Portland Raindance: Celebrating Country Dance in Oregon

Portland Raindance Introduce

For Oregonians who cherish vibrant community, lively music, and the timeless joy of traditional dance, Portland Raindance stands as a highlight on the annual calendar. More than just an event, "Portland Raindance" refers to a cherished annual dance weekend and the broader activities promoted by the Portland Country Dance Community (PCDC). This volunteer-run organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting country dance and music traditions right here in the greater Portland area. If you've ever been curious about contra dancing, English country dancing, or simply want to connect with a welcoming group of fellow enthusiasts, Portland Raindance and PCDC offer a fantastic opportunity to dive in.

At its core, Portland Raindance embodies a spirit of participation and shared cultural experience. It’s a chance for dancers of all levels, from seasoned veterans to absolute beginners, to move to the rhythm of live music, guided by expert callers. The focus is on inclusive participation, fostering a sense of camaraderie and connection through movement. Testimonials from past attendees often highlight the infectious energy and the high quality of both the musicians and callers, creating an atmosphere where it's easy to lose yourself in the dance. This commitment to fostering a vibrant and accessible dance scene makes Portland Raindance a unique and valuable cultural asset for Oregon locals.

The annual Portland Raindance event, often held on the fourth weekend of April, is particularly renowned. It draws dancers and musicians from across the region and beyond, transforming a Portland venue, like the Norse Hall, into a hub of rhythmic energy. Beyond this marquee event, the PCDC hosts regular dances throughout the year, ensuring that opportunities to participate in contra and English country dancing are plentiful for residents.

The primary address associated with PCDC and often a venue for their dances, including potentially elements of Portland Raindance, is 7017 SW 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, USA. While the annual Portland Raindance weekend itself might utilize larger or specific venues like Norse Hall in NE Portland, this Southwest Portland address serves as a key contact point for the broader Portland Country Dance Community activities. This location in the Southwest quadrant of Portland makes it accessible for many residents across the city and surrounding suburbs. Major roadways provide straightforward routes for those traveling by car, and Portland's public transportation system offers options for reaching the area.

The strategic placement in Portland ensures that these cultural events are within reach for a wide array of Oregonians. Whether you're coming from Washington County, Clackamas County, or even further down the Willamette Valley, the city's infrastructure supports easy access. The community-oriented nature of these dances means that they are often held in accessible halls and venues that foster a friendly and open atmosphere, encouraging participation from diverse groups of people.

Services Offered (through Portland Raindance events and PCDC activities):

Contra Dances: Regular contra dance events are a cornerstone of PCDC's offerings. These lively folk dances are characterized by lines of dancers performing a series of figures with a partner, often exchanging partners as the dance progresses, all to live music and guided by a caller.
English Country Dances: These dances, often more intricate and stately than contra dances, also involve patterns performed in groups, but with a different feel and historical context. PCDC hosts regular English country dance events.
Workshops: Throughout the year, and particularly during the Portland Raindance weekend, workshops are often offered. These provide opportunities for dancers to deepen their skills, learn new techniques, or explore specific aspects of traditional dance and music.
Live Music: A defining feature of all PCDC events, including Portland Raindance, is the presence of live music. Bands composed of talented fiddlers, guitarists, pianists, and other instrumentalists provide the energetic soundtrack for the dances.
Expert Callers: Experienced callers guide participants through the dance figures, providing clear and concise instructions, making these dances accessible even to complete beginners.
Community Building: PCDC actively fosters a welcoming and inclusive community. Events are designed to be social, encouraging interaction and connection among dancers and musicians.
Beginner-Friendly Lessons: Many regular dances include a beginner lesson before the main dancing begins, ensuring that newcomers can easily jump in and enjoy the experience.
Music Sessions & Jams: Beyond the dancing, PCDC often organizes music sessions and jams, allowing musicians to play together and share tunes.
Dance Weekends / Regional Events: The annual Portland Raindance is a prime example of a larger, multi-day event that brings together a broader community for intensive dancing and learning.

Features / Highlights:

Vibrant Live Music: The quality of live music is consistently a major draw, with bands known for their energetic and engaging performances that elevate the dance experience. Past events have featured acclaimed groups like The Stringrays and Drive Train.
Skilled Callers: The callers are highly regarded for their clear instructions, engaging personalities, and ability to make complex dances accessible to all skill levels, often using non-gendered role terms like Larks and Robins to ensure inclusivity.
Inclusive and Welcoming Community: The PCDC cultivates a friendly and supportive atmosphere where new dancers are embraced, and experienced dancers are happy to share their knowledge.
Accessibility: Dances are typically called with non-gendered role terms, and there are often sliding scale payment options, making events accessible to a broad demographic. Kids through 15 are often free with a paid adult.
Annual Signature Event: The "Portland Raindance" weekend itself is a major highlight, offering several days of concentrated dancing, workshops, and social events, attracting participants from across the region.
Variety of Dance Styles: While focusing on contra and English country dance, the community's events often showcase the rich influences from diverse traditions including African American, Celtic, English, French Canadian, Northern American, and Scandinavian.
Volunteer-Driven Dedication: The entire organization is run by volunteers who are passionate about promoting country dance, ensuring a grassroots and authentic experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 7017 SW 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, USA

Phone: (503) 319-1717

For locals in Oregon, Portland Raindance and the Portland Country Dance Community offer much more than just a dance; they provide a vibrant cultural experience deeply rooted in community and tradition. It's a fantastic way to engage in physical activity, enjoy live music, and connect with people who share a love for folk arts. Whether you're a seasoned dancer looking for a challenging weekend, a curious beginner ready to try something new, or a family seeking an inclusive and fun activity, PCDC's offerings, culminating in the festive Portland Raindance, cater to all. The friendly atmosphere, combined with the high caliber of musicians and callers, ensures that every event is a memorable one. For anyone in the Portland area or throughout Oregon looking to step into the joyful world of traditional dance and music, Portland Raindance represents an open invitation to join a thriving and welcoming community.