River City Dancers Square Dance Lessons

- 10666 SE 42nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222

Welcome to the River City Dancers, a vibrant and welcoming dance school and club located in Milwaukie, Oregon. More than just a place to learn to dance, this organization is a community dedicated to the joyful art of square dancing. As Oregon's official state dance, square dancing has a rich history in the region, and River City Dancers proudly carries on this tradition. The club provides a friendly and supportive environment where people of all ages can gather to learn, socialize, and have a great time. From the experienced dancers who volunteer as "angels" to the new dancers just beginning their journey, everyone is made to feel like part of the family. The atmosphere is one of laughter and fun, as the focus is on enjoying the process rather than striving for perfection.

This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes River City Dancers a unique and valuable resource in the Milwaukie and greater Portland area. We'll explore the club's convenient location, its diverse offerings, and the special features that make it such a beloved institution. The club has been a place for people to learn dance and form "life-long friends." Whether you're a couple or a single dancer, you'll be welcomed and partnered with someone to ensure you get to enjoy the activity. The River City Dancers is the perfect place for those who want to broaden their social life, get some exercise, and enjoy a truly unique form of entertainment.

The dance programs at River City Dancers are designed to be accessible to everyone. The instructors, or "callers," are dedicated to helping new dancers learn the basic steps, which are as easy as walking to music. They also ensure that if you miss a lesson, you can easily catch up with the help of the dedicated angels and fellow dancers. The club's commitment to creating a "clean, safe entertainment" environment where dancing is seen as "Friendship set to music" is a core part of its identity. This community-focused approach is what sets the River City Dancers apart from other dance programs in the Oregon region.

For anyone in the Oregon area looking for a fun, affordable, and inclusive way to get active and connect with others, the River City Dancers is a hidden gem that is well worth discovering.

The River City Dancers hold their dance lessons and events at the Milwaukie Community Club, located at 10666 SE 42nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222, USA. This convenient location makes it a central hub for dancers in Milwaukie, Portland, Oregon City, and the surrounding communities.

A significant highlight of this location is its accessibility. The Milwaukie Community Club features both a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. This ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can easily attend lessons and social dances. The club is committed to making its programs open to all, and this is reflected in its accessible facilities.

The Milwaukie Community Club is a well-known community venue, which makes it easy for new members to find their way. The location is also well-connected to major roadways in the area, providing a simple and straightforward commute from various parts of the greater Portland region. With ample parking and a welcoming physical space, the location helps to make the dance experience seamless and enjoyable. The accessibility of the venue reinforces the club's mission to be an inclusive and welcoming place for all members of the Oregon community.

The familiar and friendly venue, combined with the focus on making it accessible to everyone, helps to create a comfortable and welcoming environment from the moment you arrive.

River City Dancers offers a range of services centered around the art of square dancing, but they also incorporate other dance styles to make the experience diverse and engaging. Their programs are designed to be both educational and recreational.

Here is a list of the services offered:

• Dance Lessons: The core offering, with classes starting each fall and continuing throughout the winter to teach new dancers the fundamentals of square dancing.
• Ballroom Dancing: The club also offers lessons in other dance styles, including ballroom.
• Dance Programs: Structured programs for new dancers, with lessons building on one another to ensure a solid foundation.
• Theme Dances: Fun and creative dance events with various themes, adding a layer of entertainment to the social gatherings.
• Mainstream and Plus Classes: Lessons for both beginner and intermediate dancers who want to progress their skills.
• Round Dance Lessons: A complementary style of dance that is also offered by the club.
• Social Dances: Regular social events on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month where dancers can practice their skills in a fun and relaxed setting.

The club is known for its ability to combine traditional dance forms with modern music, creating a unique and exciting experience. As noted in a past article, they've been known to square dance to everything from Charlie Puth and "It's All About That Bass" to country classics. This blend of new and old appeals to a wide range of ages and musical tastes. The dance events often include snacks and a non-smoking, non-drinking environment, making it a healthy and family-friendly activity. The club's comprehensive dance program, from beginner lessons to regular social dances, ensures that students have a consistent and rewarding path to follow in their dance journey.

River City Dancers is more than just a place to learn; it's a community with a number of unique features and highlights that set it apart.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Inclusivity for All Ages and Abilities: The club is open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. They have dancers ranging from 18-year-olds to 80-somethings, creating a true multi-generational activity.
• Welcoming to Singles: A significant highlight is that you do not need a partner to join. Single dancers will be partnered with other singles or with an "angel" from the club, ensuring everyone gets to dance.
• Affordability: At just $6 per person per lesson, the club offers an "inexpensive evening of entertainment" and is considered "the most fun for the least dollars anywhere!"
• Acceptance of All Skill Levels: The club’s motto is that if you can walk to music, you can learn to square dance. They take the pressure off by emphasizing that "mistakes are our fault not yours," creating a low-stress learning environment.
• Modern and Diverse Music: They do not stick to just country music; the club incorporates a variety of genres including pop, rock, and techno, making it a modern and engaging experience.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Square dancing is a great workout. Dancers can walk up to five miles a night and burn up to 400 calories in 30 minutes, making it excellent for physical and mental fitness.
• Supportive "Angels": Experienced club members volunteer as "angels" to help new dancers, sharing their love of dancing and providing personalized support.
• International Appeal: Square dancing is done in English in over 18 different countries, which means once you learn here, you can dance almost anywhere in the world.

These features combine to create a deeply rewarding and unique experience. The club's emphasis on fun, friendship, and physical fitness, all within a safe and supportive environment, makes it a truly special place in the Milwaukie and Portland area.

For those ready to join the River City Dancers, here is the contact information:

• Address: 10666 SE 42nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222, USA
• Phone: (503) 252-4853

You can call the provided number to inquire about upcoming dance lessons, social dance events, or general information about the club. The friendly staff and club members are always happy to answer questions and welcome new people.

The club's physical location at the Milwaukie Community Club is easy to find and visit in person. This makes it simple to attend an introductory lesson or a social dance to see for yourself what the club is all about. With its clear and concise contact information, taking the first step to becoming a dancer is easy.

Choosing a dance activity is about finding the right fit for your interests and lifestyle, and the River City Dancers offers several compelling reasons why it is a top choice in the Oregon area. What makes this club truly worth choosing is its unique blend of affordability, inclusivity, and a deep-seated sense of community.

First and foremost, the welcoming atmosphere is a major draw. The club is a place where you can come "as you are" and feel immediately included. The presence of volunteer "angels" who assist new dancers takes away any intimidation, and the fact that you don't need a partner to participate makes it accessible to everyone. This is a rare find in partner dance forms and is a significant reason why many people choose to begin their dance journey here.

Second, the benefits extend far beyond just learning to dance. Square dancing is a fantastic form of exercise that is both physically and mentally engaging. It helps improve coordination, balance, and cognitive function, all while being a fun and social activity. As the club notes, it's an "inexpensive evening of entertainment that benefits both health and mind," making it a smart choice for anyone looking to stay active and engaged.

Finally, the strong sense of community is what keeps people coming back. The club is a place where "life-long friends" are made, and the camaraderie is palpable. The social dances provide a perfect setting to connect with others, and the shared joy of dancing to a variety of music—from classic ballads to modern pop—creates a truly special bond. For those in Oregon seeking a hobby that is affordable, healthy, and deeply communal, the River City Dancers is the perfect place to start.

River City Dancers Square Dance Lessons

10666 SE 42nd Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222, USA