MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series is proud to present the Rainbow Dance Theatre’s “Maria de Buenos Aires” on January 19, 2024. This interactive performance will mesmerize the audience with its display of dancing lights.

The dance company is local to Polk County and offers world-class choreography and technology. Darryl Thomas, professor of Theatre/Dance at Western, is the artistic director. The show will feature three extraordinary performances and include wearable electronic costumes, props, and puppets. These performances aim to ignite excitement and curiosity about the technological components of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of dance.

The dance company will host two educational outreach performances for local K-8 students on January 18. Nearly 1,000  students will attend. These events allow the company to educate students on STEM technology through dance.

“Rainbow Dance Theatre is such an incredible group of performers and educators. I had the privilege of being one of the only people physically in the audience for their last outreach event in 2022,” shared Andi Moring, director of the Smith Fine Arts Series. “Not only will there be students in the room this year, but they will fill every seat in the auditorium. I am thrilled!”

Western’s Smith Fine Art Series is committed to bringing exceptional art experiences to the community. The support for similar outreach events is greatly appreciated and ensures the continuation of these enriching programs. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary performance by the Rainbow Dance Theatre. Join the performance on January 19 at 7:30 pm for an unforgettable evening of dance and technology.

For those interested in donating to the Smith Fine Arts Series.

To purchase tickets for the Rainbow Dance Theatre January show.

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The Western Oregon University Foundation was founded in 1965 and is the fundraising arm of Western Oregon University. A nonprofit corporation, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees with IRS 501(c)3 status, the WOU Foundation’s scholarship program includes more than 250 donor-funded scholarships. In addition, the foundation manages nearly 300 funds for academic and student programs. As of 2023, the WOU Foundation has approximately $26 million in assets and a permanent endowment of $22 million.