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Hamel Dance Academy

5 ★★★★★ 2 Google reviews · Ballet school in Lafayette, Oregon

Kids & teens Pointe Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
  • Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 503-261-1613
  • Website & schedule hameldance.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 2:30–8:30 pm
Tuesday 9–11:30 am, 3–8:30 pm
Wednesday 1:30–7 pm
Thursday 3:30–8 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Hamel Dance Academy, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 5 mentions

“Both of my children have taken classes from HDA (tap, contemporary and ballet).”

All studios with kids ballet →

🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

“My daughter is 4 and in her 45 minute creative movements class.”

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 2 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 2 mentions

“In this studio, you will find affordable pricing (you don't even have to buy recital costumes or pay to see your student perform!”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“She has high expectations, which builds confidence in her students.”

From the reviews

Hamel Dance Academy is one of Yamhill County's best kept secrets. Christine Hamel (owner/director/instructor) is an exceptional teacher. Not only is she an expert in the field of dance instruction, but she takes the time to cultivate character in her dance students as well.

★★★★★ — Sarah, Jan 2026

Christine Hamel is lovely! My daughter is 4 and in her 45 minute creative movements class. She enjoys going every week where they work on ballet and tap. Mrs. Hamel also teaches the kids about famous dancers at the end of class. Christine’s prices are very reasonable and she is great at what she does!

★★★★★ — Lindsey, Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 2 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Hamel Dance Academy

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Hamel Dance Academy

421 3rd St, Lafayette, OR97127

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.