Portland Youth Dance Company

- 517 Forest Ave #6, Portland, ME 04104

For parents and young people in the greater Portland area seeking a positive and enriching outlet, finding the right extracurricular activity can be a significant decision. The Portland Youth Dance Company (PYD) offers a unique and valuable alternative to the traditional competitive dance world. This non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to providing high-quality, pre-professional dance training and performance opportunities for kids and teens, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive community. With a history spanning over 25 years, PYD has established itself as a cornerstone of the local arts scene, focusing not only on technical excellence but also on community engagement and personal growth.

PYD's mission is rooted in the belief that dance should be an accessible and empowering experience for all young people. The company provides a space for dancers to develop their skills, express their creativity, and build confidence in a non-competitive environment. This approach is a welcome change for many families who want their children to experience the joy of dance without the pressure and intensity often associated with competitive studios. Beyond its core company, PYD also runs extensive outreach programs, bringing the benefits of dance to underserved communities and offering free classes to children who might not otherwise have access to dance training. This dual focus on pre-professional development and community service makes Portland Youth Dance a truly special and impactful organization in Maine.

Portland Youth Dance is conveniently located within the Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio at 517 Forest Avenue, Suite 6, in Portland. This central location makes the studio easily accessible for families from a wide range of communities, including Falmouth, Westbrook, and Scarborough. The studio's presence in a well-established and respected dance space provides students with a professional and fully equipped environment to learn and practice their craft.

The facility is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible car park to ensure that all members of the community can access their programs. This thoughtful detail reflects the company's broader commitment to inclusivity. The Forest Avenue location is also well-connected by local transportation routes, making it a viable option for those who rely on public transit. The combination of a central, professional location and an accessible design ensures that students and families can easily participate in the various programs offered by PYD.

As a non-profit organization, Portland Youth Dance provides a variety of programs designed to serve different ages and skill levels, with a strong emphasis on community and personal growth. Their offerings are structured to provide a comprehensive dance education beyond just classes.

• Pre-Professional Company: This is the flagship program for dancers ages 10-18. It is a pre-professional training program for intermediate to advanced dancers interested in contemporary, modern, and jazz forms. Auditions are held annually, and members receive superior technical instruction, diverse choreography, and numerous performance opportunities. The company is composed of three groups: PYD2, an exploratory program for beginner-intermediate dancers; Company, for intermediate and advanced dancers; and Crew, an all-hip-hop group for intermediate and advanced dancers.

• Community Outreach Programs: A cornerstone of the PYD mission, these programs are designed to make dance accessible to all. The organization sends student teachers and professional teachers into the community to offer free dance activities for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate. These programs often partner with local organizations like Mayo Street Arts, LearningWorks, STRIVE, and The Boys & Girls Club.

• Scholarships and Sponsorships: To ensure that financial barriers do not prevent a child from dancing, PYD maintains a scholarship fund. This fund helps cover tuition for qualified company members with financial need and provides dance scholarships for children to take classes at Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio.

• Workshops and Intensives: Throughout the year, PYD hosts special workshops and intensive training sessions, giving students the chance to learn from guest choreographers and deepen their skills in specific dance styles.

• Performances: PYD provides numerous opportunities for its members to perform, culminating in an annual spring show. These performances give young dancers valuable stage experience and allow them to showcase their hard work to the community. Performances are held in various locations, adding to the diversity of the experience.

• Leadership and Teaching Opportunities: Company members are given opportunities to assist with choreography and to teach classes as part of the outreach program. This not only strengthens their own understanding of dance but also instills a sense of leadership and community responsibility.

Portland Youth Dance is more than just a dance company; it's a community built on a set of core principles that distinguish it from other programs. These features are what make it a truly valuable asset to the Greater Portland community.

• Non-Competitive Philosophy: Founded as an alternative to the intense pressure of competitive dance, PYD emphasizes collaboration, self-expression, and artistic growth. This focus allows dancers to explore their passion for movement without the stress of rivalry, fostering a healthier and more supportive environment.

• Community-Oriented Focus: A central part of the PYD experience is giving back to the community. Through its outreach programs, the company not only teaches dance but also empowers its members to become leaders and mentors. By teaching free classes and sharing their passion, PYD dancers develop a strong sense of civic engagement.

• Pre-Professional Training: While non-competitive, the program is rigorously pre-professional. This means students receive high-caliber technical instruction that prepares them for future dance studies, and many PYD alumni go on to pursue dance in college and beyond. The curriculum is designed to develop versatile and well-rounded dancers.

• Diverse Dance Styles: PYD offers training in a range of styles, including contemporary, modern, jazz, and hip-hop. This diversity ensures that dancers are exposed to different forms of movement and can find their unique artistic voice.

• Inclusive Environment: The organization is a welcoming space for young people of all backgrounds. Its outreach initiatives specifically target underprivileged children, breaking down financial barriers and making dance accessible to everyone. The company's inclusive spirit is a testament to its mission.

• Local Heritage: As a company established over two decades ago by local dance professionals, PYD is deeply embedded in the Portland arts community. Its roots are tied to Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio, and it continues to partner with various local organizations, reinforcing its strong connection to the region.

For more information about programs, auditions, or to support their mission, you can contact Portland Youth Dance directly:

Address: 517 Forest Ave #6, Portland, ME 04104, USA

Phone: (207) 871-1013

For parents in Maine seeking a high-quality dance program for their child, Portland Youth Dance Company offers a compelling choice that goes beyond typical dance studios. What truly makes PYD stand out is its unique blend of pre-professional training and a community-first, non-competitive ethos. Instead of focusing on trophies and rivalries, the program nurtures creative expression, personal growth, and a love for the art form. The value of this approach is immense; it helps young dancers build genuine confidence and resilience, skills that are transferable far beyond the stage.

The company's commitment to accessibility is another powerful reason to choose PYD. Through its robust scholarship and outreach programs, it ensures that dance is not a privilege but a possibility for all children in the community, regardless of their financial background. This mission-driven approach means that every tuition fee and donation directly contributes to a more equitable and vibrant arts scene in Portland. Furthermore, the opportunity for students to become teachers and choreographers instills a sense of responsibility and leadership, giving them valuable life skills that will serve them long into adulthood.

Ultimately, choosing Portland Youth Dance is about investing in a program that cares deeply about the whole dancer—their artistic development, their character, and their role within the community. It's an environment where talented young people can truly thrive, find their voice, and become not just skilled dancers, but also compassionate and engaged citizens of Maine. For a young person with a passion for dance, PYD is more than a class; it's a life-shaping experience.

Portland Youth Dance Company

517 Forest Ave #6, Portland, ME 04104, USA