push/FOLD proudly celebrates the fifth anniversary of Union PDX, its annual festival of contemporary dance that brings cutting-edge choreography from around the world to Portland. The work of local dance artists is shared on the global stage Thursday, November 16-Sunday, November 19 and is especially impactful for mid-career dance professionals.
Established as a cultural highlight of the region’s autumnal event patchwork, Union PDX remains mission-driven in its dual approach that combines the presentation of far-reaching talent with countless performance and educational opportunities for local artists. Open to the public, this year’s Festival:23 features two world premieres and two Portland premieres in addition to other new dance works by local, national and international contemporary artists in the genres of Street, Bharatanatyam, Contemporary Break and more.
Full festival offerings also include a student outreach performance, six professional-level master classes taught by the festival artists and two professional development workshops. Facilitated Artist Talks follow the 7:30 pm performances Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 in which topics of conversation include process, artistic development, work features and artist experiences navigating their communities and the world today.
A closing Festival Soirée takes place after the 4 pm public performance Sunday, November 19, where attendees can mingle with the artists and celebrate the vitality of dance in Portland. Each show is approximately 90 minutes long with intermission and has a livestream option.
For a full listing for master classes, workshops, educational opportunities and tickets, visit pushfold.org/unionpdx/festival-23. Tickets range from $5 Arts For All to $55 Supporter options. All performances at Hampton Opera Center, Portland Opera, 211 SE Caruthers St.