White Bird's 2024/25 Season Brochure

WHITE BIRD DANCE

2024-2025 SEASON

BODYTRAFFIC

OKAREKA DANCE COMPANY

OCT 10-12

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY

JAN 22

CHANGMU DANCE COMPANY

MAR 19

D ANCE SERIES

NOV 7-9

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO

ALONZO KING LINES BALLET

NOV 21-23

FEB 12

RUBBERBAND

NOCHE FLAMENCA

FEB 26-27

APR 3-5 GRUPO CORPO

APR 30

Astounding performances by established companies of international acclaim. Enjoy classic dances of the 20th century, alongside newly created works by renowned choreographers.

Inspiring evenings of dance featuring the work of exceptional artists of color. Celebrate the vibrant diversity of dance styles from around the world, converging into a cross-cultural experience.

Current, genre-bending dance works by up-and-coming artists. Discover new favorites by dancemakers with unique perspectives, whose work defies expectations.

In the Community p. 13

Join our Flock p. 14

Ticketing Information p. 15

Acclaimed international dance company Company’s White Bird debut

Show is suitable for ages 8 and up, with guardian discretion advised

Show features live music

Cover Images, clockwise from upper left: GRUPO CORPO, photo by Jose Luiz Pederneiras; RUBBERBAND, photo by Bill Hebert; MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY, photo by Dragan Perkovski; ALONZO KING LINES BALLET, photo by RJ Muna

SEASON 27

(RE)BUILDING BRIDGES

White Bird’s 2024-25 season finds us in an exciting moment - this season, half of the companies we present will once again be visiting from outside the country. They represent six countries across five continents, and a wealth of dance styles from around the world. With four White Bird debuts, three of them by international companies, we are awash in new connections. We are also strengthening our bonds with favorites who have been away for too long.

Our White Bird Dance Series and WE ARE ONE Festival starts by highlighting the very best of contemporary dance close to home. Our 27th season kicks off with Los Angeles-based BODYTRAFFIC, bringing their fun and fast-paced brand of dance to Portland for the very first time. Next, the dancers of San Francisco’s Alonzo King LINES Ballet radiate in DeepRiver, King’s spiritual new work.

Expanding our view to the pinnacle of dance in the U.S., our Dance Series will continue with the renowned Martha Graham Dance Company, returning to White Bird for the first time in eight years as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Then comes Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo – affectionately known as The Trocks – performing the gender-bending send ups of classical ballets for which they are loved across the country, and around the world.

In this season’s Uncaged Series we are building bridges between Portland and two new (to White Bird) companies – Okareka Dance Company from New Zealand and RUBBERBAND from Canada. We will also celebrate the return of Noche Flamenca, with their new work evoking the paintings of Goya through the Spanish art of flamenco.

We will close our WE ARE ONE Festival with ChangMu Dance Company, the South Korean company making their White Bird debut. Finally, in April, we will end Season 27 with a rousing performance by Grupo Corpo from Brazil.

As the sole dance-only presenter on America’s west coast, we are raising Portland as a destination for the world’s best dance. To each of you who supports us in this mission –thank you!

Graham Cole, Executive Director

White Bird greatly appreciates the generous support of the following foundations & government arts agencies:

RONNI LACROUTE

The Regional Arts & Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund.

Graham with Barney, the White Bird Photo by Jingzi Zhao

Photo by Guzman Rosado

Photo by Alex Efimoff

3 SHOWS, THURSDAY-SATURDAY | 7:30PM

OCTOBER 10-12, 2024

Newmark Theatre

LOS ANGELES

Mixed Repertoire

BODYTRAFFIC has conquered the contemporary dance world with its stunning performers, technical mastery, and commitment to the most challenging repertoire. In their White Bird debut, BODYTRAFFIC exudes energy, sophistication, and sheer joy in dancing. This program of dances by internationally renowned choreographers promises to be an entertaining start to our 27 th season.

“Absolutely joyous and oh-so-entertaining!” - Broadway World

Sponsored by: Walter Jaffe & Paul King

3 SHOWS, THURSDAY-SATURDAY | 7:30PM

NOVEMBER 7-9, 2024

Lincoln Hall, Portland State University

AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

Mana Wahine [Powerful Woman]

Based in Auckland, Okareka Dance Company choreographers Taane Mete, Taiaroa Royal, and Malia Johnston have created a mesmerizing work about female endurance and strength. Inspired by the true story of a young Maori heroine as well as women’s stories from the dancers’ families, Mana Wahine/Powerful Woman incorporates bold projections, Maori chants, original music, traditional implements, and costuming that draws from Maori cultural traditions and history.

