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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 
Steve Gonzales

COSTUME SPECIALIST 
Amethyst Robinson

 

LIGHTING DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER
Michael Mazzola 

 

STAGE MANAGER 
Jamie Lynne Simons

COMPANY MANAGER
Lisa Dungan Roth

COMPANY MEMBERS 
CONLAN SAVALLI, SORREL MAURICE, HENRY ROTH,  PIPER BOTT, PAYTON NABORS-HILBURN, AMIRA QUARANTO-AZIZ, VIVIAN PROCTOR, HARLOW KLEFFNER, JAY’QUAN LEWIS-PRICE, LILA WENDROFF, NIMAH CREWS
 
COMPANY APPRENTICES 

CASH FAIRMAN, DANICA BYNOE, LILY PARRISH, BRIXTON FAIRMAN, ZELIE HERMIDA LOGAN, SIERRA MILLER, JAHLIL YARBOROUGH, ELLA SANCHEZ-GEORGE

Copy of JDANCE_10-10-2024_0396_edited_ed

ABOUT US

The Jefferson Dancers are the premier dance company of the nationally recognized Jefferson High School dance department. For 49 years, this elite group has brought together the school’s most advanced students for rigorous, pre-professional dance training. The company comprises 19 multi-ethnic dancers, ages 14–18, who are physically and mentally prepared for careers in the performing arts. Within this professional dance company environment, students learn both the discipline their roles demand and the rewards of contributing to work of exceptional quality.

What sets the Jefferson Dancers apart is their versatility. Unlike most youth companies, their repertoire spans more than 200 original works in styles including modern, tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, African, aerial, ethnic, and musical theater. These works have been choreographed by an impressive list of nationally acclaimed artists, such as Lowell Smith, Donald McKayle, Moses Pendleton, Josie Moseley, Steve Zee, Joseph Webb, Brenda Buffalino, Derell “Sekou Soumah” Walker, and Artistic Director Steve Gonzales, among many others. The company also benefits from masterclasses and residencies with world-renowned guest artists and companies, including Broadway legend Honi Coles, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alwin Nikolais, BalletBoyz, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, and MOMIX.

Company members are selected each spring through a competitive audition process and commit to one full year of training and performance. Dancers must attend daily technique classes (minimum 1.5 hours) and three hours of rehearsal, five days a week. Their training is reinforced through frequent performance opportunities—from lecture demonstrations to full-scale concerts—locally, nationally, and internationally. Past tours have taken the Jefferson Dancers to Russia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, and China, providing invaluable exposure to the global stage. After each performance, dancers receive feedback and evaluations, encouraging continual growth in technique, musicality, and performance quality.

Alumni of the Jefferson Dancers have gone on to study at prestigious institutions such as NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Juilliard, SUNY Purchase, North Carolina School of the Arts, CalArts, Alvin Ailey/Fordham, and more. They have performed with acclaimed companies, including MOMIX, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Spectrum Dance Theatre, Luna Negra, Batsheva, and Vertigo. Many have also made their mark on Broadway in productions like Guys and Dolls, Movin’ Out, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, and Legally Blonde.

In a full-circle moment, former Jefferson Dancer Steve Gonzales returned to lead the company as Artistic Director in 1999, continuing a legacy of excellence and innovation in dance education.

PROGRAM

VIOLET

CHOREOGRAPHY: Lauren Smith

MUSIC: Digital Versicolor by Glass Candy 

PERFORMERS: Full Company

 

INTERLUDE 1: Sorrel Maurice

 

WE TRIED

CHOREOGRAPHY: Henry Roth

MUSIC: La Lloronna by DeVotchKa

PERFORMERS: Conlan Savalli / Sorrel Maurice / Piper Bott / Vivian Proctor / Harlow Kleffner / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Lila Wendroff / Danica Bynoe / Lily Parrish 

 

Finalist, Outstanding Student Choreography – National High School Dance Festival 2025.

