Abernethy Performing Arts

For families and aspiring dancers throughout the Oregon region, particularly in Oregon City and its surrounding communities, Abernethy Performing Arts (APA) stands as a beacon of excellence in dance education. Since its inception in 2007, APA has been committed to providing a high level of training in the performing arts within a welcoming and safe environment. It’s a place where students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, can explore their passion for movement, cultivate discipline, and build self-esteem through the transformative power of dance. Whether a child is taking their very first ballet steps or an experienced dancer is looking to refine their technique, Abernethy Performing Arts offers a nurturing and professional home for artistic growth.

The studio's dedication to its students is consistently highlighted by those who experience its programs. As one parent enthusiastically shared, "My kids (and wife now) have been dancing there for years. Keith is an amazing teacher who really cares about his students. I really appreciate that they tear down the body and age assumptions that come with ballet." This sentiment is echoed by others, praising the "well-trained and well-versed" instructors and the "top notch" formal performances. Abernethy Performing Arts is more than just a dance studio; it’s a community where passion meets discipline, fostering confident and expressive individuals. This article will delve into APA's convenient location, the diverse range of services it offers, its distinguishing features, and why it is so highly recommended for locals seeking quality dance education in Oregon.

Abernethy Performing Arts is strategically located at 275 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA. This address places the studio in a readily accessible area of Oregon City, making it convenient for families and individuals residing within the city and from neighboring communities across the wider Oregon region. Its position on Beavercreek Road suggests good connectivity to local road networks, facilitating easy commutes for students. While specific details on parking or public transport access are not explicitly stated, a suburban location like this typically offers sufficient parking for patrons. The ease of reaching the studio is a significant advantage, allowing more locals to participate in their comprehensive dance programs without significant logistical challenges, thereby enhancing the studio's role as a community performing arts hub.

Abernethy Performing Arts offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum designed to cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing a high level of dance education in a supportive environment.

• Ballet (Pre-Ballet to Advanced Levels): As a ballet-based studio, APA provides rigorous classical ballet training across multiple levels, from introductory classes for young children (ages 2.5-7) to advanced and pre-professional programs (Levels 1-8). This includes comprehensive technique, pre-pointe, and pointe work. Instructors are well-versed in various styles, including Russian, American, French, and Danish methods.
• Jazz: Classes introduce students to the style and movement of jazz dance, which forms the basis for contemporary hip-hop and funk. These classes focus on body conditioning, strength, flexibility, self-discipline, and joy of movement.
• Contemporary: Borrowing from ballet, jazz, and modern dance, contemporary classes focus on expressive, unique, and fluid movement. These classes are offered at beginning and intermediate levels for ages 12+.
• Tap: Classes are designed for students who love music and enjoy making rhythmic sounds with their feet. Beginning Tap 1 is offered for ages 7+.
• Musical Theatre: These classes focus on theatrical dance, incorporating acting and character development through movement set to songs from Broadway musicals. They are great for storytelling through dance and are offered for ages 8-12 and 12+.
• Acting and Improv: Beyond dance, APA offers classes specifically focused on acting fundamentals, character development, body language, facial expressions, and vocal modulation. These are available for ages 6-12 and advanced (18+).
• Creative Movers/Tumble Dancers: For the youngest dancers (ages 2.5-7), these classes provide an expressive and nurturing environment to channel energy through creative movement, often incorporating tumbling elements.
• Stretch and Strengthen: Dedicated classes for ages 7+ and 10+ focused on lengthening and strengthening muscles, which are crucial for dance and general fitness, including warm-ups, light resistance training, and dance-focused stretching.
• Adult/Teen Beginning Ballet: A specific class for teens and adults who are either new to ballet or looking to re-engage with it after a break, offering a welcoming entry point into the discipline.
• Elite Program: For dancers seeking to advance rapidly and participate in annual competitions, APA offers an Elite Program, providing intensified training and performance opportunities on larger platforms.
• Abernethy Ballet Company (ABC): This pre-professional company provides advanced training and captivating performance opportunities for dedicated ballet students, further enriching their artistic development.
• Performance Opportunities: APA offers varied opportunities for students to perform, including two full ballet productions annually (one in December and one in June), allowing all students to experience the stage.