“One of the best contemporary dance experiences we have seen in many years.” - New Zealand Herald

Sponsored by: Virginia Belt & Curt Frye

Photo by RJ Muna

Photo by Dragan Perkovski

3 SHOWS, THURSDAY-SATURDAY | 7:30PM

NOVEMBER 21-23, 2024

Newmark Theatre

SAN FRANCISCO

Deep River

Among the most innovative ballet companies in the U.S., Alonzo King LINES Ballet makes a triumphant return to White Bird with DeepRiver , King’s newest work. Melding dance with spiritual music from the Black, Jewish, and Indian traditions, Deep River pairs the impressive technique of LINES’ classically-trained dancers with a soulful score composed by the MacArthur Awardwinning jazz pianist Jason Moran and featuring the voice of GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer.

“Deep Riversoars along a highway to the heavens.” - See Chicago Dance

Sponsored by: Ken & Ann Edwards

WEDNESDAY | 7:30PM

JANUARY 22, 2025

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

NEW YORK CITY

Mixed Repertoire

Celebrating 100 years since the company’s founding, the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company returns to White Bird with Graham masterworks and new pieces by today’s exceptional choreographers. Our fascinating program will include Martha Graham’s Errand into the Maze as well as CAVE, a high-energy new work by Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter showing the Graham dancers as you’ve never seen them before.

“Some of the most skilled and powerful dancers you can ever hope to see.” - The Washington Post

Sponsored by: Shawn K. and Lisa M. L. Mangum

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO

Artistic Director, Tory Dobrin

NOCHE FLAMENCA

Artistic Director, Martín Santangelo

Photo by Zoren Jelenic

Photo by S. Benjamin Farrar

WEDNESDAY | 7:30PM

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

NEW YORK CITY

Mixed Repertoire

The Trocks make a much-anticipated return to Portland! This troupe of dancers in drag has, over the course of their 50-year history, earned international acclaim both for their skillful pointe work and their iconoclastic, gender-bending humor. Check all of your preconceived notions about ballet at the door, and enjoy this program of dances parodying classical favorites.

“The funniest night you’ll everhave at the ballet!” - The Guardian

2 SHOWS, WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY | 7:30PM

FEBRUARY 26-27, 2025

Newmark Theatre

SPAIN

Searching For Goya

In the latest work by Artistic Director Martín Santangelo and award-winning principal dancer Soledad Barrio, Noche Flamenca stretches the boundaries of flamenco with theatricality and raw emotion. Inspired by the transformative art of Spanish painter Francisco de Goya, Searching For Goya will take you on a journey through Goya’s graphic imagination, with vignettes inspired by the prolific artist’s most famous paintings.

“Noche Flamenca is one of the most electrifying theatrical experiences of my life.” - Andrew Blackmore-Dobbyn, The Huffington Post

Sponsored by: Nancy & George Thorn

CHANGMU DANCE COMPANY

Photo by Kim Jung Man

Photo by Bill Hebert

WEDNESDAY | 7:30PM

MARCH 19, 2025

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

SOUTH KOREA

<HERE>

Founded by celebrated choreographer Kim MaeJa in 1976, ChangMu Dance Company has transformed Korean dance through innovative choreography combined with poetry and painting. Along with their creativity, ChangMu also displays the troupe’s mastery of traditional Korean dance, including shaman dance, Buddhist dance, folk dance, and court dance. ChangMu’s new work <HERE> will showcase the impressive skills of their beautifully trained dancers.

“Hypnotic, sinuous, and serene.” - La Nueva España

3 SHOWS, THURSDAY-SATURDAY | 7:30PM

APRIL 3-5, 2025

Patricia Reser Center for the Arts

CANADA

Vic’s Mix

For over twenty years, RUBBERBAND, based in Montreal (Quebec), has been creating and developing its own unique style, the RUBBERBAND Method, a singular blend of break, ballet, contemporary techniques and dance-theatre. Created by Choreographer and Artistic Director Victor Quijada, Vic’s Mix shows off the incredible versatility of the RUBBERBAND dancers with humor and athletic grace. Set to a score of favorites by iconic composers – Vivaldi, Bach, and Prokofiev, among others – Vic’s Mix pays homage to the classics while simultaneously breathing new life into them.

“A speedy, uber-physical hybrid.” - Dance Magazine

GRUPO CORPO

WEDNESDAY | 7:30PM

APRIL 30, 2025

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

BRAZIL

Mixed Repertoire

We close our 27 th season with two dances from Grupo Corpo. 21, a classic work of choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras backed by an infectious and complex score, marks a turning point for Pederneiras in creating a uniquely Brazilian movement language for the dance company. That language is in full display in Gira, which evokes the rites of “Umbanda,” one of the most widely practiced Brazilian religions, with its sinuous undulations and pounding footwork.

“Grupo Corpo gives off high heat.” - Los Angeles Times

Sponsored by: Darci & Charlie Swindells

Photo by Jose Luiz Pederneiras

Artistic Director, Paulo Pederneiras

WHITE BIRD LOVES OUR COMMUNITY

White Bird strongly believes that community involvement is as vital as the dance performances we put on Portland’s stages. We work with local artists, companies, and community partners to create experiences that are meaningful and affordable for all.

