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NW Dance Project
4.8 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Ballet school in Portland, Oregon
Plan your first class
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 503-421-7434
- Website & schedule nwdanceproject.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–8 pm |
The programs they offer
“I took the adult beginner ballet class and I learned to dance.”
“My daughter is taking her first class here this summer, contemporary jazz.”
“They offer exceptional and comprehensive training for youth and inspiring classes for adults.”
What families & students say
“It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or more advanced, they make you feel comfortable and welcome.”
“The staff and teachers at NW Dance Project are so gracious, knowledgeable and kind.”
“Sometimes I am left exhausted by their performances and think about them for days afterwards.”
“Northwest Dance Project was voted "Best Dance Company" and "Best Dance Studio" by Willamette Week Reader's poll.”
“Wonderful professional dance presenter creating original work, coupled with some of the best dance programs in Portland.”
From the reviews
I'm 69 years old. I have seen dance all over the world for fifty years, including dozens of the big names. The intensity, vibrance, and connection of these dancers is beyond compare. Sometimes I am left exhausted by their performances and think about them for days afterwards.
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 to MOVE now! Don't you want to move? Live a little, take a class.
I love Northwest Dance Project. Warm, friendly staff and wonderful teachers. Their new Creative Center is absolutely stunning - world-class dance facilities that are very central in the city. They offer exceptional and comprehensive training for youth and inspiring classes for adults.
All the teachers at NW Dance Project and particularly, Gabriela Ganney Smith, are very good at what they do. I feel encouraged without being pushed and I have grown to love dancing. In addition to the ballet I've learned, I have improved my balance and flexibility.
Adult ballet at NW Dance Project
NW Dance Project runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at NW Dance Project
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.
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