Abernethy Performing Arts distinguishes itself as a premier dance studio in Oregon through several key features and highlights that are highly valued by its students and their families.

• Exceptional and Caring Instructors: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the quality and dedication of the teaching staff. Keith Walls is specifically mentioned as an "amazing teacher who really cares about his students," and the entire team is praised for being "well-trained and well-versed in dance technique, training, and instruction." This focus on mentorship and genuine care greatly enhances the learning experience.
• Emphasis on Holistic Dancer Development: APA goes beyond just teaching steps. Their philosophy is to instill "discipline and self-esteem" and to grow students "in all aspects." They teach dancers to be mindful of "technique, and have awareness of the necessity to stretch, practice, eat healthy and fully participate in classes," fostering well-rounded individuals.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The studio actively "tears down the body and age assumptions that come with ballet," making it welcoming for anyone, "no matter your age or level." This inclusivity is evident in their adult ballet classes and the encouragement for parent participation, creating a diverse and supportive community.
• High-Quality Performances over Traditional Recitals: Instead of typical recitals, APA hosts "two FULL ballet performances each year." These are described as "top notch" and provide substantial stage experience, allowing "a part for everyone" to perform alongside principal dancers. This elevates the performance experience for students.
• Ballet-Based Strong Foundation: While offering a variety of styles, APA maintains a strong foundation in classical ballet, which is crucial for developing proper technique, posture, and strength that benefits all other dance forms.
• Family-Owned and Operated: The fact that Abernethy Performing Arts is "family-owned and operated" contributes to a personalized touch, where customers are treated "like they are a part of our family," fostering a strong sense of community and care.
• Opportunities for Advanced Study: With an Elite Program for competitive dancers and the Abernethy Ballet Company, dedicated students have pathways to pursue dance at pre-professional levels and engage on larger performance platforms.

To connect with Abernethy Performing Arts for class information, registration, or inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 275 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA

Phone: (503) 974-9235

Mobile Phone: +1 503-974-9235

Abernethy Performing Arts is an exceptionally suitable choice for locals in the Oregon region, particularly those in Oregon City and its surrounding areas, for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its unwavering commitment to providing a high level of dance education in a truly welcoming and supportive environment makes it a standout. As countless reviews attest, the instructors, including Keith Walls, are not only highly skilled in dance technique but also genuinely care about their students' growth and well-being. This creates an atmosphere where dancers, from beginners to advanced, feel valued, encouraged, and confident to explore their abilities, making dance an enjoyable and enriching experience for all ages and skill levels.

Secondly, the studio's unique approach to performance and holistic development sets it apart. Instead of typical recitals, Abernethy Performing Arts stages "top notch" full ballet productions, providing students with invaluable, professional-level stage experience. This focus on "mindful technique and awareness of the necessity to stretch, practice, eat healthy and fully participate in classes" underscores their dedication to nurturing not just dancers, but well-rounded, disciplined individuals. For families seeking a studio that contributes positively to their children's overall character development, beyond just dance steps, APA offers a robust and comprehensive program.

Finally, the inclusive nature of the studio, which actively "tears down the body and age assumptions that come with ballet," ensures that everyone feels welcome and has a place to dance. This family-owned and operated business truly extends a sense of belonging, treating every student as part of their larger dance family. For any Oregonian looking for a dance home that combines expert instruction, diverse class offerings, meaningful performance opportunities, and a deeply caring community, Abernethy Performing Arts in Oregon City is an outstanding local resource that promises to ignite and sustain a lifelong passion for the performing arts.

Abernethy Performing Arts

275 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA