We offer group classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced level dancers. Our group classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out our calendar page to see which classes are happening this weekend!

Group classes are designed to teach basic technique, lead-follow skills, and musicality. They are available to everyone, although instructor permission is required for advanced group classes. The classes focus on repetition as a means of learning both the pattern and improving balance, coordination, and leading/following skills. Leading and following skills allow you to dance with confidence in a social dance setting.

Although group classes are designed to be taken in a series, it is not always possible to attend every class. Every week we review material from the previous weeks before learning new figures. This ensures that new students or students that missed a previous week are not left behind. The class’s learning speed depends on the size of the class and the skill levels of its participants.

Beginning group classes cost $7 per person if you pre-pay for the entire series or $9 to drop-in to an individual class. Intermediate group classes are $9 pre-paid or $11 for drop-ins and advanced classes are $11 per person pre-paid or $13 for drop-ins. Beginning group class rates for students are $5 per class if you pre-pay and $7 for a drop-in. If you have questions or concerns about which difficulty level would best suit you, please email us at uptownballroom@gmail.com or call us at (503) 789-3023. We would be happy to answer your questions!

What if a class moves too quickly or slowly for me?

If a class progresses too quickly, try taking the next easiest level of lesson. If you wish to remain in the class, taking a private lesson is your best option. A private lesson allows you to work one on one with your instructor to clear up any information from your group lessons.

When a class moves too slowly for you, take a more difficult group lesson. For advanced or competition level choreography and technique, a private lesson will be your most effective choice. Group classes will not cultivate these skills. In fact, nearly all high-level competitive dancers take private lessons exclusively. If an advanced group class is moving too slowly for you, it’s time to think about investing in a private lesson.


Private Lessons


Top 10 Reasons to Take a Private Lesson
1. Private lessons move at your learning speed.
2. You decide which dance(s) you wish to focus on.
3. You can choose to focus on choreography, technique, lead-follow, or any combination thereof.
4. You dance with your instructor so that you can feel the dance instead of watching.
5. Private lessons are a comfortable environment in which to ask questions you may not want to ask in class.
6. Private lessons are the fastest way to improve your dancing.
7. The only way to learn the most advanced figures and technique is through a private lesson.
8. Your instructor can create a specially choreographed routine that plays to your strengths.
9. Private lessons are offered throughout the week to best fit your schedule.
10. If you wish to be a competitive dancer, private lessons are the most efficient learning method.

What can I expect from a private lesson?
Private lessons are your chance, or you and your partner’s chance, to work individually with an instructor. Private lessons last 55 minutes and are $75 per lesson.
Group classes teach basic technique and patterns, but they cannot address individual limitations that prevent you from becoming a better dancer. Your instructor will often build upon group class material in a private lesson by demonstrating finer points of technique or refining a figure. This level of individualized instruction is not available during group lessons, but is extremely beneficial to improving your dancing.
A private lesson is also your chance to clarify information that you have received in group classes. You can spend your lesson working on one dance, or several dances. You can clarify information from group classes, such as how to lead more effectively, how to better execute a figure, or even learn a new figure not covered in group class. You can choose the details you would like to improve, or you and your instructor can work together to set improvement goals.

What should I wear to my private lessons?
Everyday clothes that are easy to move in are perfect. Thin-soled dress shoes will work if you don't have ballroom shoes. Please do not wear rubber-soled shoes. There are several dance shoe stores in the area, including The Glass Slipper at 3106 NE Broadway.

How much does my private lesson cost?
Private lessons are $75 for 55 minutes.

How do I book my private lesson?
We are available seven days a week to meet your scheduling needs. Email us at UpTownballroom@gmail.com or call us at (503)789-3023 to schedule your private lesson today!

How do I cancel my private lesson?
Please let us know by phone or email if you will be unable to attend your scheduled lesson. Due to limited availability, we request that you give us 24 hours notice so that we may offer your cancelled lesson time to another student.