Stumptown Dance

Howdy, Oregonians! If you're looking to step onto the dance floor, learn some classic swing moves, or simply enjoy a fantastic night out filled with lively music and friendly faces, then Stumptown Dance is the place for you. Nestled in the heart of Portland, this vibrant "dance hall" (in the spirit of a dedicated social dance venue) offers an incredible opportunity to dive into the world of swing dancing, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced enthusiast. Stumptown Dance is well-known for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable lessons, and the sheer joy it brings to its community of dancers.

Stumptown Dance has built a strong reputation for making partner dancing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. As one delighted newcomer expressed, "After the beginner lesson I was surprised how even the numbers were for leads to follows. It was a great night and I am definitely coming back every Sunday." Another seasoned dancer praised, "The teachers are great about including more advanced details in the lessons that make them worth attending after you know the material and the intermediate classes are included along with the dance." This commitment to quality instruction at all levels, combined with a truly inclusive environment, sets Stumptown Dance apart. Mindy Barnhart, the owner and primary instructor, is particularly celebrated for her expertise, patience, and dedication, having been involved in the Portland dance community since 1997.

In this comprehensive article, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about Stumptown Dance. We'll explore its convenient Portland location and accessibility, detail the various dance styles and classes it offers, highlight its standout features that contribute to its popularity, and provide all the essential contact information. Our aim is to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview of why Stumptown Dance is perfectly suited for locals looking to embrace the captivating rhythms of swing and find a wonderful community right here in Oregon.

Stumptown Dance primarily holds its events and classes at 111 NE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA. This location places it within the inner east side of Portland, a dynamic and easily accessible part of the city. Specifically, many of their events are held on the 2nd floor of the historic Norse Hall, a well-known community landmark.

The accessibility of this venue is a significant advantage for attendees from across Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area. Being on NE 11th Ave provides good access from major thoroughfares and public transportation routes, including bus lines and MAX light rail, making it convenient for those who prefer not to drive. For those driving, street parking and potentially nearby paid lots are typically available in this urban area. The central location contributes to the broad appeal of Stumptown Dance, drawing dancers from various neighborhoods and fostering a larger, more diverse dance community. The recognizable nature of Norse Hall also serves as a helpful landmark, making it straightforward for newcomers to find their way to a night of dancing.

Stumptown Dance offers a focused yet comprehensive range of services, primarily centered around swing dance instruction and social dancing opportunities, catering to all levels from absolute beginners to advanced enthusiasts.

• Swing Dance Lessons: They provide a variety of group and private lessons for amusement and growth as a dancer. Their core offerings include:
  • Beginner Crash Course: Often included with social dance admission, designed for those with no prior experience or looking for a refresher on the basics.
  • Lindy Hop Series: In-depth courses covering this foundational and highly favored swing dance form, building confidence and style.
  • East Coast/6-Count Swing (ECS): A popular and accessible swing style frequently taught.
  • Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag: These additional swing styles are incorporated into lessons or workshops, offering a well-rounded swing dance education.
  • Technique Workshops: Specific workshops, such as those focusing on "swing outs" and breaking down advanced moves, are offered to help dancers refine their technique.
  Lessons are structured to include more advanced details even for experienced dancers, making them continually worthwhile.
• Weekly Social Dances: Stumptown Dance hosts regular social dance events, most notably their Sunday night dances. These events typically feature:
  • Dedicated dance floors for open social dancing.
  • Music provided by talented DJs, and sometimes live bands, playing swing music suitable for various swing styles.
  • A "crash course" for beginners, often offered before the main social dance, making it easy for new attendees to jump right in.
• No Partner Needed Policy: A significant highlight is that attendees "do not need to bring a partner." They facilitate partner rotation during lessons and social dances, ensuring everyone gets to dance and meet new people.
• Affordable Pricing: Customer reviews consistently praise the "very affordable" prices of lessons and admission, often noted to be "literally half of other places like Arthur Murray." This commitment to affordability makes dancing accessible to a wider Portland audience.
• Private Events and Performances: While primarily a dance instruction and social dance venue, Stumptown Dance also offers services for private events such as birthdays, corporate parties, weddings, and school functions, providing DJs and entertainment to enhance gatherings.
• Inclusivity and All Ages Welcome: They explicitly state that "Pretty much anyone!!" can attend, with no age limit for their social dances and crash courses, fostering a diverse and welcoming community.

