Ballet is a beautiful, graceful dance form that lends potency and suppleness to your body. For the ballet beginner or the aspiring professional dancer, Portland’s dance community is rich with studios and performing arts centers. I’ve chosen to showcase those that I feel offer the best quality and training in the area for both ballet beginners and advanced dancers of all ages. Catering to all ages and abilities, these studios encourage personal growth and expression, offer certified, experienced instructors, and some even provide opportunities for performance. All websites provide current class schedules, bios of staff, and instruction fees.
Portland Festival Ballet integrates both a professional and recreational curriculum ideal for the beginner or advanced dancer. Catering to all ages from three to adult, they provide a nurturing environment imbued with high quality instruction and exceptional teachers. Their staff includes former dancers for the American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Cirque du Soleil. Several Ballet Programs are offered along with Open Classes. Prices and length of classes varies depending on age and skill level. Location: 4620 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy Portland, Oregon 97214 Contact Info: Phone: (503) 245-5269 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.pacificfestivalballet.org
The Center for Movement Arts is a well-established school that prides itself on offering adults and children a safe, caring environment that strengthens the self-esteem of the dancer as well as their body. Their knowledgeable and capable staff hail from all over and cover a wealth of dance experience, including the Hubbard Street Dance. In addition to ballet lessons, they also offer jazz, modern dance, mommy-and-me dance classes, flamenco, tap, Pilates, and Yoga. Location: 1734 SE 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. Contact Info: Phone: (503) 236-1007 Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.cmadance.com
Oregon Ballet Theatre-School aims to produce the highest caliber dancers and increase the community’s awareness of dance. Students follow specific programs that increase their technical skills, endurance and discipline. With instruction for age four to adult, Oregon Ballet Theatre’s School of Dance offers something for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancer, regardless of age or physical ability. Their instructors are well educated and highly skilled dancers who have been affiliated with companies such as the Oregon Ballet Company and San Francisco Opera Ballet. Prices vary according to length of lesson and number of classes attended per week. Location: 818 SE Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. Contact Info: Phone: (503) 2-BALLET Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.obdt.com
Stites Performing Arts Center is known for its dedication to excellence and its high-caliber faculty who have danced with renowned companies like American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Royal Ballet of England. Both beginning ballet students and experienced dancers will find a warm, friendly environment that focuses on the personal relationship between teacher and student. They instruct ages three through adult and their prices vary according to length of class and number of lessons attended per week. They provide instruction in tap, jazz, hip-hop, and tumbling in addition to ballet. Specialty classes include salsa, tango, baton twirling, Middle Eastern dance, singing, drama, and Pilates. Location:17925 N.E.Glisan, Portland, Oregon Contact Info: Phone: 503-665-5155 Fax: 503-665-5156 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.stitesdance.com
