White Bird

Mission

White Bird is committed to bringing the best Portland-based, regional, national, and international dance companies to Portland, Oregon and to fostering the growth of dance in the region. Through presenting established and emerging companies and choreographers, commissioning and co-commissioning new work, as well as collaborating with other arts organizations in Portland and the region, we are able to make these dance performances possible.  White Bird strongly believes in making dance exciting, educational, equitable and accessible to everyone, young and old, of all social backgrounds, and through contributed income and sponsorships, is able to facilitate outreach to schools and keep ticket prices affordable. A passionate advocate for dance, White Bird strives to broaden audiences, develop new dance venues, and support both existing and new dance programs.

Bottom Line for Portland

As the sole dance-only presenter west of the Rocky Mountains in the U.S., White Bird is one of Portland’s leading arts organizations. Our No Empty Seats Today (NEST) program and participation in the Arts for All initiative provide hundreds of free or low-cost performance tickets each year for audiences who may otherwise be unable to enjoy live dance performance. Since 2001, White Bird has collaborated with Portland Public Schools on an Annual Outreach Project, inspired by such companies as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispánico, PHILADANCO, and many others led by artists of color. White Bird relies on the generous support of the community to continue these programs.

Quote

“White Bird is tireless in its efforts to continue its partnership with Portland Public Schools to create an exemplary curriculum for grades 5-12, stressing the integration of the arts with other disciplines”

-Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator

"Thank you @whitebirddance for bringing a multitude of outstanding dancers and companies like @dallasblackdance to Portland and for the opportunity and platform to connect. We want students to be able to see themselves reflected in their teachers, leaders, dancers on stage, and really see what is possible. Not only did they see this incredible company perform, but they got to meet them, ask them questions and engage in a way that I know they will keep in their memories for the rest of their lives." - Monica Parra, Director of Education and Community Engagement, Steps for Youth

“White Bird is way more than an organization that brings to Portland some of the greatest dance companies in the world. White Bird is family! ...Simply said, White Bird is a place of magic, joy and beauty.”

-Raquel V., White Bird Volunteer since 2012 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

White Bird engages visiting dance companies to educate Portland-area students about dance styles that are under-represented in concert dance as well as use our platform to share opportunities to support BIPOC dance artists. White Bird has drafted an Equity Commitment, publicly available on our website, in which we detail our organization-wide commitment to dismantle systemically oppressive circles and foster respectful, inclusive and safe spaces.

Incentives

Give on November 23

The first 5 donors to give $100 on this day will receive (1) 60 minute massage from McVeigh Massage

Give on November 29

The first 50 donors to give $25 on this day will receive a White Bird “Feather” Baseball Hat

Give from December 4-10

Every $10 donation made between December 4-10 will equate to a single performance ticket donated to a student of the Steps BIPOC Youth Dance Program

Give on December 13

The first 40 donors to give $30 will receive (1) Steven Smith Teamakers Variety Box (12 sachets)

Give on December 21

First 60 donors to give $50 receive a White Bird “Feather” Beanie

Give on December 28

First 2 donors to give $150 receive (1) 3-Pack of Pilates or Gyrotonic Classes at Kinespirit Circle

Partner(s)

White Bird would like to thank our amazing business partners:  

Magaurn Video Media, which produced the “Why Give to White Bird” video linked on this page.