Update: Walter Jaffe at White Bird Dance has passed along this note from Keith Goodman’s friend Carla Mann: “Dear friends, I wanted to let you know that a gathering to celebrate Keith Goodman will be held this coming Thursday, July 2 from 4-6pm at the Gerding Theater, 128 NW 11th. Please join family and friends in honoring this incredible man. Please also spread the word to others who knew Keith and who we may not be on our contact list. For those who are interested, contributions can be made to the Keith V. Goodman Memorial Fund through the On Point Credit Union.”

Bad news for Portland’s arts scene: Keith Goodman, a contemporary dancer, choreographer and teacher, died today shortly after a performance, apparently of a heart attack. Marty Hughley has the story on Oregon Live.

Goodman was 54. He was known as a gentleman, a graceful spirit, a good friend. He was part of the core of the contemporary dance center Conduit, and had his own company, Dance Gatherer.

Keith was a beautiful man, and not just with the physical beauty of a fine dancer, although he certainly was that: a lean, lithe, graceful, athletic man. People will remember him, I think, for a different sort of beauty — a quiet, contained wholeness that shone on his face; a sweet openness to his smile; a feeling of generosity.

We are all a little lesser today. Keith will be missed.

Godspeed.