Home › For kids › Portland, OR
Ballet Classes for Kids in Portland
18 studios in Portland, Oregon teach children — from baby ballet and creative movement for toddlers (often from ages 2–3) to graded classes for school-age kids and teens. A great first studio is nurturing and non-competitive, with patient teachers who keep the first term joyful; many put on an annual recital your child will remember for years. Studios are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 18 options in town it's worth calling ahead to ask what age they start, which class fits your child, and whether there's a trial.
1. Vitalidad Movement Arts Center (VMAC)
4.7 ★★★★★ 162 reviews
“I’ve been taking salsa at VMAC for about 8 months. So many great things to say. The instructors are phenomenal. The studio makes dance accessible to beginners, while creating a…” — Liane
2. STEPS PDX
4.9 ★★★★★ 65 reviews
“A gem of a space. I’m an adult with no formal dance experience (I just like to boogie here and there) and Steps is a very welcoming and supportive place to build a sense of…” — Katie
4. Dance With Joy Studios
4.8 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
“One of the best, most clear, most enjoyable lessons I have been to in months! Rachel is knowledgeable, energetic, warm and very helpful! We showed up the Saturday night social…” — Alissa
5. Classical Ballet Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
“My daughter has been attending Classical Ballet Academy since she was 4.5yrs old. She is 14 now and CBA has been a wonderful experience. She has grown into such a loving…” — Ariana
6. Studio One Dance Academy
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
“Several members of my family (myself included!) take classes here, and my daughter is on the competition team. Wonderful instructors with focus on having fun, enjoying dance, and…” — Angela
7. The Portland Ballet
4.4 ★★★★☆ 34 reviews
“This is an amazing pre-professional school with so many graduates currently employed by ballet companies. My daughter dances here about 34 hours a week on average. She is getting…” — Tracey
8. NW Dance Project
4.8 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
“I took the adult beginner ballet class and I learned to dance. I feel like I've wasted the years I've spent with my limbs thus far in my life after taking classes here. I know how…” — Rachel
9. Elevate Dance Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
“The owners and their teachers are incredibly passionate about the art of dance. With every discipline, they deliver with heart in their studio classrooms (and zoom) and bring an…” — Vilay
10. Portland Metro Arts
4.7 ★★★★★ 27 reviews
“I've been a part of this organization since 1987. It has many different art forms to share. It is a family. I've raised my children within this non-profit. My oldest daughter now…” — Tj
11. Oregon Ballet Theatre School
4.7 ★★★★★ 21 reviews
“One of my family members goes to OBT and they love it there. The way that they encourage their dancers to pull through and dance their hearts out is just stunning. They encourage…” — Jacob
12. Portland Dance Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
“My daughter attended ballet classes here for 3 semesters, from summer 2019 to winter 2020. We had the best experience. Everything is managed well. The classes were great fun.…” — Nidhi
13. Elite Dance Studio
4.5 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
“I’ve lived all over the world, and I can honestly say that Elite is the best dance school my three daughters have ever attended! Sara, Karin, and all of the dance teachers are…” — Helen
14. Hollywood Dance
4.6 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
“Eight great years and counting with Hollywood Dance. My girls have had wonderful dance teachers to help them grow as both dancers and people. Thank you!” — Brian
15. IMA Academy - French Baby Ballet
5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
“Great program! Miss Ella is very patient, but also has high expectations. Our 2 year old loves it, she can say the names of the moves in French and loves to repeat at home what…” — Michael
16. Katarina Svetlova - Dance From The Heart PDX
5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
“It is impossible to rave enough about Miss Katarina. My son first met her as a student at OBT, and started in her Dance from the Heart Classes after leaving the OBT program. She…” — Liss
17. Polaris Dance Theatre
5 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
“Awesome teachers and lots of wonderful classes to choose! First class all the way!” — Sal
18. Oregon Ballet School
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
“My son and daughter have both attended Oregon Ballet School. They have attended classes, as well as camps. The curriculum here follows the Royal Academy of Dance and teacher…” — Kylara
Enrolling your child in Portland: practical notes
- Call with your child's age. Ask which class fits — baby ballet, creative movement, or a graded level — and whether they offer a trial class so your child can try before you commit to a term.
- Ask about the recital. Most studios stage a year-end performance; check the schedule and any costume or ticket costs up front so the year holds no surprises.
- Sort the dress code, don't over-buy. A leotard, tights, and ballet slippers with hair in a bun is typical, but many studios keep the first class relaxed. Confirm what's required before shopping.
- Look for nurturing, not pushy. The best early teachers keep it fun and non-competitive; confidence and a love of moving come first, technique follows.
- Use a free trial. Some studios offer a free or discounted first class — the easiest way to see if your child clicks with the teacher. See studios with a free trial class.
Kids' ballet near Portland
All ballet studios in Portland, OR → · All kids' ballet cities →