 

INTERLUDE 2: Nimah Crews / Ella Sanchez-George

AFTER HOURS

CHOREOGRAPHY: Thomas Yale

MUSIC: The Thickening by The Last Artful Dodgr / High End by Chris Brown feat Future and Young Thug / Say It Right by Nelly Futado / Rude Boy by Rihanna / We Be Burnin’ by Sean Paul / After Hours by Kehlani

PERFORMERS: Conlan Savalli / Sorrel Maurice / Henry Roth / Piper Bott / Amira Quaranto-Aziz / Harlow Kleffner / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Lila Wendroff / Nimah Crews /  Danica Bynoe / Lily Parrish / Zelie Hermida Logan / Jahlil Yarborogh / Ella Sanchez-George

 

INTERLUDE 3: Piper Bott / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Lila Wendroff / Danica Bynoe

 

WHEN THEY REMEMBER

CHOREOGRAPHY: Jordan Kindell

MUSIC:  Despendida by Concrete Husband / Breathe On Me by Concrete Husband 

PERFORMERS:  Sorrel Maurice / Henry Roth / Piper Bott / Vivian Proctor / Harlow Kleffner / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Lila Wendroff / Nimah Crews / Ella Sanchez-George

 

INTERLUDE 4: Vivian Proctor

 

BE HERE

CHOREOGRAPHY: Alicia Anthony, Julie Barnes

MUSIC: Hayling by FC Kahuna ft. Hafdis Huld / Saints by Moby ft. Inyang Bassey

PERFORMERS:  Conlan Savalli / Henry Roth / Piper Bott / Harlow Kleffner / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Danica Bynoe / Lily Parrish / Sierra Miller / Ella Sanchez-George

 

-INTERMISSION-

 

FLOATING POINTS

CHOREOGRAPHY: Ellie Thomas

MUSIC: Falaise by Floating Points / Dance VI by Philip Glass

PERFORMERS: Conlan Savalli / Sorrel Maurice / Henry Roth / Piper Bott / Vivian Proctor / Harlow Kleffner / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Lila Wendroff / Nimah Crews / Ella Sanchez-George

 

INTERLUDE 5: Henry Roth / Piper Bott 

 

NOT WITHOUT REASON

CHOREOGRAPHY: Piper Bott

MUSIC: One Last Thought by Stacy Bessetti / Jimi Bott, Paul Brainard & Piper Bott / The Creator by Piano Marine Mike

PERFORMERS: Sorrel Maurice / Henry Roth / Payton Nabors-Hilburn / Vivian Proctor / Harlow Kleffner / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Lila Wendroff / Danica Bynoe / Sierra Miller

 

Finalist, Outstanding Student Choreography – National High School Dance Festival 2025.

 

INTERLUDE 6: Brixton Fairman / Sierra Miller / Ella Sanchez-George

 

PYT

CHOREOGRAPHY: Demetria Holden Williams

MUSIC:  My PYT by Wale / PYT by Kon & Reflex / PYT by Rich Solo Kelo / P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson 

PERFORMERS: Sorrel Maurice / Piper Bott / Amira Quaranto-Aziz / Harlow Kleffner / Jay’Quan Lewis-Price / Lila Wendroff / Cash Fairman / Danica Bynoe / Lily Parrish / Brixton Fairman / Sierra Miller / Zelie Hermida Logan / Jahlil Yarborogh / Ella Sanchez-George

 

-SLIDESHOW- 

By Henry Roth and Lila Wendroff

 

LA CÔTE D’IVOIRE

CHOREOGRAPHY: Derrell Sekou Soumah Walker

MUSIC: Drummers - Derrell Sekou Soumah Walker / Hakim Muhammad / Daniel Lasuncet / Matt Wirzbicki / Israel Annoh /Andres Espinosa 

PERFORMERS: Full Company

ARTISTIC STAFF &
CHOREOGRAPHERS

GUEST
CHOREOGRAPHERS

COMPANY
MEMBERS

APPRENTICES

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

I want to thank all the contributors who have helped us financially this year and in the past. Without your financial support, it would be difficult to keep this nationally acclaimed program running smoothly. Unfortunately, we don’t have the financial resources that we once had and can only continue with your help. Your generous support makes it possible for us to continue to educate, inspire, and create new and exciting pieces for the Company. 

 

TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

We'd like to extend a special thank you to everyone who donated to and supported the Jefferson Dancers for 48 years.

 

MASTERS

Over $5000

 

Portland Public Schools

The Gray/Bott Family

TEACHERS

$1000-$2499.99

Paula Dungan

SEI

 

CREW

$500-$999.99

Curt and Lori Kordosky

Andersen Construction Foundation

Bonnie Reagan

Gerald Kennedy

Larry Lewis

Ray Auel

Scott Mooney

Stacey Moret

 

