Classical Ballet Academy

- 5516 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206

For those in the Oregon region with a passion for dance, or for parents seeking a high-quality dance education for their children, Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) is a premier institution in Portland. Founded in 2004, the academy is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and transforming dancers of all ages through the study of classical ballet and complementary dance forms. CBA is more than just a place to learn dance; it's a community that fosters discipline, strength, and artistry. The academy is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all dancers, from children in their first creative movement class to adults returning to the barre. With a focus on professional, high-quality instruction, CBA is a place where students can truly grow and develop their skills, whether their goals are to perform on stage or simply to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of dance.

Classical Ballet Academy is located at 5516 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, USA. This location places the studio in the heart of Portland, making it easily accessible for families and individuals from various neighborhoods. The studio's building has a rich history, having been a theatre built in 1915 and later a music store, a fact that contributes a sense of historical character and community roots to the space. The academy is committed to making its facility accessible to all members of the community, as evidenced by its wheelchair-accessible car park. This feature, along with the studio's welcoming environment, ensures that students and visitors can easily access the building and its classes. The convenient location on a main road also simplifies travel for families, making it a practical choice for regular attendance.

Classical Ballet Academy offers a comprehensive range of services and classes designed to meet the needs and goals of a diverse student body. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to provide a rewarding and progressive learning experience for everyone.

• Children's Program: The academy offers a wide variety of classes for children, including Creative Movement for the youngest dancers (ages 2.5-4), Pre-Ballet, and a full Children's Ballet program. The focus is on a fun, nurturing, and disciplined introduction to dance.

• Adult Program: For adult dancers, CBA provides classes like Adult Beginning Ballet and Intermediate Ballet. These classes offer a supportive environment for individuals to enjoy the benefits of dance training, such as renewed confidence, stamina, and a supportive network of peers.

• Classical & Contemporary Dance: While specializing in classical ballet, the academy also offers a wide range of complementary dance forms, including Contemporary and Character Dance, providing a well-rounded dance education.

• Pilates Classes: Recognizing the importance of cross-training for dancers and overall fitness, the academy provides Pilates classes, helping students build core strength and flexibility.

• Ballet Productions: The academy is a performance-focused school that provides students with the opportunity to perform in professional environments. CBA produces full-length ballets, such as The Nutcracker, and other performances throughout the year.

• Payments: For the convenience of all students, the academy accepts credit cards and debit cards for tuition and fees, making the registration process seamless and simple.

Classical Ballet Academy stands out in the Portland dance scene due to several key features that highlight its commitment to excellence and community.

• Dedicated and Kind Instructors: As noted by a customer, the instructors are "very kind and so good at what they do." They create a "nice welcoming environment for all of the dancers," ensuring that students feel supported and encouraged on their dance journey.

• Holistic Development: The academy's mission is not just about teaching dance steps. It aims to "educate, inspire and transform dancers" by promoting principles of fairness, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The training is designed to impact all aspects of a student's life, from physical awareness to personal discipline.

• Professional Performance Opportunities: The emphasis on producing full-length ballets and providing other performance opportunities gives students a rare and valuable chance to experience performing in a professional environment. This can be a key step for those with professional aspirations.

• Community Focus: The academy is dedicated to helping each individual achieve their goals in a supportive environment. The instructors are trained in trauma-informed, strengths-based teaching practices, which shows a deep commitment to the well-being of their students.

• Accessible and Inclusive: With a wheelchair-accessible car park and a strong mission statement promoting fairness and inclusion across a wide range of identities, CBA demonstrates its commitment to making dance accessible to everyone in the Portland community.

For those interested in learning more or enrolling in a class, Classical Ballet Academy is easy to contact.

Address: 5516 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, USA

Phone: (503) 890-6101

The academy's staff is known for being friendly and helpful, and they are ready to provide assistance with class schedules, registration, and general inquiries.

What makes Classical Ballet Academy a top choice for Oregon locals is its unique combination of a rigorous, high-quality dance education and a deeply nurturing, community-focused philosophy. For parents, the fact that their children will be taught by kind and effective instructors in a welcoming environment is invaluable. As one parent noted, their daughter "loves it!" which speaks volumes about the positive experience offered. Unlike other schools that may focus heavily on competition, CBA provides a balanced approach, where performance opportunities are a celebratory part of the learning journey. The dedication to an inclusive and diverse community, as detailed in their mission statement, shows a modern and thoughtful approach to dance education. For adults, the program offers a chance to return to or start ballet in a supportive space, providing both physical benefits and a mental escape. The commitment to a professional yet welcoming atmosphere makes this academy a true gem in Portland’s arts scene. Choosing Classical Ballet Academy means choosing an institution where students are encouraged to be their best selves, both on and off the stage.

Classical Ballet Academy

5516 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, USA