Teen Ballroom Dance Classes in Portland Oregon
The Ballroom Dance Company offers exceptionally high quality (and fun!) classes specifically for teenagers.
Teen group classes cost $10 per student, per class. Competitor classes cost $12 per student, and discounts are available for teens who take our Adult Classes. Drop-ins and new students are always welcome in beginners classes. Intermediate and advanced level classes require instructor pre-approval.
We also offer Private Lessons for teens 7 days a week.
Dance Styles
- International Latin: Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive
- International Standard: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep
- American Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo
- American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
- Contemporary Partner Dances: West Coast swing, Salsa, Nightclub Two Step, Merengue, Hustle, Country 2-Step
Teen Classes
- Introduction, Bronze, Silver and Gold level classes offered.
- Call 503.639.4861 for our current schedule.
Performance
After growing comfortable in beginners classes, teens often develop interest in performance and/or competition. Teens interested in performance should audition for our Youth or Performance Team. Teams perform in our professional Showcases, kids showcases, and other local venues.
Competition:
- If your teen wishes to compete, your first step is to find an age-appropriate partner. Experience is not as important as dedication. Group classes and dances are a great place to find partners. We also encourage you to ask friends at school. Even a newcomer can quickly become a successful competitor if they reliably attend classes.
- Teens interested in competition should take our Thursday 5pm Competitors class (for kids and teens), Tuesday 7pm Adult Ballroom Competitors class, and/or our Wednesday 7:30 Adult Latin Competitors class. Participants in these classes are expected to already have choreography, though the choreography can be very simple. The goal in these classes is to cultivate mental and physical stamina, as well as quality of movement.
- Although private lessons are not required for competitors, dancers serious about winning should take at least one private lesson each week.
- If you cannot find a partner, we recommend participation in our Junior, Teen or Junior Elite Performance Teams. Teams perform and compete, and participants do not need a partner.
What to Wear
While in the studio or representing our studio at off-campus events, students are expected to:
- Wear closed-toe leather soled dress or ballroom dance shoes
- Students with long hair must wear it pulled back in pony tail or bun
- Treat teachers and students with respect and kindness
- Advanced class students are expected to wear a shirt & tie (boys) and dressy clothing with hair pulled back (girls)
- At competitions, students are expected to wear studio logo attire
Practice:
- We host chaperoned "teens-only" dances 8-10pm the 3rd Staurday of each month. $8 admission includes a 7:30-8pm beginners lesson. Please note: to protect students, non-staff adults will not be allowed into the ballroom unless pre-approved by youth activities director Shawn Gardner, who runs these dances.
- We also host weekly all-ages dance parties Sundays 7:30-10pm. Kids of all ages attend these weekly parties, as well as adults. These dances are run by advanced kids & teens class instructor Sunnie Page.
- Teens who take private lessons may also practice for free the week following the last private lesson they took. Ask the front desk for this week's practice hours.
The Ballroom Dance Company
8900 SW Commercial Street
Tigard, OR 97223
(503) 639 - 4861
