NW Dance Project has cultivated a renowned international reputation for nurturing young dancers, and our Youth Dance Program offers exceptional year-round training for children and teens aged 4 to 18. Experience the joy of dance in Portland, taught by the city’s most talented instructors within our safe and top-tier professional dance studios. We believe in fostering a joyful and enriching environment where young dancers can thrive.
Our innovative program is designed to welcome dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels. At NW Dance Project, we champion a philosophy centered on technique, movement exploration, strength and conditioning, versatility, and creative expression. This comprehensive approach ensures a balanced dance training education, carefully considering each dancer’s individual needs and progress. We are passionate about creative expression, imagination, and engagement, and we deliver comprehensive instruction within a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere, making us a sought-after joy dance studio in Portland.
2024-25 Youth Program
2024-25 Calendar
Program Dates – SEP 9, 2024 to JUN 8, 2025
No Classes (Veteran’s Day) – NOV 11, 2024
No Classes (Halloween) – OCT 31, 2024
Thanksgiving Break – NOV 25 to DEC 1, 2024
Winter Showcase – DEC 14 + 15, 2024
Winter Break – DEC 16, 2024 to JAN 5, 2025
Winter Dance Intensive – DEC 30, 2024 to JAN 3, 2025
Youth Classes Resume – JAN 6, 2025
No Classes (MLK Jr. Day) – JAN 20, 2025
No Classes (President’s Day) – FEB 17, 2025
Spring Break – MAR 24 to MAR 30, 2025
No Classes (Memorial Day) – MAY 26, 2025
Student Artist Showcase Rehearsal – JUN 7, 2025
Student Artist Showcase – JUN 8, 2025
Dress Code + Studio Policies
Dance students in class at NW Dance Project in Portland
Professional Training Program
Pro Track Program
Our PRO TRACK Program offers an in-depth exploration of dance techniques, discipline, and styles vital for a professional career. Dancers in this program engage in a rigorous schedule of classes, designed to provide the ideal preparation for entry into leading dance companies, conservatories, and universities. For aspiring professional dancers seeking a joyful yet challenging path, our Pro Track is ideal.
PRO TRACK – Weekly Classes
3 Ballet + 1 Pointe + 2 Contemporary + 1 Strength & Stretch
Junior Track | Level 1 – 3
Our JUNIOR TRACK Program provides younger students with well-rounded and comprehensive dance instruction in a nurturing environment, setting them up for future success. As students progress through the Junior Track levels, our curriculum balances physical development with emotional and intellectual growth. Students receive training in ballet and contemporary dance, emphasizing technique, movement quality, versatility, and creativity, all at a cost-effective tuition rate. Discover the joy of foundational dance training within our Junior Track.
JUNIOR TRACK LEVEL 3 – Weekly Classes
3 Ballet + 2 Pre-pointe + 1 Contemporary + 1 Broadway Jazz + 1 Strength & Stretch
JUNIOR TRACK LEVEL 2 – Weekly Classes
2 Ballet + 1 Contemporary
JUNIOR TRACK LEVEL 1A + 1B – Weekly Classes
1 Ballet + 1 Contemporary
Register Here
Young dancers performing on stage, showcasing the joy of dance
Young Creatives Company
Our Young Creatives Company is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dance artists. Dancers will collaborate with prominent artists in the dance field, immersing themselves in the creative choreographic process, repertoire, and performance experience. In today’s dance world, dancers are expected to improvise, reinvent steps, adapt to musicality changes, and make independent artistic choices. Technique is crucial, but creativity is equally essential – dancers must also be creators. Students must commit to all rehearsals to be eligible for performances and other unique opportunities. Experience the joy of creation and performance with our Young Creatives Company, a unique aspect of our Portland dance studio.
Auditions are required for consideration into our Young Creatives Company. Dancers enrolled or planning to enroll in our Pro Track Program are eligible and highly encouraged to audition.
Young Creatives Audition
Saturday, SEP 14 | 2:00 to 3:15PM
Pre-registration is required. Register HERE.
PERFORMANCES
In Good Company (DEC 13 + 14)
Winter Showcase (DEC 14 + 15)
Student Artist Showcase (JUN 8)
- special performing opportunities and events
Individual Class Styles
Students also have the option to train in individual dance styles.
Annual registration is required for participation. Payment plans are available. Drop-ins are not permitted.
BALLET (Level 1 to Pro Track) – AGE 7 to 18
Ballet classes begin by introducing dancers to fundamental ballet steps. We then guide our dancers in developing strong technical and artistic foundations, emphasizing alignment, placement, balance, flexibility, musicality, and strength through age-appropriate progressions. Find the foundational joy of ballet with us.
