Rainbow Dance Theatre

- 15880 Airlie Rd, Monmouth, OR 97361

Located in the serene surroundings of Monmouth, Oregon, Rainbow Dance Theatre is a world-class dance institution that has brought its unique and captivating artistry to stages not just across Oregon, but around the globe. This isn’t your typical local dance studio; it’s a professional dance company and a school all in one, dedicated to a fusion of styles and a celebration of diverse cultural influences. Since making Monmouth its home in 2000 after its founding in Honolulu, Hawaii, Rainbow Dance Theatre has become a cornerstone of the arts community in the Willamette Valley. Known for its athletic, high-impact style, the company’s choreography blends traditional forms like African dance with modern innovations, creating a truly exhilarating experience for both dancers and audiences. The name itself, Rainbow Dance Theatre, reflects this commitment to diversity, not just in its company members but in the rich tapestry of dance styles it embraces.

The theatre's mission extends far beyond the stage, with a strong focus on community engagement and education. Through their school, they offer training for aspiring dancers of all ages, providing a pathway from youth programming to master classes. This commitment to nurturing talent locally makes this a truly special resource for anyone in the region with an interest in dance. The company’s unique approach to performance, often incorporating visually stunning interactive sets and cutting-edge technology, transforms each show into an "exotic feast for the senses," as one reviewer put it. For anyone in Oregon looking to either train in a variety of dance forms or simply witness a performance that pushes the boundaries of theatrical dance, Rainbow Dance Theatre offers an unparalleled opportunity.

Rainbow Dance Theatre is located at 15880 Airlie Rd, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA. This address places it in a scenic, rural setting, offering a peaceful and focused environment for training. Despite its quiet location, the facility is designed with accessibility in mind. The building provides a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, making it a welcoming and inclusive space for a wide range of students and visitors. This commitment ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can easily access the studio's classes and performances, removing potential barriers to participation in the arts.

The location on Airlie Road, while a short drive from the center of Monmouth, is conveniently situated for residents of Polk County and beyond. It serves as a central hub for dance enthusiasts from neighboring towns like Dallas, Independence, and even Salem. The ease of access and dedicated facilities at this single location provide a consistent and professional setting for all dance training and rehearsals. The emphasis on physical accessibility at the facility is a testament to the company’s dedication to providing opportunities for everyone in the community, reflecting a core value of the organization to celebrate diversity and inclusion in all forms.

Rainbow Dance Theatre offers a diverse array of services, catering to various interests and skill levels in the world of dance. Their offerings are structured to provide comprehensive training as well as unique performance opportunities.

• Dance Theatre: The core of the organization, this service encompasses the creation and performance of original and thought-provoking dance works. These productions often fuse a wide range of styles with innovative technology to create a unique theatrical experience.
• African Dancing: As part of its commitment to global dance influences, the theatre provides training in African dance. This includes traditional West African dances with live drumming, offering students a deep connection to the roots of many modern dance forms.
• Break Dancing: The studio offers instruction in break dancing, a key element of the company’s "Roots of Hip Hop" program, which traces the history of this urban dance form back to its cultural origins.
• Modern Dance: A foundational element of the training, modern dance classes are provided for students to build technical proficiency, creative expression, and a strong physical foundation.
• Hawaiian Dance: Honoring its roots in Honolulu, the theatre includes instruction in Hawaiian dance, adding another layer of world-dance influence to its curriculum.
• Master Classes: For advanced and dedicated dancers, the studio offers master classes led by company members. These classes provide an in-depth opportunity to learn from professional, touring dancers.
• Youth Programming: With a reputation for being "good for kids," Rainbow Dance Theatre provides specialized youth programs designed to engage younger audiences and students. These programs often combine performance with workshops to foster a love for dance from an early age.
• Special Programs and Training: The company also offers unique, special programs and training in its distinct style, which includes the fusion of different dance forms, aerial choreography, and the use of technology like electro-luminescent wire in costumes.

Rainbow Dance Theatre stands out for its unique blend of artistic innovation, cultural diversity, and community engagement. Here are some of the key features and highlights that make it a notable place in the Oregon arts scene.

• A Globally Recognized Company: The theatre is not just a local school but an internationally recognized company that has toured worldwide, performing in Europe, Asia, and North America. This provides students with an opportunity to learn from and witness performances by professional artists with global experience.
• Unique Fusion of Styles: The choreography is a distinctive blend of West African Dance, Hip Hop, Martial Arts, and Modern Dance. This high-impact, athletic style sets it apart from traditional dance schools and offers a challenging and exciting training path for students.
• Innovative Use of Technology: A key highlight is the company’s integration of cutting-edge technology into its performances. This includes visually stunning interactive sets, motion-tracking technology, and costumes with fiber optic and electro-luminescent wire, creating a truly modern and captivating theatrical experience.
• Educational and Outreach Programs: The company’s commitment to education is a major feature. Programs like "The Roots of Hip Hop" are not just performances but cultural education pieces that engage audiences, particularly youth, in a meaningful way by tracing the history of dance forms.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: As a "good for kids" institution with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, the theatre is committed to making its art form available to as many people as possible. This welcoming environment is a cornerstone of its community-focused mission.
• Master-Level Instruction: The opportunity to learn from the company's virtuoso dancers through master classes is a significant highlight for serious students, offering professional-level training right here in Oregon.

For those who wish to learn more about classes, performances, or special programs, you can reach Rainbow Dance Theatre at the following contact points:

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

Phone: (503) 623-9320

What makes Rainbow Dance Theatre a truly worthwhile choice for residents of the Oregon region is its combination of a professional, world-touring dance company with a deeply committed local school. It offers an educational and artistic experience that is simply not available at a typical community dance studio. For aspiring dancers, the opportunity to train in such a diverse range of styles—from African and Hawaiian dance to modern and break dancing—under the guidance of internationally acclaimed artists is a rare and invaluable advantage. The company's innovative use of technology in its productions, like iLumiDance, makes the performances a unique spectacle that appeals to all ages and interests, bridging the gap between art and science.

Furthermore, the studio's "good for kids" reputation and its comprehensive youth programming mean that even the youngest dancers can get a head start on their artistic journey in an enriching environment. The company’s educational mission to use dance as a vehicle for cultural history and social commentary, as seen in its "Roots of Hip Hop" program, offers more than just a dance class—it provides a well-rounded and thought-provoking experience. By choosing Rainbow Dance Theatre, you are not only investing in dance training but also supporting a local institution that is a major contributor to the cultural landscape of Oregon and beyond. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, and where the passion for dance inspires people of all ages and backgrounds.

Rainbow Dance Theatre

15880 Airlie Rd, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA