Keith V. Goodman and the Dance Gatherers
The graceful, and beloved, dancer choreographer Keith Goodman died suddenly Saturday afternoon after a dance performance in Beaverton. He was 54.
The celebration of his life is Thursday, July 2 from 4-6 p.m. in the Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland.
Goodman had worked for years with children at Buckman Arts Magnet School, collaborated with the Conduit dance collective, and led his own troupe, Dance Gatherers.
A note on their website this week said: "Dance Gatherers was formed under the direction of choreographer and artistic director Keith V. Goodman as a group of artists based in Portland, Oregon sharing interests in evolutionary and social change, mysticism and world mythology who's commonality included a fascination with contemporary and ancient dance forms as well as the mysteries of life."
Goodman had performed a solo work with the dance project
Local arts critic Marty Hughley, who has known Goodman for many years, posted a notice about the tragedy on the web with hours of Goodman's death.
"According to his longtime partner, Bill Flood, Goodman lowered himself gracefully to the ground as he concluded a performance outside the Beaverton library around noon Saturday," Hughley wrote on Oregonlive.com. "But he returned to consciousness only briefly afterward and was pronounced dead at a nearby emergency room about 1:45."
The Keith V. Goodman Memorial Fund has been established to support the continuation of the artist's legacy. Contribute at: Keith V. Goodman Memorial Fund, OnPoint Credit Union, PO Box 3750, Portland, OR 97208-3750.
