Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts

- 311 B Ave suite z, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Welcome to the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts, a highly respected and nurturing dance school located in the heart of Lake Oswego, Oregon. Since its founding in 1999 by Artistic Director Wendy Goldthwaite, the academy has been dedicated to providing a professional yet supportive environment where discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and respect are paramount. As a certified teaching member of the Royal Academy of Dance, Miss Wendy is an incredibly sweet and caring coach who ensures that every student, from toddlers to adults, receives top-of-the-line instruction. The mission of the academy is to offer rigorous classical ballet training in an uplifting and accepting environment, making it a perfect place for dancers to grow in spirit and as performing artists.

This article will provide an in-depth look into what makes the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts a premier institution in the Oregon dance community. We'll explore its convenient location, its comprehensive list of services, and the unique features that set it apart. The academy’s commitment to providing a positive and supportive space is evident in the stories of families who have been a part of the community for many years. It is a place where young dancers can receive serious training without the pressure or negativity often associated with the world of ballet.

Miss Wendy's extensive experience as a dancer, educator, and choreographer, having performed with Ballet West and coached national gymnasts and ice skating competitors, brings a wealth of knowledge to the studio. She is also a certified Stott Pilates instructor, which adds a unique, holistic dimension to the training. The academy offers a wide variety of classes that cater to all skill levels and ages, ensuring that everyone who loves to dance can find a home here. From pre-ballet classes for the youngest dancers to adult lessons and master classes for aspiring professionals, the academy truly provides a well-rounded and exceptional dance education.

For anyone in the Oregon region seeking a high-quality dance education for themselves or their children in a welcoming and disciplined environment, the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts is a phenomenal choice. The blend of rigorous training and a nurturing atmosphere makes it a rare and invaluable gem in the community.

The Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts is conveniently located at 311 B Ave suite z, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and accessible community of downtown Lake Oswego, making it a central hub for families from the surrounding areas. The studio is situated to be easily reachable, providing a stress-free commute for students and parents alike.

A significant highlight of the academy's location is its accessibility. The facility features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which ensures that all individuals, regardless of their mobility, can easily access the studio and its services. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to the academy's welcoming and community-focused mission.

The location in Lake Oswego is well-known and easy to navigate. It allows for convenient drop-offs and pickups, and its presence in a bustling area means that parents can run errands or enjoy the neighborhood while their children are in class. The combination of a prime location and thoughtful amenities, such as multiple payment options (credit and debit cards), makes the experience of attending the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts seamless and practical for all families in Oregon.

The physical space is designed to support a positive learning environment, and its accessible location ensures that the joy of dance is available to a broad community.

The Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts offers a comprehensive array of services and programs, catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels. Their curriculum is carefully structured to provide a strong foundation in classical ballet while also incorporating other disciplines for a well-rounded dance education.

Here is a list of the services offered:

• Ballet Classes for Children: Structured classes for younger dancers, including pre-ballet for toddlers and children, with an emphasis on musicality, creativity, and coordination.
• Classical Ballet Training: Rigorous training in classical ballet for youth and advanced dancers, preparing them for a professional dance career if they choose.
• Adult Ballet Classes: Lessons for adults of all levels, from beginner to advanced, providing a way for former dancers to return to the art or for new dancers to start their journey.
• Character Dance: Instruction in this specialized dance form, which incorporates folk dances and traditional styles into ballet.
• Master Classes: Opportunities for students to learn from visiting teachers or experts, enhancing their training and exposure.
• Pilates: Private Pilates classes and lessons are offered, a valuable service given the importance of core strength and stability for dancers.
• Summer Dance Camps: Fun and intensive camps during the summer months that offer a great way for dancers to improve their skills and stay active.
• Group & Private Classes: The academy offers a variety of group lessons as well as private instruction for dancers who seek personalized coaching.

The academy's program is designed to be progressive, ensuring that students can build upon their skills as they advance. The inclusion of Pilates and character dance, in addition to classical ballet, provides a holistic approach to training that is beneficial for all dancers. The wide array of classes, from structured programs for young students to flexible options for adults, ensures that every dancer can find a place to grow and thrive at the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts.

The Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts is distinguished by a variety of key features and highlights that make it an outstanding choice for dance education in the Lake Oswego and greater Oregon region.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Caring and Uplifting Environment: The academy is praised for its "uplifting and accepting environment" where students receive "rigorous classical ballet training" without the negativity often found in other studios.
• Exceptional Director: Miss Wendy, the director, is described as the "sweetest and most caring Ballet Coach" and is a highly respected member of the community. Her extensive experience and professional certifications, including her teaching membership with the Royal Academy of Dance and her Stott Pilates certification, are major assets.
• Good for kids: The studio is an excellent choice for children, with classes tailored to young dancers that are "top of the line" and a positive, nurturing atmosphere that encourages a love of dance.
• Holistic Training: The integration of Pilates into the curriculum is a unique highlight, as it provides dancers with the foundational strength and body awareness needed to prevent injury and improve performance.
• Accessibility: With a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, the academy ensures that its high-quality dance education is available to a wider audience.
• Variety of Classes: The academy offers a diverse range of programs, from classical ballet and character dance to summer intensives, catering to dancers with different interests and goals.
• Positive Community: The studio is described as a place where "passion and discipline meet the joy of dance," fostering a close-knit and supportive community of students and families.

These highlights collectively demonstrate that the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts is a special institution that prioritizes the well-being and personal growth of its students alongside their technical development. The studio provides a rare and valuable balance of high-level professional training with a warm, empowering, and truly accepting community.

For those ready to start their dance journey at the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts, here is the contact information:

• Address: 311 B Ave suite z, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, USA
• Phone: (503) 381-3281

You can call the provided number to get more information about class schedules, private lessons, and summer camps. The staff and director are ready to assist you and help you find the perfect program that fits your needs and goals.

The academy's location in Lake Oswego is easy to find, making it convenient to visit in person to get a feel for the welcoming atmosphere. The acceptance of credit and debit cards also simplifies the payment process, making registration simple and straightforward.

Choosing a dance school is a significant decision, and the Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts offers several compelling reasons why it is a top choice in the Lake Oswego and greater Oregon region. What makes it truly worth choosing is its unique ability to provide top-tier, rigorous classical ballet training within a deeply positive and nurturing environment.

First, the leadership of Miss Wendy is a major reason for the academy's success. As the single available review from a long-term student’s family highlights, Miss Wendy is not only a caring coach but also a professional who provides "rigorous" training. This rare combination ensures that students receive a high-level dance education while feeling supported and accepted. This is a critical factor for parents who want their children to pursue dance seriously without the negative aspects often associated with the discipline.

Second, the academy's holistic approach to training is a significant advantage. The inclusion of Pilates, led by a certified instructor, helps students build the foundational strength and body awareness necessary for safe and effective dance practice. This focus on the dancer’s overall well-being sets the academy apart and contributes to the long-term health and success of its students.

Finally, the strong sense of community and the uplifting atmosphere are what keep families coming back for years. The academy is not just a place to learn steps; it is a place where students can "dance... for seven years" and love every second of it. The blend of rigorous instruction and a truly accepting environment makes it an ideal choice for anyone in Oregon who is passionate about dance, whether they are a child just starting out or an adult returning to their love of ballet.

Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts

311 B Ave suite z, Lake Oswego, OR 97034, USA