Community Workshops

White Bird partners with local schools and studios to provide dance workshops to hundreds of students each year. These workshops are led by highly trained visiting artists from around the world, and provide invaluable experience to students of all ages, at no cost to them.

IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility)

White Bird strives to expand our IDEA initiatives in all aspects of our presenting and beyond. We consistently build new relationships with organizations and individuals throughout Portland, and work with them to ensure that White Bird spaces remain respectful, inclusive, and safe for everyone.

NEST (No Empty Seats Today)

Created in 2002, NEST is an equity initiative wherein White Bird partners with many non-profit health and human service organizations in Portland. Through generous sponsorships by The Standard and Starseed Foundation, NEST annually provides the clients of our partner organizations with over 500 tickets in prime seats in the form of subscriptions and unused tickets donated by White Bird ticket buyers.

White Bird thanks all of our Community Partners:

White Bird’s NEST Partners at MOMIX performanceMay 2023 Dancers of Black Grace before community workshop at Polaris Dance Theatre - February 2024

JOIN THE FLOCK

Support Excellence in Dance

HELP US CONTINUE TO BRING THE WORLD’S BEST DANCE TO PORTLAND - PLEASE DONATE AND JOIN OUR FLOCK!

Did you know that ticket sales cover less than 40% of White Bird’s total budget? We rely on support from individuals, as well as local businesses and foundations, to continue our extensive and longstanding dance programming, community outreach, and equity initiatives. Although we continue to contend with rising production costs and decreasing public support for the arts, we are optimistic about what we can achieve with your help.

Together, we can make dance engaging, equitable, and accessible for everyone.

YOUR GIFT, OUR ACTION

Your donation enables us to act on our six values, aligned with our Equity Commitment, bringing positive change to our local community as well as the greater dance world:

Excellence in Performance

We compensate highly skilled dance artists and crew fairly for their hard work.

Accessibility and Inclusiveness

We provide thousands of low-cost and no-cost tickets annually to Portlanders in need.

Generosity of Spirit

We go above and beyond to ensure both audiences and visiting artists have the best possible experience.

IT’S EASY TO DONATE

Diversity in Movement

We present the dance you know and love, plus the dance you don’t know you love...yet.

Dedication to Community

We arrange local community engagement opportunities for each and every artist we bring to Portland.

Fiscal Responsibility

With good governance and your support, White Bird continues to operate sustainably.

• Include a gift with your subscription renewal

• Give online, anytime, at whitebird.org/donate

• Call us at (503) 245-1600

All gifts, including in-kind gifts, are welcome and tax-deductible. You may also designate your gift to be used for a special purpose, including:

White Bird’s new Walter & Paul Founders Fund

Help ensure White Bird’s future. The majority of your gift supports our future programming and operations, with a portion going to underwrite the commissioning of new work.

Show & Series Sponsorship

Enjoy great benefits including tickets, name/logo on our marketing materials, and more.

NEST (No Empty Seats Today)

Sponsor a NEST subscription, or donate your unused subscription tickets for redistribution to our NEST partners.

And More!

Visit whitebird.org/donate for more information, or contact Executive Director, Graham Cole, at graham@whitebird.org.

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE – Subscribers get the best available seats, well in advance of the public on-sale dates.

GREAT SAVINGS – Save 20% or more when you subscribe, compared to the general sale ticket price.

FREE & EASY EXCHANGES – Exchange your tickets to ensure you don’t miss a single show.

PRE-SALE ON SINGLE TICKETS – Purchase additional tickets at subscriber prices directly through White Bird before shows go on sale to the public.

EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE

ONLINE – whitebird.org/subscribe

MAIL – Contact boxoffice@whitebird.org if you would like a paper renewal/ subscription form. Complete paper forms should be mailed to White Bird, P.O. Box 99, Portland, OR 97207-0099.

SORRY, WE ARE NOT ABLE TO TAKE SUBSCRIPTION ORDERS OVER THE PHONE.

VERY IMPORTANT

• Accessible seating is available. Please contact boxoffice@whitebird.org if you have any questions.

• Dates, artists, and programs are subject to change.

• Seat maps can be viewed at whitebird.org/venues

ORDER PROCESSING – WHAT TO EXPECT

• You will receive an email confirmation of your order showing your seats and payment.

• If your selected delivery method is ‘Ship’, your tickets will be mailed approximately 3 weeks before the first performance.

• Subscription orders are non-refundable.

SINGLE TICKETS ON-SALE

Single tickets will be available for public sale on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 for all White Bird shows.

QUESTIONS? – Contact the White Bird Box Office at (503) 245-1600 or boxoffice@whitebird.org

whitebird.org

SUBSCRIBE NOW

For the best seats and prices + early access to additional single tickets! whitebird.org

BODYTRAFFIC Photo by: Guzman Rosado

Visit our White Bird Box Office & Boutique! 900 SW 5 th Avenue, Suite 100 We apologize if you receive a duplicate of this brochure. Please pass it on to a friend.