Rainbow Dance Theatre

For over two decades, Rainbow Dance Theatre has been a beacon of artistic innovation and cultural exploration right here in Oregon. Based in Monmouth, this internationally acclaimed dance company transforms the stage into a world of mystery, pathos, and humor, delighting audiences of all ages with its athletic and visually stunning performances. If you're a local in Oregon seeking to experience professional dance that pushes boundaries, integrates diverse cultural influences, and embraces cutting-edge technology, Rainbow Dance Theatre offers an unparalleled artistic journey. They are renowned for their "pull-out-the-stops celebration of dancing," making them a must-see for anyone passionate about the performing arts.

Rainbow Dance Theatre (RDT) is not just a performance company; it's a vital part of the artistic fabric of our state. With a rich repertory that features modern works rooted in traditions from many world cultures, combined with innovative aerial choreography, interactive sets, and the latest in fiber optic and electro-luminescent technology, RDT creates an "exotic feast for the senses." Founded in Honolulu, Hawaii, and based in Monmouth, Oregon since 2000, RDT has garnered critical and popular acclaim worldwide, touring extensively in Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the United States. Their dedication to inspiring a love of arts and technology in youth is also a cornerstone of their mission, making them a valuable educational resource for communities across Oregon.

Rainbow Dance Theatre is strategically located at 15880 Airlie Rd, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA. This location places the company firmly within the Willamette Valley, making it accessible for residents not only in Monmouth but also from nearby cities like Salem, Corvallis, and even Portland, though a slightly longer drive from the latter. Airlie Road provides a picturesque, rural setting that might be a welcome contrast to urban environments for those attending performances or workshops.

While situated slightly outside a major metropolitan hub, the address is generally straightforward to navigate via personal vehicle, with clear signage likely leading to the facilities. For those traveling from further distances, planning ahead is recommended. While public transportation options directly to this specific rural address might be limited, the journey by car allows visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Oregon countryside. The location serves as the home base for their creative development, rehearsals, and administrative functions, though their performances often take them to venues across Oregon and beyond, making their art accessible to a wider audience.

Rainbow Dance Theatre offers a dynamic array of services that extend far beyond their captivating stage performances. Their offerings are designed to engage, educate, and inspire diverse audiences and aspiring dancers, both within Oregon and internationally.

• Professional Dance Performances: The core of RDT's work, featuring an ensemble of eight virtuoso dancers presenting a rich repertory of modern works influenced by various world cultures. These performances often incorporate innovative aerial choreography, visually stunning interactive sets, and cutting-edge fiber optic and electro-luminescent technology.
• Educational Residencies and Workshops: RDT provides a wide variety of engaging educational programs for schools, universities, and communities. These include:
• Master Classes: Company members lead classes in diverse styles such as Hip Hop and Break Dancing, African Dance and Drumming, Hawaiian Dance, Salsa, Modern Dance, Dance Composition, Contact Improvisation and Partnering, and Body Conditioning.
• In-the-Schools Performances and Workshops: Programs like "The Roots of Hip Hop" and "A Day with Rainbow Dance Theatre" offer interactive performances and workshops for elementary through high school students, tracing the cultural history of dance and engaging students in participation.
• Residencies (3 days to 3 weeks): In-depth training in one or more dance styles, potentially including repertory classes where students learn excerpts from RDT’s works. Longer residencies can culminate in new commissioned works set on local dancers.
• Special Programs for Youth-at-Risk: "The Rainbow Project," led by Darryl Thomas, offers a non-competitive dance experience emphasizing Hip Hop and Break Dancing, raw, athletic movement, and non-traditional partnering to foster cooperation, focus, and group contact, often culminating in collaborative dance performances.
• Commissioned Works: Artistic Directors Darryl Thomas and Valerie Bergman create new dance works or set pieces from RDT's repertory on local community or company dancers, tailored to the group's needs and abilities.
• International Professional Residency Program: RDT conducts residencies globally, sharing their expertise and cultural exchanges in countries such as Thailand, Mexico, the Philippines, Taiwan, El Salvador, India, China, and Costa Rica.
• Integration of Arts and Technology: Innovative programs like "Code Can Dance" inspire students to learn coding and engineering design concepts through interactive arts experiences, supported by significant foundations.
• Community Engagement: Through performances and educational outreach, RDT fosters a love for the arts and technology, connecting with over 40,000 children in the United States and Canada annually.

