ROBERT GUITRON
POLARIS DANCE THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Robert Guitron, has been at the helm of Polaris since its inception in 2002. He continues to map the organization’s artistic vision, physical growth, and success in the Portland area and beyond. Guitron’s 40+ years working in dance has taken him throughout the world performing and choreographing for many prestigious dance companies and performing arts organizations. Aside from his repertory work, Guitron’s credits and accolades come from his involvement in many outreach programs, operatic performances, musicals, music videos, and collaborations with corporations, artists and charitable organizations.
Guitron’s mission is to nurture the next generation of dancers through his signature teaching and guidance. His students have been accepted into both national and international dance companies and colleges, such as Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, LEV, KDNY, The Juilliard School, and Batsheva Dance Company.
SARA ANDERSON
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS + CO-FOUNDER
Adult Contemporary + All Access + Senior Dance Instructor
Sara Anderson is the co-founder and Director of Programs for Polaris. Originally from Minnesota, Sara received a BFA in Dance and Fine Art from Luther College in Decorah, IA. Trained in Ballet, Modern, Jazz as well as Musical Theatre and Hip Hop, her dance career spans more than 20 years and has led her to dance with companies such as Bodyvox, Portland Opera, Opera Pacific, Minnesota Opera, Utah Opera, American Dance Theatre, Portland Musical Theatre Company, Broadway Rose Theatre Company, St. Claire & Company, Lakewood Musical Theatre Company and Dance CO-Motion. Aside from stage performances, she has appeared in several fitness videos, print advertisements, television commercials and a 32-episode season of the Body Shoppe television series. Additionally, she owns and operates SAgraphics, teaches classes, and resides in Portland with her longtime partner Robert Guitron and their daughter, Xena.
Board Members
HEIDI MCCLOSKEY (Board Chair)
Simple
DR. WENDY ROGERS
True Health Medicine
SHAWN ROGERS
Portland Parks
LESLIE ZIFF (Honorary Member)
Philanthropy
RESOURCE COUNCIL
Tracy Bean
Principle, Human Resources
Mercer (US) Inc.
Adrianna Carr
Executive Director
Holy Names Sisters Foundation
Kathryn B. Cookerly
Major Gifts Officer
Indianapolis Zoo
Jim Cox
Senior Giving Manager, Legacy & Endowment Gifts
Portland Opera
James S. Cromar
Of Counsel
Helzer & Cromar, LLP
Roger Scarbrough
Of Counsel
Helzer & Cromar, LLP
Joseph M. Mabe
Attorney
Brownstein, Rask, Sweeney, Kerr, Grim, DeSylvia & Hay, LLP
Natasha Kautsky
Melvin “Pete” Mark
Chairman of the Board
Melvin Mark Companies
George Thorn
Co-Director
Arts Action Research
Jason Van Orden
President
Van Orden Marketing and Media, LLC
Melanie Christian
Profit Center Manager
Global Fitness Network
Margo Yohner
Dena Wilder
All Access Ambassador
Donilu McGinnis
All Access Ambassador