Connecting great artists of today with great artists of tomorrow

“Having been involved with DANCE This since 2003, I can say the program has helped shape the artist I am today. It has made my choreography and directing skills more well-rounded and eclectic. DANCE This offers kids a glimpse into the world of the performing arts and inspires them to continue to learn and perform.” – Aaron Gordon, DT participant & choreographer

“The passion that everyone felt for dance gave my daughter an environment where she felt free to really be herself. She made many friends who came to feel like a second family. And she returned home distinctly more confident and mature. I'm so grateful that she got to have this experience.” – Parent of DT Camp participant

DANCE This is a young artist training and performance program in cross cultural and contemporary dance. Each year DANCE This brings together more than 200 young artists (ages 13-22) from diverse communities and backgrounds for intensive dance training, collaboration and performances that share diverse cultures through the art of dance.

DANCE this is more than a performance! It is a multi-faceted program that includes four individual components:

• The DANCE This Summer Training Intensive (two weeks, Seattle-based)
• Youth Matinees and Public Performances
• The DANCE This CAMP (one week, state-wide at Centrum, Port Townsend, WA)
• Year round opportunities to participate in master classes, performances and attend performances at The Paramount, Moore and Neptune Theatres.

Nationally renowned professional guest artists work with local youth and are significant to the program's success and impact. Artists from past years include: Joey McKneely, choreographer for Broadway's revivial of West Side Story; Mark Morris, legendary choreographer; Savion Glover, legendary tapper; Joffrey Ballet from Chicago; Abdel Salaam from Forces of Nature in New York; Jamel Gaines from Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn; Bahiyah Sayyed Gaines from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Napoleon & Tabitha D'umo from Los Angeles; and Seattle-based choreographers Donald Byrd, Sonia Dawkins, Pat Graney and Amy O'Neal.