Dance at Franklin
Our mission is to provide free, high-quality dance education, performance opportunities, and professional pathways to public school students in Portland, Oregon, with a focus on excellence, equity, and cultural relevance.
Led by Director Sonia Kellermann, Dance at Franklin provides no-cost daily technique classes in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, musical theater, improvisation and composition from beginning to advanced levels at Franklin High School. The Company commissions guest artists to introduce students to new styles of dance and more daring choreography. We work with a wide range of partners such as BODYTRAFFIC, NW Dance Project, and White Bird, allowing the program to present a wide range of work in our annual concerts: Winter Dance and Arts Alive.
Winter Dance
Demonstrations of dance technique in multiple styles, strength routines, flexibility and spatial awareness exercises as well as excerpts of repertory, works in progress, and original student choreography. This performance is the principle fundraiser for Arts Alive.
Arts Alive
April 25/26 & May 2/3
An interdisciplinary showcase of the talent of our student body – including music, dance, theater, poetry, and the fine and visual arts. A 'capstone project' for our dance students, Arts Alive shows the technical skills and performance abilities students have learned over the course of the year.
Dance at Franklin Company
The Dance at Franklin Company is a group of advanced students who audition for and commit to attending rigorous weekend rehearsals. While working alongside local professional dancers, Company students have the opportunity to explore more difficult and daring routines.
Franklin Musical
The Franklin High School Theater Department in collaboration with the Music Department and Dance at Franklin present a musical annually. In 2024, we presented Mean Girls.
SummerStock & DayCamps
Dance at Franklin organizes single day DayCamps during the school year and a weeklong SummerStock in August. Any student entering grades 6-12 may attend.
Merch
Support Dance at Franklin and show your DAF pride! Purchase a variety of apparel throughout the school year or at the performance merch tables. All items may be worn in class and during performances.