In 2000, a program for middle school youth was piloted through the company's "Artist In Residency" program at Portland's French American International School. This rare relationship with the school has led the company to international exposure and has built Pendulum a reputation for educating youth through ongoing P.E. classes, after-school programs, residencies, workshops and camps, and both a pre-professional youth company and an Apprentice program for older teens.

With the adolescent years being some of the most challenging times in a young person's development, these various programs offer a positive environment for youth to develop many of life's needed skills:
exercising, working with others, learning to except constructive criticism, and public performance. Development in these capacities builds confidence and self-esteem.

This outreach component of Pendulum is an extremely valuable asset to the community. It provides youth with hands-on access to the arts, a reliable and sustainable place to be involved in peer interaction, and creative growth. Drawing on the multi-cultural community in which Pendulum works, director Suzanne Kenney brings together many of the world's finest multi-disciplinary artists to teach with the company.
This enriches and educates the students in various styles of traditional dance and aerial dance from around the world.

Pendulum's programs now attract youth from all over the Pacific Northwest region and across the U.S. The opportunities for young aerial artists to learn and grow are endless. The young artists of today are the foundation for a strong art community of tomorrow.

What's Happening?

• Weekly Aerial Dance Classes, ages 10-18
• Summer Intensive
• Student Journals from 2007 summer intensive
• Young Audiences
• Apprentice Program
• Workshops
• Custom Programs

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