What is the best dance to start with?
Can anyone learn to dance?
How do I start?
How does a private lesson work?
How does a group class work?
How do I cancel a lesson?
How do I learn the fastest?
Some dances are easier to learn than others.
Though it is OK to start with any beginners class we offer here, the easiest styles to learn first are nightclub two-step or single time swing.
Click HERE for a detailed description of all the styles of dance we teach here. Feel free to call with questions.
Can anyone learn how to ballroom dance? Absolutely! We have classes designed especially for beginners, kids, seniors and more! Dancing is wholesome fun and great exercise. For singles, there's simply no better way to meet people than to be able to dance with confidence at parties. Dancing gives couples a lifelong hobby to share.
The Ballroom Dance Company will get you started quickly and easily, even if you've never danced before.
You can take Group Classes or Private Lessons. Private lessons cost $70-$80 depending on your Instructor. Beginners group classes cost $35 for an entire 5-week series, or you can drop into a single day of class for $9. We also regularly teach "Intro to Ballroom" 1-day-only group clases, where participants are introduced to a ballroom, latin and swing dance in 1 hour. Most of our Weekly Dance Parties also start with a pre-dance beginners lesson. Admission is $5-$8.
When you show up to class, wear lightweight clothing and leather-soled dress shoes. Avoid sneakers, rubber soled, or spike-heel shoes. Everyday attire is appropriate for dancing. Stretchy, light clothing will be easiest to dance in.
We recommend taking many beginning level classes before progressing to intermediate level classes. Intermediate group class tuition is $50 per person for an entire 5-week series, or $13 to drop-in to a single day of class.
Our advanced classes require instructor pre-approval for participation. Tuition is $60 for a 5-week series, or you can drop in to asingle day of class for $15.
In private lessons, you work one-on-one with an instructor. Up to 5 people can share a private lesson (no extra cost for the extra people). Each Private Lesson is 50 minutes long. You can choose which dance(s) you wish to work on, or your instructor can choose dances which will best meet your needs and ability. Private lessons allow you to progress at your own speed, without having to rotate in class or ask questions in a group setting.
Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Sign in and pay at the front desk. We have 3 full-size ballrooms, the studio coordinator will direct you to which ballroom your class will be held. Other singles and couples might be taking lessons in the same ballroom as you (with other teachers), however your teacher will be fully dedicated to you.
Private lessons are booked in advance, much like booking a haircut appointment. Call (503)639-4861 to book your appointment. Privates are available 7 days a week, 10am-10pm.
In group classes, you and a group of other people learn together, with one instructor. Group class size could range from 1-60 people. Each Group Class is 50 minutes long. Usually 1 style of dance is taught in class, and classes are usually taught in a 5-week series. We recommend starting with the 1st class in the series.
Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Sign in and pay at the front desk. We have 3 full-size ballrooms, the studio coordinator will direct you to which ballroom your class will be held. Other singles and couples from the Portland area will come to class as well.
Different choreography is taught in most beginners group class series. Consequently, we recommend taking the entire 5 week course, instead of jumping around from class to class. We also recommend taking many beginners group classes, before advancing to intermediate level class.
Tuition is $35 per person for an entire 5-week group class series, or you can drop in to a single day of class for $9. You cannot pay for a $35 5-week series, and jump around from 1 group class series to another. If you wish to sample many classes, we recommend trying the 1st day of each series, and paying the $9 per class drop-in fee.
Group classes are published in advance, check our What's Happening This Week page to see which beginners group classes are starting this week. Students 22 and younger with valid student + photo ID receive $3 off adult classes
When you schedule a private lesson you block out that time in your instructor's day. We request that you give twenty-four hours notice to change or cancel an appointment so that we may allow other students to fill that time slot.
You do not have to notify the studio if you are going to miss a group class. Please note we do not offer refunds or make-up classes for missed group class.
The more hours you dance, the more information you will retain and the faster you will learn to dance. Most beginners start with 1 group class or private lesson a week, and add more as they get more comfortable learning. More experienced or competition-oriented dancers take lessons 7 days a week! We encourage you to practice every day, and warmly invite you to attend our Weekly Practice Dances. Admission is $5-$8 and usually includes a pre-dance beginning level lesson.
Experience one of life's most fun and beautiful activities... ballroom dancing!