Parkrose Ballroom

- 4848 NE 105th Ave, Portland, OR 97220

For residents of Portland and the surrounding Oregon communities, Parkrose Ballroom stands out as a unique and historic point of interest. Operating for over a century, this venue is a hidden gem in Northeast Portland, celebrated for its rich history and exceptional dance space. While the business formally identifies as a Ballroom dance instructor and proudly notes that it is veteran-owned, it functions as a comprehensive dance hub that hosts a variety of lessons, practice sessions, and social events through partner organizations like DanceWell PDX Schools.

The primary draw of Parkrose Ballroom is the beautiful, sprung maple-wood dance floor, which patrons frequently describe as "exceptional and high quality." This historic floor has been the foundation for countless community gatherings and dance milestones, including its role as an official USO dance hall during WWII, cementing its place in Portland's historical and cultural landscape. Whether you are an experienced dancer seeking a superb practice surface or a beginner looking for a welcoming environment to take your first steps, the venue offers a charming setting. Furthermore, the commitment to community inclusion is evident in its offering of programs considered Good for kids, providing a space for all ages to experience the joy of dance.

However, potential Oregon customers should be aware of serious and public concerns raised in recent customer feedback. One detailed negative review concerning the alleged conduct of the business owner, specifically related to the apparent misuse of private contact information following a separate business review, has been shared widely. The review describes the owner of the ballroom allegedly obtaining a customer's personal phone number—supposedly through a credit card processor linked to an associated dispensary business—and attempting to contact them following a negative review. The customer describes this as alarming, unacceptable behavior and an intimidation tactic, stating that formal complaints would be filed with relevant authorities. This deeply concerning account highlights the importance of the public exercising caution regarding privacy and customer service practices, even while appreciating the venue's physical attributes.

Location and Accessibility

Parkrose Ballroom is located in the Parkrose neighborhood of Northeast Portland, Oregon, a convenient location for many residents within the Portland metro area and beyond. Its address places it within easy reach of major local routes, making it a feasible destination for dance enthusiasts across the city.

The address for the historic venue is:

4848 NE 105th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA

Accessibility for patrons is primarily facilitated by local street access.

Key accessibility features include:

• Free street parking: This amenity is a significant convenience for Portland drivers, reducing the typical city stress associated with finding and paying for parking, and making attendance at classes or events easier.

It is advised that patrons confirm specific accessibility details for mobility assistance directly with the management, given the age and nature of the historic building.

Services Offered (Through Affiliated Instructors and Rentals)

Parkrose Ballroom functions as both a dedicated dance venue and a location for various dance programs, primarily facilitated by professional instructors and schools, such as DanceWell PDX. The venue and its instructors cover a wide spectrum of partner dance styles for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced dancers.

The range of services offered at the facility includes:

• Group Dance Classes: Structured classes available for various levels (Beginner Intro, Pre-Intermediate Foundations, Intermediate, Advanced) in popular partner dances.
• Comprehensive Dance Styles: Instruction covers an extensive list of styles, including:
  • Ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz)
  • Latin (Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa)
  • Swing (East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing)
  • Nightclub and Country Dances (Hustle, Nightclub 2-Step, Country 2-Step)
• Weekly Dance Socials and Practice Sessions: Regular events, such as the "$5 Tuesday Ballroom Variety Mix" and the "4th Friday Ballroom Social Dance," allow singles and couples to practice new steps and socialize in a supportive environment.
• Private Dance Lessons: Personalized one-on-one instruction available by appointment for students seeking rapid skill development, wedding choreography, or competition training.
• Venue Rentals: The ballroom is available for rental for community events, private lessons, parties, and other gatherings, capitalizing on its sprung floor and historic charm.
• Youth and Family Programs: With services that are noted as Good for kids, the venue supports family-friendly classes and events, fostering a multi-generational dance community.

Features / Highlights (Historic Charm and Dance Quality)

The key features that make Parkrose Ballroom attractive to the Oregon dance community are rooted in its tangible history and exceptional facilities, making it a distinctive place to learn and practice.

• Historic 100-Year-Old Ballroom: Built in 1920, the building has a deep connection to Portland’s past, having served as a community hub and a WWII-era USO dance hall.
• Exceptional Sprung Maple-Wood Floor: A defining highlight, the high-quality, 'sprung' hardwood floor is specifically designed for dancing, offering a superior surface that is easier on the joints and provides an excellent feel for movement.
• Extensive Curriculum Options: Through its primary partner, the venue offers a systematic curriculum that allows dancers to progress from Beginner (Level 1) through Advanced (Level 4) across numerous dance styles.
• Veteran-Owned Business Identity: The business identifies as veteran-owned, a feature that may appeal to Oregonians who prioritize supporting veteran enterprises.
• Community Social Events: The facility hosts frequent dance socials with DJ-curated music, ensuring ample opportunity for dancers to apply their learned skills in a real-world social setting.
• All-Ages Focus: The availability of programs considered Good for kids and the general 'All ages' policy for events ensure the ballroom serves as a true multi-generational community space.

Contact Information (Address, Phone)

For residents seeking information about venue rentals, class schedules, or general inquiries for the Parkrose Ballroom location in Portland, the following details are provided:

Address: 4848 NE 105th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA

Phone: (503) 939-0249

What is Worth Choosing: Dance Experience Versus Business Conduct

For Oregon dance enthusiasts, Parkrose Ballroom offers an unrivaled physical space. The chance to practice Ballroom, Latin, and Swing on a historic, high-quality, sprung maple floor—a feature highly valued in the dance world—is a unique proposition in Portland. The venue’s rich history and its identification as a veteran-owned business add a distinctive character that appeals to many local patrons. The comprehensive class offerings, available for all ages (Good for kids) and skill levels, along with the convenience of Free street parking, make it an excellent location for pursuing a dance hobby.

However, potential users must weigh these physical and instructional benefits against the severe allegations of deeply "sketchy business practices" described in public reviews. The reported incident of a business owner allegedly misusing private customer data for attempted intimidation or retaliation is a major red flag that warrants extreme caution. While the dance instruction and venue itself may be top-tier, local customers should be fully aware of the public concerns regarding the ethical conduct and handling of private information by the business management. Ultimately, the decision to choose Parkrose Ballroom will depend on an individual's priority: the quality of the historic dance floor and instruction, or the absolute necessity of ethical, trustworthy, and respectful business operations.

Parkrose Ballroom

4848 NE 105th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA