A-WOL Dance Collective
A Portland-based modern and aerial dance company
Wowing audiences of all ages and interests, A-WOL has been known to hang from trees in parks, ceilings of any building or stage, cranes in warehouses and any other structure built to support a flying dancer.
Although aerial dance is their unique specialty, this diverse group has also used floors, staircases, jungle gyms, stages, sidewalks, trampolines and the like to display gymnastics, partnering, break dancing and skilled modern technique to any variety of audience.
A-WOL Dance Collective was founded by Co-Directors Julie Hoel Barnes, Brandy Guthery, Jen Harbaugh and Stacey Silva in 2003. The variety of stage performance, technique training and styles created a rich foundation that has grown the company into the diverse group that it is today. Created as a “Collective”, the Co-Directors intention was to form a group that could operate efficiently by using the different strengths and skills, both on and off the stage, of all company members. Each company member has a specific responsibility in the company.
A-WOL currently consists of 12 company members as well as apprentices that are currently training and performing regularly with the company. Each summer, A-WOL selects two apprentices to train with company members for the duration of the summer, resulting in the opportunity to perform in A-WOL’s annual appearance at the West Linn Arts Festival.
A-WOL’s Mission:
- Enhance the local and national artistic community through performance
- Challenge the growth of young artists through education, workshops and summer apprenticeship opportunities
- Create unique artistic experience through collaboration with outside dance companies and guest dancers, local musicians, designers, and other various artists.
