Who Are We?
At Northwest Dance Theater, we are more than just a classical pre-professional ballet company; we are a nurturing community that fosters warmth, encouragement, and passion. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where young dancers, ages 13-18, can thrive both as artists and individuals.
Nurturing Young Talent
We are committed to nurturing our young dancers' talents, helping them build confidence and essential life skills like time management, work ethic, and problem-solving. Our training enhances their physical, artistic, and technical skills in classical ballet, fostering discipline and creativity that prepares them for success beyond the studio.
A Heartfelt Community
As a non-profit organization run entirely by dedicated parent volunteers, our dance community embodies a blend of professionalism and heartfelt spirit. We work collaboratively to create a vibrant environment that prioritizes both personal and artistic growth. Together, we celebrate the joys of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, engaging in this enriching journey alongside our children.
Join Us on Our Journey
We invite you to become part of our family at Northwest Dance Theater, where every dancer is valued and every performance is an opportunity to shine. Together, we inspire one another to reach new heights, fostering a legacy of artistry and excellence.
History
Founded in 1988 by June Taylor-Dixon, Northwest Dance Theatre is a non-profit youth ballet company celebrated for its dedication to both dance and the community of Greater Portland. The company is composed of pre-professional ballet students from June Taylor’s School of Dance and other dance schools state-wide. Over the years, Northwest Dance Theatre has provided young dancers the opportunity to gain performance experience, participate in educational outreach programs, work with prestigious choreographers, and share their love of dance with the public. With a firm foundation in classical technique, the company’s dance repertoire has grown to comprise various classical ballets and innovative contemporary works by both local and internationally acclaimed choreographers.
Mission
Northwest Dance Theatre is dedicated to nurturing talent and providing performance experience for pre-professional dancers to grow and develop as individual artists. NWDT is committed to making dance accessible for all by providing quality productions at affordable ticket rates, while creating opportunities for young emerging artists to share the gift of dance and the performing arts with the community through outreach and educational programs.