Jefferson Dancers Launch 50th Anniversary Season with SOAR
- Portland Observer
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Showcase of Talent & Tradition, Celebrating Five Decades of Artistic Excellence
On Friday, November 14, Portland’s legendary Jefferson Dancers—now celebrating their milestone 50th year—will take the stage at BodyVox for SOAR, a stunning annual performance showcasing the breadth and brilliance of the company’s young artists. The evening will feature six dynamic works across hip-hop, ballet, modern, jazz, aerial, and African dance, offering audiences a powerful preview of this landmark season.
This year’s SOAR marks the official kickoff of the Jefferson Dancers’ 50th anniversary performance year. The company, comprised of students from Jefferson High School/Middle College for Advanced Studies, is led by Artistic Director Steve Gonzales, now in his 26th year. Jefferson Dancers train at a pre-professional level—dancing three hours each school day in addition to a 90-minute technique class.
"Throughout the year, we bring in professional guest artists and choreographers, and the dancers also perform student-led pieces crafted by our talented company members," says Gonzales.
As a cornerstone arts program once federally funded and now sustained largely through community support, SOAR serves as a vital annual fundraiser, ensuring Jefferson Dancers can continue nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.
“The Jefferson Dancers offer an extraordinary opportunity for students at one of Oregon’s most racially diverse high schools,” says Gonzales. “We provide an immersive, professional environment that fosters creativity, commitment, and achievement—laying a foundation for success in the arts and beyond.”
For 50 years, the Jefferson Dancers have inspired generations of young artists through the power of dance. Based at Jefferson High School/Middle College for Advanced Studies in Portland, Oregon, the program develops the whole student through artistic excellence, discipline, cultural awareness, and community engagement. Learn more at www.jeffersondancers.com.
The event will be held on November 14th at BodyVox, 1201 NW 17th Ave., Portland, OR 97209 starting at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.