Clara Constance Stickney

Continuing the rebirth of incurable exuberance, Portland Raindance will again be bulging out the walls of Norse Hall in Portland, Oregon. Always on the 4th weekend of the 4th month—so April 25-27, 2025. Mark what all will be in stock: When the Beatles first came to America in 1964, they played Carnegie Hall in New York. If only you could have been there. That would have stayed with you for the rest of your fabulous life. You have a similar introductory opportunity coming up in April—the West Coast premiere of the Red Case Band. Soon to be on everybody's Hit Parade, they have been lighting up the dancers in New England and word is starting to leak out. You can swing at 45 rpm to the new groove. Alex Cumming, Stuart Kenney, Clara Stickney, Max Newman and Matt Kenney. Don’t miss this chance to say, “I was there.” Get your Ticket to Ride—Raindance 2025. ​If you go to the beach and swim in the ocean, you might encounter a powerful current that wants to carry you away from shore. Trying to swim against it is futile—it will sweep you along where it wants to take you. You are bound to flow with it. This force is called a Riptide. The land-based version will be at Raindance 2025. Fear not, but rather dance in the onrushing waves of buoyancy. Alden Robinson, Owen Marshall, Sam Bartlett and Pokey Hellenberg are the band--Riptide. They will engulf you and rock you on the water. You may need to wear your swimsuit. Gaye Fifer has mastered the art of helping a group pull together for the common good. Also, she knows how to drive a great party to its peak. Wild and under control—a force for fun. She will lead you into moves from another Galaxy. You will become more nimble than you could possibly imagine. Will Mentor has an exciting, driving delivery at the microphone. Like a great coach, he will add to your performance. With skill and zip, he calls carbonated dances that put bubbles in your shoes. Best put rocks in your pockets so you don’t float away. "All the ills of mankind, all the tragic misfortunes that fill the history books, all the political blunders, all the failures of the great leaders have arisen merely from a lack of skill at dancing."​ - Moliere John Oorthuys, Sound Conductor ​The Master of Sound for Raindance is John Oorthuys. He has spent his working career translating and disseminating sound. All the way from stadium rock concerts to very expensive headphones for fighter pilots. When it’s done right, you won’t notice—it will just sound natural. Always on task, he will make sure all that passionate, dynamic music gets full throated into your ears. You’ll think you’re at Carnegie Hall. All this (plus bananas) available to you at Portland Raindance 2025—our 14th year. Cost is $185; and for dancers under 35, $100. ​There is a family rate as well. If you would like to register three or more members of the same family, please email us to get the details. (For a preview, take a look at the "Videos" tab on this website.) Registration is online only and is now open on our Registration page. ​** Calling will use the terms Larks and Robins. We welcome all dancers and wish a good time for all.