Stumptown Dance in Portland boasts several key features and highlights that make it a cherished and popular destination for the local dance community.

• Highly Qualified and Engaging Instructors: Led by Mindy Barnhart, who has been dancing since 1997 and became a full-time instructor and promoter in 2005, the teaching staff is consistently praised. Mindy "knows her stuff" and is a "very well-rounded instructor," with reviews noting that "The dancers show the effort she's put into them." Instructors are also adept at integrating "more advanced details" into lessons for seasoned dancers.
• Exceptional Affordability: This is a major highlight, as prices for lessons are noted to be significantly lower ("literally half of other places") than competitors. This commitment to affordability makes swing dancing accessible to a wider range of individuals, fostering a larger and more diverse dance community.
• Beginner-Friendly and Inclusive: Stumptown Dance is celebrated for its welcoming environment. Newcomers are specifically accommodated with beginner crash courses, and the "even numbers for leads to follows" ensure everyone gets to dance. The explicit "no partner needed" policy removes a common barrier to participation, encouraging solo attendees to join. They also welcome "All ages!" and "All levels!"
• Diverse Swing Dance Styles: While specializing in swing, they cover a good range including Lindy Hop, East Coast/6-Count Swing, Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag, providing a comprehensive education in these energetic dance forms.
• Consistent Social Dance Opportunities: The regular Sunday night dances provide a crucial and enjoyable outlet for dancers to practice their skills, socialize, and immerse themselves in the swing community, making it easy for people to return "every Sunday."
• Focus on Technique and Improvement: Workshops, like those focusing on "swing outs," highlight a commitment to breaking down complex moves and refining technique, catering to dancers who want to continually improve.
• Vibrant and Supportive Community: The overall vibe is one of fun and support, where people are excited to return and engage with others who share a passion for dance.

For those in Portland, OR, and the surrounding areas eager to experience the joy of swing dancing at Stumptown Dance, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 111 NE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA (primarily located on the 2nd Floor of Norse Hall for many events)

Phone: (503) 784-8047

Mobile Phone: +1 503-784-8047

For the most up-to-date schedule of lessons, social dances, special workshops, and any changes to their offerings or venue locations, it is highly recommended to visit their official website, StumptownDance.com, or check their social media channels. You can also call them directly using the provided phone numbers to inquire about specific class levels, private lessons, or any other questions you may have before your visit. This will help ensure you have the best possible experience when you join the Stumptown Dance community.

For residents of Portland, Oregon, and the wider metropolitan area, Stumptown Dance stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing local destination for several compelling reasons. Its core suitability lies in its unique blend of high-quality instruction, remarkable affordability, and a truly inclusive community spirit, making swing dancing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Firstly, the emphasis on making dance welcoming for "all ages and abilities," coupled with the "no partner needed" policy, removes common barriers to participation. This means whether you're a seasoned dancer or have "two left feet," you can confidently step onto the dance floor and find a place. The affordable pricing, noted as being "literally half of other places," is a significant advantage for locals looking for engaging and healthy activities without a hefty financial commitment. This commitment to value helps foster a larger and more diverse dance community, reflective of Portland's inclusive ethos.

Secondly, the expertise of instructors like Mindy Barnhart, who are praised for their knowledge, well-rounded teaching style, and ability to impart both basic and advanced techniques, ensures that students receive top-tier education. The consistent availability of social dances, particularly on Sunday nights, provides an essential and enjoyable outlet for practicing newly acquired skills, socializing, and immersing oneself in the vibrant swing culture. These regular events transform the learning experience into a continuous, fun, and social engagement.

In essence, Stumptown Dance is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it's a community hub that promotes physical activity, mental engagement, and social connection. By offering an accessible, affordable, and incredibly friendly environment for swing dancing, it provides a compelling reason for Portlanders to step out, learn something new, and become part of a passionate and welcoming local community.

Stumptown Dance

111 NE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97232, USA