Youth Dance

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

NW Dance Project has earned a well-deserved reputation for cultivating and nurturing young dancers. Our Youth Dance Program offers exceptional year-round training for youth ages 4 to 19. Dancers will experience the joy of dance taught by Portland’s finest teachers in the city’s safest and best-equipped professional dance studio.

Our innovative program offers a variety of learning opportunities for dancers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. NW Dance Project’s philosophy focuses on technique, movement, strengthening and conditioning, versatility, and creativity to support a balanced dance training education. Our programs provide an in-depth approach to training that takes into consideration each individual dancer’s needs and progression. We love creative expression, imagination, engagement, and offer comprehensive instruction in a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging environment.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

PRO TRACK PROGRAM | Level 4 - 5

Starting in the 2023-24 school year, our PRO TRACK program will include both Level 4 + 5 classes. Our PRO TRACK Program provides a comprehensive study of the techniques, discipline, and styles of dance that support a professional career. Dancers in our PRO TRACK Program will participate in an extensive schedule of classes, which increase in rigor of training to provide suitable preparation for entry into leading companies, conservatories, and colleges today.

PRO TRACK LEVEL 4 | 3 Ballet + 2 Pointe + 2 Contemporary + Young Creatives Company (Audition only)

PRO TRACK LEVEL 5 | 4 Ballet + 2 Pointe + 2 Contemporary + Young Creatives Company (Audition only)

JUNIOR TRACK | Level 1 - 3

Our JUNIOR TRACK Program preps our younger students with a well rounded and encompassing instruction in a supportive environment that will take them to the next level. As students advance through our JUNIOR TRACK Program, our curriculum balances physical development with emotional and intellectual growth. Students will train in ballet and contemporary classes that focus on technique, movement, versatility and creativity at a cost effective tuition rate.

JUNIOR TRACK LEVEL 3 | 3 Ballet + 1 Pre-pointe + 2 Contemporary

JUNIOR TRACK LEVEL 2 | 2 Ballet + 1 Contemporary

JUNIOR TRACK LEVEL 1 | 1 Ballet + 1 Contemporary

YOUNG CREATIVES COMPANY

Our Young Creatives Company focuses on nurturing the next generation of artists with the addition of choreography-based rehearsals and performances. Dancers will work with leading artists in the field to immerse themselves into the creative process. Young Creatives will be featured in our annual Student Artist Showcase and during special performing opportunities and events throughout the year.

Dancers are required to audition to be considered for the Young Creatives Company. Dancers must be enrolled or be planning to enroll in our PRO TRACK Program (Level 4 + Level 5) to audition.

2023-24 AUDITIONS

AUG 19 / 12:30 to 3:15PM

Young Creatives rehearsals are provided at NO additional tuition cost to the students and families. As a non-profit organization, support is received from our grantors, foundations and individual donors to support our programming.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT + PRIMARY BALLET

Creative Movement + Primary Ballet classes are held over three separate sessions (fall, winter, and spring).

2023-24 Session Dates will be announced soon

CLASS STYLES

NW Dance Project offers all youth classes and training year round (annual school year + winter intensives + summer sessions).

All students participating in Level 1 to 5 classes and programs are enrolling for the entire school year and are obligated to pay the full year's tuition fees, regardless of payment option (annual/payment plan). Throughout the year, our aspiring young dance artists will have performance opportunities concluding with our annual year-end Student Artist Showcase in June.

While we recommend our students participate in our PRO TRACK and JUNIOR TRACK programs, students may choose to train in individual dance styles.

Annual Registration is required for participation.
Payment plan available.
No drop-ins allowed.

BALLET (Level 1 to 5) - AGE 8 to 19
Ballet starts with introducing dancers to basic ballet steps. We then train our dancers to develop strong technical and artistic foundations by focusing on alignment, placement, balance, flexibility, musicality, and strength through age-appropriate progressions.

PRIMARY BALLET – AGE 6 to 7
Primary Ballet classes introduce our young dancers to age-appropriate, beginning ballet exercises in an energetic, creative, and nurturing weekly class structure. Students gain fine motor dexterity through activities that encompass storytelling and creating.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT – AGE 4 + 5
Creative Movement classes introduce our youngest dancers to beginning ballet and jazz moves combined with creative movement activities and dance activities. Class enhances balance, coordination, strength, mind-body activities for children, and flexibility.

CONTEMPORARY – AGE 8 to 19
Our contemporary dance classes are designed to improve technique, flexibility, stamina, and artistry. These classes fuse contemporary dance styles with jazz, ballet, and world dance influences. It emphasizes and develops proper body alignment, strength and flexibility, rhythmic and musical phrasing, and self-expression.

HIP HOP – AGE 10 to 19
Hip Hop classes introduce the classic urban styles - breaking, housing, popping, locking, and beyond. This class gives the basic tools of rhythm, isolation, coordination, and musicality to allow students to feel confident in their own style and choreography. A great encouraging and challenging class for all dance enthusiasts!

PLACEMENT

Students should expect to complete a minimum of a year’s study in each level before moving up to the next level. Placement and advancement are at the discretion of the teacher. Great consideration is taken in our class placement process. Students move through our curriculum according to ability, development, and age.

New to NW Dance Project?

Learn more on how to be placed by emailing or calling 503.421.7434. To be placed for our 2023-24 school year, join us for any of our upcoming summer opportunities, included our free ballet + contemporary workshops on AUG 19.

PRIVATE CLASSES

NW Dance Project also offers private and Semi-Private (2 or 3 students) youth classes in Ballet, Contemporary, and Conditioning.

RATES

1 hour private / $95
1.5 hours private / $135
1 hour semi-private / $65 per student
1.5 hours semi-private / $95 per student

For more information, details, and scheduling, please or call 503.421.7434.