FAMILY

$100-$499.99

AAA Oregon/Idaho

Susan Marmaduke

Ann Eldredge-Burns

Camille Idedevbo

Earlene Munnerlyn

Earlene Munnerlyn

Lori Kordosky

Darrell Gossett

Dean Richardson

Heritage Account

Jane Hubbard

jean slyman

Laurie Rau

Lloyd Carney

Phyllis Snyder

Phyllis Snyder Living Trust

Reatha Ryan

Richard Wendroff 

Wendy Linn

JT Nies

Josh Leslie

Kris Stuart

James Flynn

Darla Copeland-Maple

Allyson Avenatti

Andrew Edwards

Ann Home Emmerson

Becca Cavell

Bonnie Doyle 

Brittani Simpson

C. Crayton Berner

Cara and Jon Walker

Carole Reutter

Colin Mclean

Daniel Hess

David Oclander

Debra Dungan

Dena Shehab

Dr. Michelle Kawasaki

Ellen Freedman

Fernando + Sara Martins

Fidelity Charitable

Ginny Sorem

Heather Sweeney

Heather Willey

Holly Vaughn-Edmonds

Joe Kleffner

John Dykes

John Wilhemi

Julia Stewart Wayne

Julie Karnstein

Kathleen Fisher

Kathleen Pruit

Kirk Whiteman

Kristine Casey

Linly Rees

Luke Groser

Marcia Freed

Marguerite Ballard

Marilyn Achterman 

Mary Ovenburg

Megan Mishler

Meris Gebhardt

Michael Schlieski

Michelle DePass

Miranda Morton 

Patti Thompson

Penny Lobdell

Raleigh Hills PTO

Richard Stinson Pope

Rob and Lisa Roth

Robin Kerr

Ronna Neuenschwander

Samuel Jones

Teri Staudinger

Tim Gillespie

Valarie Grudier

Velynn Brown

Walt Mintkeski

 

IN-KIND DONORS

Nike Jordan Wings

Por Que No?

IN MEMORY AND SPECIAL DEDICATION OF PERFORMANCES

In Honor of Trinidad Eutsler

In Honor of Jasmine Garcia

In Honor of Anne M. Kearney

KEEP THE JEFFERSON DANCERS ON THEIR TOES!


Your generous donation helps to ensure that tomorrow's Portland Public School students have the opportunity to participate in this nationally acclaimed program. Your contribution to the Jefferson Dancers is tax deductible.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

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Jefferson High School/Middle College for Advanced Studies
5210 North Kerby Avenue
Portland, OR 97217–2656

(503) 916-5180

 

Thank YOU for joining us!

JEFFERSON DANCERS | PRESS NEWS 

  • Artistic Director Steve Gonzales is  largely responsible for the dancers’ current level of professionalism. —David Plechl, The Portland Observer 

 

  • The Jefferson Dancers have sprinkled America’s professional dance troupes with performers, and they routinely move on to elite performing-arts colleges.  Bob Hicks, –The Oregonian 

 

  • Energetic, entertaining, and a joy to behold. –Phil Hunt, The Oregonian 

 

  • Gonzales has resparked the program’s energy, skill, and pride. –Bob Hicks, The Oregonian 

 

  • Teenage dancers ecstatically pushed their bodies past their limits.  –Kelly Clarke, Willamette Week 

 

  • The Jefferson Dancers are so well trained, so energetic and enthusiastic that their student status is forgotten the instant the curtain goes up. –Martha Ullman West, Willamette Week 

 

  • ...last winter’s sold-out White Bird/PSU Series show at Lincoln Hall to wowing the international set in the south of France, Portland’s Jefferson Dancers have had the equivalent of their performance SATs this school year. The Jefferson Dancers get an A+ for effort this year in my book. –Kelly Clarke, Willamette Week


 

  •  The Jefferson Dancers were voted the best local dance company. –Willamette Week, Best of Portland (2003)

 

  • THEIR LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR STEVE GONZALES.  –Catherine Thomas, The Oregonian 

 

  • Powerful, playful, mesmerizing, and at times gravity-defying, Jefferson Performing and Visual Arts Magnet High School’s elite troupe of dancers drew a long standing ovation Saturday night in the Astoria High School Auditorium. --Darren L. Dunlap, The Daily Astorian 

  • Gonzales has raised the technical bar; his dancers are also fluent in African, hip-hop, tap, and jazz.  –Catherine Thomas, The Oregonian 
     

  • Reinvigorated by Gonzales, a former Jefferson Dancer himself ...exciting dancers and a wide variety of forms and moves by some of the best choreographers in the world. The combination the company will take to the Kennedy Center. –Barry Johnson, The Oregonian

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Jefferson Dancers

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5210 N. Kerby, Portland, OR 97217

503.916.5180

lroth@pps.net

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