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STEPS PDX

4.9 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · Ballet school in Portland, Oregon

Adult classes Kids & teens Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 3–9 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 971-400-0713
  • Website & schedule stepspdx.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 4–9 pm
Tuesday 4–9 pm
Wednesday 4–9 pm
Thursday 4–9 pm
Friday 4–7 pm
Saturday 9 am–3 pm
Sunday 9 am–2 pm

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 STEPS PDX, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💃 Adult Ballet 2 mentions

“I have been wanted to try tap dance as an adult for a couple years but was shy about finding a comfortable dance space.”

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🌸 Kids Ballet 15 mentions

“Finally, the professional level productions they put on twice each year are filled with beauty, heart and hard work and ask our children to rise to the occasion.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives 2 mentions

“My daughter enjoyed the summer intensive at Steps and she wants to try the full semester training in ballet snd contemporary.”

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 65 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 2 mentions

“This allows them to make great gains in both technique and confidence.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“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 community and learn.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 3 mentions

“My daughter loves her teachers, says there are nice people, and it’s a good place to be learning.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 20 mentions

“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 community and learn.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 5 mentions

“Fantastic teachers, a supportive environment and great performing opportunities.”

serious pre-professional training 2 mentions

From the reviews

I am totally hooked on STEPS!! I signed up for the adult drop in class on a whim a few months ago. I have been wanted to try tap dance as an adult for a couple years but was shy about finding a comfortable dance space.

★★★★★ — Bridget, Nov 2023

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 community and learn. I’ve taken a handful of adult/teen drop-in classes including house, finding your rhythm, and modern foundations.

★★★★★ — Katie, Oct 2023

Our daughter has trained here since the studio opened and the training has transformed both her dancing and her attitude toward dance. Instructors meet students where they are and give them individual attention, and the teachers foster a warm and supportive community among students.

★★★★★ — Monika, Mar 2019

My daughter has been dancing at Steps PDX for a year now. This dance program has been everything she’s dreamed of. As a former dancer myself I am very happy and impressed with the foundation she is receiving as a beginner. Her growth has been exceptional.

★★★★★ — Jasmine, Jun 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 65 reviews →

Adult ballet at STEPS PDX

STEPS PDX 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.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at STEPS PDX

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 STEPS PDX

1734 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR97214

Get directions Facebook

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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.