Rainbow Dance Theatre's reputation as a leader in innovative dance is built upon several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart in the performing arts landscape, both within Oregon and globally.

• Virtuoso Dancers and Dynamic Performances: The ensemble comprises highly skilled dancers who deliver athletic, "pull-out-the-stops" performances that combine physical prowess with intricate, balance-shifting acrobatic maneuvers, leaving audiences captivated.
• Innovative Theatricality and Technology Integration: RDT is renowned for transforming the concert stage with visually stunning interactive sets, cutting-edge fiber optic and electro-luminescent technology, and 3-D backdrops. Their work "iLumiDance" is a prime example, having been performed in over 300 venues.
• Unique Choreographic Vision: Artistic Directors Darryl Thomas and Valerie Bergman create distinctive choreography that combines modern dance with influences from various world cultures, including West African Dance, Haitian Dance, Hip Hop, and Martial Arts, resulting in a high-impact, rapid-fire performance style.
• Global Recognition and Touring History: Founded in Hawaii and based in Oregon since 2000, RDT has an extensive international touring history, performing to widespread critical and popular acclaim in numerous countries and representing the United States at events like the World Expo in Shanghai, China.
• Strong Educational Outreach: A significant highlight is RDT's commitment to arts education. They inspire a love of arts and technology in youth, reaching tens of thousands of children annually through interactive performances, workshops, and comprehensive residencies that explore the cultural history of dance and even coding concepts.
• Character and Cultural Diversity: The company's name itself highlights its Hawaiian roots (the "land of rainbows") and the ethnic diversity of its company members, which is celebrated and reflected in the diverse cultural influences present in their choreography.
• Award-Winning and Grant-Supported Work: RDT and its artistic directors have received numerous grants and awards from prestigious organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Oregon Arts Commission, underscoring their artistic merit and innovative approach.
• Community and Collaboration Focus: Beyond performances, RDT engages in various community and collaborative projects, including setting new works on local community dancers and developing programs like "The Rainbow Project" for youth with special needs, fostering cooperation and focus through dance.

For those eager to connect with Rainbow Dance Theatre for performances, workshops, or general inquiries, here is their contact information:

Address: 15880 Airlie Rd, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA

Phone: (503) 623-9320

Mobile Phone: +1 503-623-9320

For up-to-date information on their performance schedule, educational programs, and any additional contact details, it is always recommended to visit their official website.

Rainbow Dance Theatre is an exceptional and highly suitable resource for locals in Oregon, offering a wealth of artistic and educational opportunities right in our backyard. For those passionate about the performing arts, having an internationally acclaimed dance company based in Monmouth provides incredible access to world-class performances without the need to travel to distant major cities. The athleticism, visual spectacle, and unique blend of modern dance with global cultural influences make their shows a truly enriching and memorable experience for audiences of all ages.

Beyond the stage, RDT's extensive educational outreach programs are particularly beneficial for local families and schools. Their workshops and residencies in various dance styles, including Hip Hop, West African, and Salsa, offer children and youth in Oregon unparalleled opportunities to engage with diverse art forms, develop physical skills, and foster creativity. The company's commitment to integrating arts with technology, as seen in programs like "Code Can Dance," also provides an innovative and relevant learning experience that prepares young minds for the future.

For educators, community organizers, or even parents looking for enriching activities, RDT's willingness to create commissioned works or host in-depth residencies means there are tailored opportunities to bring professional dance directly into local schools and community centers. This fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts and cultural diversity within Oregon's communities. Ultimately, Rainbow Dance Theatre is not just a dance company; it’s a vibrant cultural institution that inspires, educates, and entertains, making it an invaluable asset and a perfect fit for Oregonians seeking high-quality artistic engagement and learning experiences.

Rainbow Dance Theatre

15880 Airlie Rd, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA