Portland Youth Dance (PYD) is a non-profit 
501 (c)(3) organization serving the greater 
Portland, Maine community by providing a pre-professional dance company and outreach programs for teens.

Portland Youth Dance Company, originally 
named Upbeat Feet Dance Company, was established in 1998 by Sheila Bellefleur,
 Melissa Cloutier and Laurie Chaisson of 
Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio in Portland, Maine. It was created as an alternative to
 the competitive dance landscape. Young teens 
are given opportunities in performing,
creating choreography, and sharing this 
enriching and diverse experience with 
others.

Portland Youth Dance Board of Directors was created in 2001 as non-profit support for the business of running the Portland Youth Dance Company. In addition, the Board of Directors engages in fundraising activities to promote the art of dance in the Greater Portland area as follows:

• Maintaining a scholarship fund for students in financial need, to take dance classes at Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio during the scholastic year and perform in the Studio recital at year end.
• Maintaining a sponsorship fund for tuition for qualified Portland Youth Dance Company members in financial need.
• Maintaining our Outreach Program, a series of free dance classes taught by members of Portland Youth Dance Company, specifically for qualified children unable to afford dance training through other means. The spring Outreach Program culminates in a performance at the Portland Youth Dance Company Concert in May of each year.

• December 17, 2011, 6pm and 8pm. Casco Bay Movers Holiday Show. Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio, Portland, Maine.
• January 20, 2012, 8pm. Halftime show for Red Claws Basketball Team, Portland Expo, Portland, Maine.
• February 2, 2012, 6pm. Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, MMC, Portland, Maine.
• March 17, 2012, 2:30pm. Perform for a Cure 2012, South Portland Auditorium, South Portland, Maine.
• April 7, 2012, 7pm. Dance for Autism, to benefit the Autism Society of Maine. Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth, Maine.
• May 5, 2012, 6pm. Halftime show for Maine Roller Derby, Portland Expo, Portland, Maine.
• May 19, 2012, 4pm. Portland Youth Dance Company Show, Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Maine.
• June 1, 2012. Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, MMC, Portland, Maine.
• June 15 and 16, 2012. Casco Bay Movers Show, Westbrook Performing Arts Center, Westbrook, Maine.

Portland Youth Dance Outreach 2011

Portland Youth Dance Company offers free beginning level dance classes to children based on financial need in the Greater Portland area. Periodically throughout the year, Company Members teach a four to six week hip hop class, incorporating technique, stretching, musicality, and choreography. The program culminates in a performance for Outreach members.

The goal of the Outreach program is to provide young dancers with class and performance opportunity, regardless of financial status. In addition, it provides Company members with teaching and choreographic experience, and the ability to share an important part of their lives with others.

Portland Youth Dance Company has worked with dancers throughout the greater Portland area, including an after school program at East End Community School in collaboration with LearningWorks, The Center for Grieving Children, and Boys and Girls Club of Portland.

Take a look at our Current Programs and Scholarships & Sponsorships

Standing on the Edge of Greatness

We need your help

Currently PYD is funded by tuition, student-run fundraisers and small contributions from local art’s supporters. With your support PYD will be able to provide:

- Additional scholarships and sponsorships for students in need to take classes and to be able to participate in the company

- A larger outreach program with a designated director, transportation and the ability to advertise to expand reach deeper into the community

- A superior faculty comprised of diverse choreographers and styles from the local and national dance community

- Travel opportunities for company members to participate in master classes and to have exposure to view professional performances

- Educational opportunities for Company Members and Outreach Members to expand their exposure to diverse dance styles through workshops and performances

YOU CAN MAKE DANCE MORE ACCESSIBLE

With your help PYD can make dance more accessible, providing more children and teens with a safe haven to nurture self confidence, artistic expression and a sense of community all while raising the bar for the local arts community.

“PYD Company was the real start of my journey as a dancer. All the hard work and dedication that it takes to be in the company is needed to be a successful college student majoring in dance. Dance isn’t just a hobby…it’s a passion, it’s who I am and the company allowed me to dance at a higher level and find myself.” ~Staci, Sophomore, Dean College

More info about Corporate Support and how your organization can benefit from aligning with PYD’s mission.

More Info about Individual Support and how your donation can change the lives of our youth.