YOUR DONATION WILL ALLOW LOW-INCOME YOUTH TO ATTEND POLARIS DANCE CLASSES
Help us offer scholarships to low-income families whose little ones show talent and promise in making the performing arts an influential part of their future.
Polaris Dance Theatre exists to make dance accessible to all. Driven by the Rise To Dance philosophy, and a strong belief of equity and inclusivity, no one is ever turned away due to the needs or situations of any individuals and families. No matter the home or family dynamics, economic or social stress factors, everyone and every BODY are welcomed.
All are invited to partake in any and all of our programming where they can feel safe, respected and free to explore their total capacity, and grow their confidence and sense of self and others.
Students and families are welcome to apply to participate in one of the various Polaris scholarship programs based on their need. If interested in applying for an application or if you have questions, please email sara@polarisdance.org.
KEITH GOODMAN & JOE MORALES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Keith Goodman and Joe Morales Memorial Scholarship is for gifted boys. Both Mr. Goodman and Mr. Morales were local dancers and instructors who taught thousands of young men dance, hundreds of whom went on to professional dance careers. To honor their legacies, and to give the opportunity for others to follow in their footsteps, Polaris is proud to name a memorial scholarship in their honor.
ELENA CARTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Elena Carter Memorial Scholarship is for gifted girls. Elena Carter was a professional ballerina and instructor, and an important mentor for Polaris Artistic Director, Robert Guitron. Carter trained at the Academia de Ballet de Coyoacán, going on to be a principal dancer at Compania Nacional de Danza and with Ballet Classico 70. As a principal with Dance Theatre of Harlem, she traveled the world before landing in Portland to become a principal with Pacific Ballet Theatre and Oregon Ballet Theatre.
LINDA MARIE SIMPSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Linda Marie Simpson Memorial Scholarship is reserved for gifted students of single-parent families, and is named in honor of our dear friend and single mother Linda Marie Simpson, who exemplified the struggles necessary to make ends meet to help her daughters succeed. Her daughters were only 16 and 19 years of age when Ms. Simpson suddenly died from a brain aneurysm. Ms. Simpson provided for her daughters’ physical, mental, spiritual and artistic aspirations by always putting their needs above her own.
Military Families
30% discount for all programs, to all family members (immediate family, living under one roof), if any member has or is currently serving in the military.
FAMILIES LIVING WITH ALTERED ABILITIES
30% discount for all programs, to all family members (immediate family, living under one roof), if any family member is living with altered abilities, mental or physical.