Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall

Hello, Oregonians! If you're seeking a distinctive and vibrant space to engage in traditional folk dances, connect with a passionate community, and experience unique cultural events right here in Portland, then the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall is a local treasure you need to explore. While it might evoke images of grand ballrooms, this "dance hall" serves as a dedicated community resource, primarily for various forms of traditional and country dance. It's a place where rich history, rhythmic movement, and friendly camaraderie converge.

The Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall is widely recognized as a "fantastic community resource." It hosts a variety of dance groups and events, fostering a welcoming environment for both seasoned dancers and curious newcomers. As one enthusiastic participant shared, "Come and join The Bridgetown Morris men on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm for free Morris dance classes." This highlights the hall's commitment to accessibility and the thriving dance culture it supports. Beyond Morris dance, it is a primary venue for English Country Dance and Scottish Country Dance, offering consistent opportunities to learn and socialize.

Despite its designation as a "dance hall," some might be surprised by its physical characteristics, with one review noting, "Super small, but unusual in that u get to walk under the giant tower." This suggests a unique, intimate setting, perhaps more akin to a community hall or studio space, rather than a vast commercial venue. This article will delve into what makes the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall a vital part of Portland's dance scene. We'll cover its unique location and accessibility, outline the types of services and events it offers, highlight its key features, and provide essential contact information. Our goal is to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of why this distinctive venue is perfectly suited for locals seeking to embrace the joy of traditional dance right here in Oregon.

The Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall is uniquely located at 8936 SW 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, USA. This address places it in the Burlingame neighborhood of Southwest Portland, a residential area known for its green spaces and community feel. The dance hall's name itself suggests its most prominent landmark: a giant water tower, which contributes to its unique character and makes it a memorable location.

For residents of Portland, particularly those in the SW quadrant and nearby areas like Multnomah Village or Hillsdale, the venue offers good accessibility. While it's situated in a residential area, SW 17th Ave provides connectivity to larger roads and the wider Portland transit system. While specifics on parking are not widely publicized, residential areas typically offer street parking. The unusual nature of its setting – beneath a water tower – adds to its charm and helps it stand out. This localized positioning makes it a convenient and distinctive hub for community activities, especially for those interested in folk and traditional dances who prefer a more intimate and local gathering spot over a large commercial venue.

The Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall primarily serves as a dedicated venue for various traditional and folk dance organizations, offering both instruction and social dance opportunities. Its services are largely facilitated by these community groups.

• English Country Dance (ECD): The Portland Country Dance Community (PCDC) frequently hosts English Country Dance events here. This includes:
  • Weekly Friday Night English Dance: Often featuring live music and different callers. Admission is typically on a sliding scale, with newcomer sessions available upon request.
  • Annual Portland English Country Dance Ball Weekend: This venue is a primary location for parts of this larger, pre-registered annual event.
  • Focus on Figures and Technique: Classes encourage dancers to refine elements like quality of movement, timing, and transitions.
• Scottish Country Dance (SCD) Classes: The Portland Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) holds classes at this location, including:
  • Weekly Monday Night Classes: Covering fundamentals in the first half of the class, with a focus on intermediate and advanced skills in the second. First-timers often attend for free, and there are affordable rates for members and non-members.
  • Annual Workshop & Ball: The venue is often a part of their larger annual event featuring nationally recognized teachers and live music.
• Morris Dance Classes: The Bridgetown Morris Men utilize the hall for their practices, offering:
  • Free Weekly Morris Dance Classes: On Wednesday evenings, welcoming beginners to learn this traditional English folk dance.
• Community Space Rental: While specific rental details for private parties are not extensively public for this particular "dance hall," its nature as a community resource suggests it can be rented by various groups for dance practices, workshops, and possibly other small community gatherings. (Note: Public information for "Burlingame Community Center" outlines rental policies, but it's unclear if this "Dance Hall" operates under the exact same rental system as a broader community center or as a more dedicated, specific dance venue.)
• Live Music: Many of the dance events, particularly English Country Dances, feature live music from talented local musicians, enhancing the authenticity and energy of the experience.
• Beginner-Friendly Instruction: Various groups hosting at the hall prioritize welcoming new dancers, often offering introductory sessions before main dances or structuring classes to accommodate all levels.

The Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a special place for traditional dance enthusiasts in Portland.

