share their studios.

Seasonal favorite shows such as “Hot Flashes”, Dance Mosiac”, and “Reliving Radio Theater” all return this fall, Yeamans said.

To learn more about Portland Metro Performing Arts, the classes offered and the upcoming shows, call (503) 408-0604, or see their website: CLICK HERE.

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