BROADWAY JAZZ (Level 3) – AGE 10 to 13
Broadway Jazz blends technique and choreography set to music from Broadway Musicals and award-winning movies. Classes start with a warm-up focusing on isolations, jazz technique, and stretching, followed by across-the-floor exercises and center work. Each class concludes with learning a Broadway-inspired dance that encourages storytelling and character development. Emphasis is placed on athleticism, exaggeration, and high-energy combinations. Experience the joyful energy of Broadway Jazz.
CONTEMPORARY (Level 1 to Pro Track) – AGE 7 to 18
Our contemporary dance classes are designed to enhance technique, flexibility, stamina, and artistry. These classes fuse contemporary dance styles with influences from jazz, ballet, and world dance. We emphasize and cultivate proper body alignment, strength and flexibility, rhythmic and musical phrasing, and self-expression. Explore the expressive joy of contemporary dance.
Throughout the year, our dedicated young dance artists will have performance opportunities, culminating in our annual year-end Student Artist Showcase in June.
Register Here
A group of young contemporary dancers in a dynamic pose, expressing the joy of movement
Creative Movement + Primary Ballet
Creative Movement + Primary Ballet classes are offered in three separate sessions: fall, winter, and spring. These programs are designed to introduce the joy of dance to our youngest students.
Fall Session | SEP 9 to NOV 24, 2024
Winter Session | JAN 6 to MAR 23, 2025
Spring Session | MAR 31 to JUN 8, 2025
CREATIVE MOVEMENT – AGE 4 to 5
Creative Movement classes introduce our youngest dancers to introductory ballet and jazz moves combined with imaginative movement and dance activities. These classes enhance balance, coordination, strength, mind-body connection, and flexibility in children. Introduce your little one to the joy of movement in our Creative Movement classes.
PRIMARY BALLET – AGE 6 to 7
Primary Ballet classes introduce young dancers to age-appropriate, beginner ballet exercises within an energetic, creative, and nurturing weekly class structure. Students develop fine motor skills through activities incorporating storytelling and imaginative creation. Let your child discover the foundational joy of ballet in our Primary Ballet classes.
Register Here
Tips for your first class!
Young children participating in a creative movement dance class, showing the joy of early dance education
Registration
Annual Enrollment | SEP 2024 – JUN 2025
All students participating in Level 1 through Pro Track classes and programs enroll for the entire school year (SEP 9, 2024 to JUN 8, 2025) and are obligated to pay the full year’s tuition, regardless of payment option:
Option 1: Pay in full at the time of registration.
Option 2: Pay a deposit at registration + 8 monthly payments automatically charged from September through April. Subject to a $50 payment plan fee at the time of registration.
Performances + Fees:
Performing is a crucial aspect of dance education, and we want all our students to build confidence through the joy of performance!
Classes and programs based on annual enrollment will have two performance opportunities throughout the year: our Winter Showcase at our Creative Center and our annual Student Artist Showcase at Lincoln Performance Hall. Each class or program includes a performance fee to ensure participation in BOTH showcases and to help cover costs for costumes, costume rentals, accessories, production materials, and additional rehearsal time (if needed).
Please note that both showcases are ticketed events, and families will need to purchase tickets in addition to the performance fee.
Performance fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are due at the time of registration.
Limited financial aid is available for low-income families. Email for details about the application process. The application deadline is AUG 30, 2024.
Session Enrollment | Fall + Winter + Spring
Our Primary Ballet and Creative Movement classes are offered in three sessions (fall, winter, and spring). These classes require full payment at the time of registration and do not have a payment plan option.
Performances + Fees:
Session-based classes will have in-class showings at the end of the fall and winter sessions. There are no fees associated with these showings.
Students enrolling in our spring session (MAR 31 – JUN 8) will have the opportunity to perform in our annual Student Artist Showcase at Lincoln Performance Hall and will pay a performance fee to ensure participation and to help cover costs for costumes, costume rentals, accessories, production materials, and additional rehearsal time (if necessary).
Please note that the Student Artist Showcase is a ticketed event, and families will need to purchase tickets in addition to the performance fee.
Performance fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are due at the time of registration.
Register Here
Placement
Careful consideration is given to our class placement process. Students advance through our curriculum based on physical ability, age, maturity, and work ethic. Students should expect to spend at least one year in each level before advancing. Placement and advancement decisions are at the teacher’s discretion.
Summer Dance Opportunities
Our Summer Dance Intensives + Classes can assist in placing students interested in joining our 2024/25 Youth Program.
Placement Private Classes
We can arrange private placement classes for new students with an NW Dance Project faculty member for evaluation and placement in the appropriate level. Inquire for availability and rates.
For more information about placement options, please email or call 503.421.7434.
Private Classes
NW Dance Project also offers private lessons in Ballet, Contemporary, and Conditioning. Private lessons are a valuable way for students to enhance their dance training, receive personalized attention, and address individual needs and goals. Discover the joy of personalized dance instruction.
For more information about rates and availability, please email or call 503.421.7434.