• Unique and Historic Setting: The hall's location "under the giant tower" gives it an unusual and memorable character. This distinctive setting contributes to its charm and makes it a local landmark within the dance community.
• Dedicated Folk Dance Hub: It serves as a primary venue for multiple traditional dance forms, including English Country Dance, Scottish Country Dance, and Morris Dance. This specialization fosters a strong sense of community for these specific dance styles.
• Highly Accessible and Welcoming Community: Reviews highlight it as a "fantastic community resource" where "everyone is friendly." The various dance groups actively encourage new participants, making it easy for individuals to join regardless of prior experience.
• Affordable or Free Classes: Many of the classes offered by resident groups, such as the Bridgetown Morris Men's free classes and the affordable rates for Scottish Country Dance (with free first-timer options), make traditional dance highly accessible to the local population.
• Live Music accompaniment: A significant highlight of many events, particularly the English Country Dances, is the presence of live musicians. This elevates the dancing experience, providing authentic and energetic accompaniment.
• Consistent Schedule of Events: With regular weekly classes and dances (like Monday Scottish Country Dance and Friday English Country Dance), the hall provides consistent opportunities for locals to engage with their preferred dance forms.
• Focus on Learning and Skill Development: Classes are structured to teach fundamentals as well as more advanced techniques, allowing dancers to progress and deepen their understanding of the dances.

While a review notes the space is "Super small," this likely contributes to the intimate and communal atmosphere, which can be a positive feature for folk dancing, where close interaction is part of the tradition. This characteristic reinforces its suitability as a community dance space rather than a large commercial entertainment venue.

For those in Portland, OR, and the surrounding areas interested in the dance opportunities at the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 8936 SW 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, USA

Phone: While a direct phone number for the "Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall" itself is not widely publicized as a general contact, it functions primarily as a venue for specific dance organizations. Therefore, the best way to get information is to contact the groups that use the space:

• For English Country Dance (PCDC): Check their website (portlandcountrydance.org) for schedule and contact details.
• For Scottish Country Dance (RSCDS Portland Branch): Visit their website (portlandscottishdancers.org) for class schedules and contact information.
• For Bridgetown Morris Men: Visit their website (bridgetownmorris.org) for their practice schedule and how to join.

It is highly recommended to visit the websites of the respective dance organizations that utilize the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall for the most up-to-date schedules, admission fees (if any), and specific details about their classes and events. This will ensure you have all the necessary information to plan your visit and join the vibrant dance community.

For residents of Portland, Oregon, and the broader metropolitan area, the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall stands as an exceptionally suitable and valuable local institution, particularly for those drawn to traditional and folk dancing. Its suitability is deeply rooted in its unique community-focused approach, historical charm, and accessibility to a rich cultural experience.

Firstly, its role as a dedicated hub for English Country Dance, Scottish Country Dance, and Morris Dance provides a niche yet vibrant offering that caters to a passionate segment of the local population. This specialization ensures high-quality instruction and a strong sense of camaraderie among participants who share a common interest. The fact that groups like the Bridgetown Morris Men offer free classes underscores the venue's commitment to being a "fantastic community resource," making these unique dance forms accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means or prior experience.

Secondly, the atmosphere at the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall is inherently welcoming and inclusive. The emphasis on fostering a friendly environment where "everyone is friendly" and newcomers are actively encouraged to participate (often with introductory sessions or free first classes) creates a safe and enjoyable space to learn and socialize. This cultivates a strong sense of local community, allowing individuals to build connections and friendships through shared activity, which is a powerful draw in an urban setting.

Furthermore, the experience of dancing to live music, often featured at the English Country Dance events, adds an authentic and enriching dimension that elevates the overall enjoyment. While the venue might be "super small," this intimacy often enhances the community feel, making it a comfortable and engaging place to spend an evening. Its consistent schedule of classes and social dances also provides reliable opportunities for ongoing engagement, allowing locals to integrate dance into their weekly routines.

In essence, the Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall is more than just a place to move; it's a living cultural space that preserves and promotes traditional dance forms. By offering an accessible, affordable, and deeply communal environment for these unique dances, it provides a compelling reason for Portlanders to step out, learn a new skill, and connect with their neighbors, all within a charming and historically significant setting.

Burlingame Water Tower Dance Hall

8936 SW 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, USA