Put on your dancing shoes because these Portland-area dance studios have it all for kids
Children love to express themselves through movement—or maybe they just love to move. If your kids are all about showing off with their newest dance moves (thanks, TikTok), it’s time to sign them up for one of our favorite dance classes near Portland. Not only do these Portland dance studios offer an opportunity for kids to harness their talents, they give them a chance to have fun and exercise too (hint: check out our favorite rock climbing gym spots and indoor playgrounds for more movement ideas). Now is the time to sign up for a local dance or movement class.
Portland Dance Studios for Kids
1. NW Dance Project
NW Dance Project has earned itself a reputation for cultivating and nurturing young dancers. Their Youth Dance Program offers exceptional year-round programming for youth ages 4 to 18. Dancers will experience the joy of dance taught by Portland’s finest teachers. Sign your little dancer up for beginner ballet or contemporary dance.
211 N.E. 10th Ave.
Portland
Online: nwdanceproject.org
2. Kids Club Fun & Fitness
At Kids Club Fun & Fitness, kids can take dance, gymnastics, and swimming lessons. They offer ballet and musical theater classes as well as a variety of classes for tots, all the way up to age 12.
13914 N.W. 3rd Ct.
Vancouver, WA
Online: kidsclub4fun.com
Related: Make a Splash! Portland’s Best Indoor Pools & Water Parks
3. Portland Parks & Recreation
If you are as proud of where you live as we are, consider taking your little ones to our city’s dance classes. Portland Parks & Recreation is a reflection of all we stand for as Portlanders: variety, community, kindness, and an affinity for being eccentric. Offering an array of dance classes for a variety of ages plus parent/child classes, Portland Parks & Recreation helps everyone boogie. With a variety of locations, an easy online schedule, and registry (complete with class description and how many spots are left) this site is a great way for your family to find their groove.
Greater Portland area
Online: apm.activecommunities.com
4. Portland Metro Arts
Portland Metro Arts is home to dance, theatre, music, and visual arts programs. They focus on helping dancers discover their favorite form of self-expression through supportive, quality classes and an emphasis on always being a kid at heart. Their dance program breaks down by the school year and the summer season with performances peppered in.
9003 S.E. Stark St.
Portland
Online: pdxmetroarts.org
5. Dance With Joy Studios
It’s no surprise that this studio’s mission is “to be a positive force in your world by adding joyful moments to your day!” They work to enrich the mind, body, and soul through teaching with creativity, excellence, responsibility, and teamwork all while honoring each dancer’s individual learning style and needs. So smile, twirl, and leap on over to this center full of classes for “little toes” to kids.
7891 S.E. 17th Ave.
Portland
Online: dancewithjoystudios.com
6. New Vision Dance Center
New Vision Dance Center has classes for everyone—little ones and older. Enroll your young kiddos in the Hippity Hop class for 3-to-4-year-olds or 4-to-6-year-olds. Your older kiddos will enjoy the challenge of the more advanced classes. These dance classes will benefit your whole family.
8975 N.E. Walker Rd.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: newvisiondance.com
Related: Reach New Heights: Portland Climbing Gyms for Kids
7. Steps PDX
Check out Steps PDX for a variety of classes for your kids. They put on exciting dance showcases with fun themes that your kids will love to be a part of. They also have a Steps for Youth program that partners with schools to get more kids involved with dance. Let your kids express themselves while learning amazing skills.
1734 S.E. 12th Ave.
Portland
Online: stepspdx.com
