Profession: Dancer, Choreographer, Artistic Director of Jefferson Dancers, Icon
Steve Gonzles, Artistic Director of Jefferson Dancers, has been a pivotal figure in Portland’s dance community for more than 25 years. A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Steve began his dance education at Jefferson High School, where he performed with the company he now leads. In the interim, he trained at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, choreographed several pieces for the Second Avenue Dance Company, and has worked with countless notable choreographers.
After graduating, Steve joined MOMIX and performed worldwide. He also taught masterclasses, appeared in European fashion magazines, and served as a company spokesperson.
In his current role, Steve has expanded the Jefferson Dancers’ international presence, performing in major cities around the world and setting groundbreaking new works. His commitment ensures that the company continues to inspire future generations, echoing his own transformative experiences in dance.
Artslandia: How did you initially get involved in performing arts? Was there a particular person or event that played a pivotal role in this phase of your life?
Steve Gonzales: I’ve always had a burning desire to be involved in the arts. However, we moved around a lot when I was young, so there was no opportunity. It wasn’t until high school that I pushed myself to take an acting class. I was a very shy kid, and this helped me get out of my shell.
I got the courage to audition for The Music Man and somehow got the lead dancing role, even though I had no formal training. My lead partner, who had formal training, helped me along. She was a co-op dance student at Jefferson, and she and the play’s choreographer influenced me to take dance classes there. I remember watching rehearsals after school. My awe of the dancers’ talent inspired me to work hard. I auditioned for the dance program and was so excited and nervous that I didn’t even dress down. I auditioned in my jeans!
I was thrilled when I received a letter of acceptance into the dance program. The following year, I bussed to Jefferson as a co-op student to take dance classes. One of my dance teachers was Mary Vinton Folberg, the Artistic Director and founder. After four months of training, she asked me to apprentice with the company. I couldn’t wait to join, but I had to attend Jefferson full-time to participate. Of course, without any hesitation, I transferred to “Jeff.”
A: What do you find most rewarding about your work as a dance educator, and how do you inspire your students to pursue their passion for dance?
SG: One of the things I find most rewarding about my work is seeing my students succeed. I have helped shape more than 1,000 students and about 400 Jefferson Dancers during the past 25 years.
I’ve always tried to create a positive learning environment and an encouraging space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and making mistakes. I’ve also always tried to keep updated with new trends, techniques, and opportunities in the dance communities to help expose them to what’s current in the world of dance.
My passion for dance runs deep, which helps motivate my students. I’ve taken the company on 12 national and 11 international tours, providing them with opportunities to perform, compete, and partipcate in workshops and masterclasses. At the national high school dance festivals, our student-choreographed pieces have received Honorable Mention four times and first place for Outstanding Student Choreography four times. This exposure and those experiences helped fuel my students’ passion.
A: As someone deeply connected to the dance and arts worlds, how do you see the two intersecting, and what distinctive contributions do dancers make to the broader artistic community?
SG: The intersection of dance and the arts is a dynamic relationship in which each discipline enriches and informs the other. The JDs have collaborated with local theater companies, including Stumptown Stages, where we performed The Wiz and A Chorus Line, and Pixi Dust Productions, where we performed Beauty and the Beast. These collaborations have provided my students with wonderful opportunities and experiences, adding a physical dimension to the theatrical performances and making them more immersive. In general, dancers contribute a distinctive blend of physicality, emotion, and cultural richness to the broader artistic community, making dance an invaluable component of the arts.
"The intersection of dance and the arts is a dynamic relationship in which each discipline enriches and informs the other."
A: Throughout your career, you’ve witnessed the evolution of Portland’s dance community. How have you seen it change over the years, and what trends or developments most excite you?
SG: There’s a growing trend of blending different dance styles, such as contemporary with traditional forms, ballet with hip-hop, and more, and an increase in interdisciplinary work—choreographers working with musicians, visual artists, and props to create multidisciplinary works. There’s also more inclusivity and representation with regard to body positivity and more emphasis on diverse body types and abilities. These trends reflect an ever-evolving art form, continually reshaped by cultural influences and a desire for inclusivity and innovation, all of which is very exciting.
A: Portland is known for its vibrant arts scene, but it’s also a city facing numerous challenges. How do you believe dance, and your performances specifically, can address these challenges and bring positive change?
SG: The Jefferson Dancers’ performances bring diverse people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging. They encourage social interaction and can help build relationships and networks. Our program has educational benefits, advocacy, and social change. Many of our alums are choreographing pieces that raise awareness about social issues, promote change, and explore their potential.
A: As an influential figure in the dance community, what initiatives or projects are you currently involved in, and how do they reflect your passion for dance and the arts?
A: What are your goals and aspirations for your future in dance, teaching, and arts advocacy?
SG: As a dancer and a director, I constantly strive to improve artistic excellence. As a teacher and mentor, I want to continue to share my passion and knowledge with aspiring students and collaborate with other artists across different disciplines. I want to continue to use my platform to advocate for the arts, raising awareness about its importance and supporting arts education. I want to promote diversity and inclusion by providing access to all, especially in underserved communities. I want to continue to make meaningful contributions to the dance community and the broader arts landscape.
