Events & Outreach

Artist Talkbacks & Engagement Opportunities

Artist Talkback

To provide more context on the work we present, White Bird facilitates talkbacks with visiting artists at most of our performances. These talkbacks generally last 30 minutes and may happen either before or after the performance. Talkback details are available in the ‘About The Program’ section on each show’s ticketing page.

Community Workshops

Curious about ways to connect directly with the artists we present? White Bird arranges a wide range of educational activities - all either free or pay what you wish - as a service to our community. These activities are announced on a rolling basis, generally 1-2 months before each show.

See the current list of upcoming activities by clicking HERE, and contact our box office at boxoffice@whitebird.org if you have questions or need assistance registering.

Want to be among the first to hear about upcoming workshops and community engagement events? Sign up for our Newsletter and make sure you're subscribed to our 'Beyond the Stage - Community Engagement Events' email list!

“The quality of artistry White Bird brings to our community is immeasurable, providing rich experiences that inspire young people to engage deeply in the arts.”
Jackie Sacks , Vancouver School of Arts and Academics

School Outreach

Since 2001, White Bird and Portland Public Schools have successfully partnered in developing a month-long multi-disciplinary curriculum on an artist or theme inspired by a dance company that White Bird is presenting.

Taught through the lenses of history, anthropology, literature, art, music, and dance, the curriculum sparks a passion in students who otherwise might not be exposed to contemporary culture. Each project culminates in a free student performance for 2,700 students and teachers by the dance company at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

White Bird's Outreach Project will return in the 2027-28 school year. We are currently working to secure the funding necessary to support this program in the long term.

The project has blossomed, incorporating the talents of 67 teachers in an interdisciplinary juggernaut that includes courses outside the proscribed ‘cultural’ scope of social studies and history
Willamette Week
2023

The World of "Alice in Wonderland" with a free student performance by MOMIX on May 3, 2023 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

2020

"The Cultural History of Harlem," with a free student performance planned by Dance Theatre of Harlem on May 13, 2020 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (cancelled due to COVID-19).

2019

"The Arts, Culture and History of the Great City of Philadelphia," with a free student performance by PHILADANCO on April 24, 2019 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

2018

“Alvin Ailey’s Legacy: African American Culture and History,” with a free student performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on April 25, 2018 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

​2017

“The Arts and Culture of Argentina,” with a free student performance by Che Malambo on April 26, 2017 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

2016

“The Arts and Culture of Cuba,” with a free student performance by Malpaso Dance Company of Cuba on May 4, 2016 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

2015

“The Blues In Tap and Music,” with a free student performance by New York City’s Dorrance Dance in a new work called “The Blues Project,” with a live blues band.

2014

“Hispanic Arts & Culture,” with a free student performance by New York City’s Ballet Hispanico.

2013

“Indigenous Cultures in New Zealand and Australia,” with a free student performance by New Zealand’s Black Grace.

2012

“Hip Hop in Different Cultures,” with a free student performance by Compagnie Käfig, based in France, involving 11 young men from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

2011

Exploration of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, focused on the history of the African American fight for freedom with a free student performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

2010

Ethnic diversity with a free student performance by Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

2009

The Celebrations and Cultural Diversity of Brazil with a free student performance by Dance Brazil.

2008

Theme of Cultural Exchange with a free student performance by Urban Bush Women (Brooklyn, NY) and Compagnie Jant-Bi (Senegal, West Africa).

2007

The great African-American artist Jacob Lawrence, culminating in a student performance by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company of dance works inspired by Lawrence’s artwork.

2006

Alvin Ailey with a performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

2005

Chinese Arts and Culture with a performance by Beijing Modern Dance.

2004

Children of Uganda—AIDS in Africa and the healing and nurturing power of the arts.

2003

Hispanic arts and culture, with a student performance by Ballet Hispanico, America’s leading Hispanic dance company.

2002

“Cultural Collaboration,” with a performance of The People of the Forest by Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and the BaAka Musicians of the Central African Rain Forest.

2001

Inaugurated first outreach project with Portland Public Schools in February 2001, Black History Month, on Alvin Ailey and African American culture– introduced to 4000 elementary, middle and high school students, culminating in a free student performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

 
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