Classical Ballet Academy

Located in the vibrant Foster-Powell neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, the Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) stands as a dedicated institution for dance education. Since its founding in 2004, CBA has been committed to nurturing a love for classical ballet, offering professional instruction that emphasizes technique, discipline, and artistry. This academy is not just a place to learn dance steps; it's a community where students of all ages can discover their potential, build confidence, and immerse themselves in the rich world of ballet.

The mission of Classical Ballet Academy is to educate, inspire, and transform dancers through the study of classical ballet and complementary dance forms. They believe that dance is an art of both mind and body, requiring dedication and strength. CBA is dedicated to helping each individual achieve their goals, fostering a welcoming environment where every dancer feels supported. From the earliest stages of pre-ballet for young children to advanced levels and adult classes, the academy strives to provide the highest quality instruction while making dance accessible to the Portland metropolitan area.

What truly sets Classical Ballet Academy apart is its commitment to creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere. As one local parent shared, "My daughter goes to ballet classes here and she loves it! The instructors are very kind and so good at what they do, and they create a nice welcoming environment for all of the dancers." This feedback reflects the core values of CBA, where the focus is on personal growth and a genuine love for the art form, rather than solely on rigid performance.

Beyond the studio, Classical Ballet Academy actively contributes to Portland's artistic landscape by producing full-length ballets and additional performances each year. These opportunities allow all dancers who wish to participate to showcase their hard work and experience the magic of performing in front of an audience. CBA's dedication to its students and the art of ballet makes it a significant and valued asset to the Oregon community.

Classical Ballet Academy is situated at 5516 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, USA. This location in the Foster-Powell neighborhood of Southeast Portland makes it a convenient and easily accessible dance destination for families throughout the city and surrounding areas in Oregon. Southeast Foster Road is a key arterial, providing straightforward access by car for parents dropping off and picking up students.

The building itself has a rich history within the Portland community. Constructed in 1915, it originally served as a theater. In the 1960s, it transformed into "Day Music," a well-known music store that played a significant role in the local music scene for decades. After facing years of neglect, the historic structure is now undergoing a revitalizing renovation by Classical Ballet Academy, aiming to transform it into a state-of-the-art dance facility, including a planned 200-seat black box theater for performing arts. This commitment to restoring a historic local landmark further ties CBA to the fabric of the Portland community.

Its location in a well-established Portland neighborhood means that the academy is often surrounded by local businesses, eateries, and other community resources, allowing for convenient integration into daily routines for busy Oregon families. Public transportation options, including bus lines that serve the SE Foster Road corridor, also enhance accessibility for those who rely on transit. The ongoing renovation and dedicated use of this historic space underscore Classical Ballet Academy's deep roots and future aspirations within the heart of Portland.

• Youth Ballet Programs: Classical Ballet Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum for young dancers, starting from early childhood classes and progressing through various levels of classical ballet training. These programs are designed to build foundational skills, strength, and artistry.

• Creative Movement & Pre-Ballet: Classes specifically designed for very young children (often starting around 2.5-3 years old), introducing them to music, movement, and basic ballet concepts in a fun, nurturing, and imaginative environment. This includes programs like "Dance for Joy" for ages 3-6 and "Creative Ballet" in 8-week sessions.

• Curriculum Program: A year-round ballet technique training program for dancers generally aged 6-18, focusing on structured progression through classical ballet levels.

• Open Ballet Classes: Daily drop-in ballet classes are offered for students and professionals, providing flexibility for those with varied schedules. These classes are typically open-level for adults and may vary in difficulty based on the instructor.

• Adult Ballet Classes: Specific programs tailored for adult learners, including "Adult Beginning Ballet Series" offered in rolling eight-week sessions on Sundays, and "Community Class" for all ages and abilities.

• Summer Programs: CBA hosts various summer intensives and programs, such as the Young Dancer Summer Intensive (ages 6-12), Intermediate Ballet Intensive (ages 11-16), and Advanced/Upper-Intermediate Choreography Intensive, providing immersive training during the summer months.

• Performance Opportunities: Students have various opportunities to perform, including annual full-length ballets (such as "The Secret Garden" and "Winter Whims" previously), showcases, and additional performances throughout the year, featuring dancers who wish to participate.

• Supplementary Classes: While primarily focused on ballet, the academy may offer complementary dance forms or conditioning classes to support overall dancer development, depending on their current schedule and partnerships.

• Partnerships: Classical Ballet Academy serves as the new home for Shaun Keylock Company, a professional dance troupe, offering shared facilities and potential for deeper engagement with the professional dance community through workshops and performances.

• High-Quality Classical Ballet Instruction: CBA is dedicated to providing rigorous, professional training in classical ballet, emphasizing correct technique, discipline, and artistry from foundational levels to advanced studies.

• Welcoming and Nurturing Environment: Consistently praised by patrons, the academy prides itself on its kind, patient, and welcoming instructors who foster a supportive atmosphere where all dancers feel comfortable and encouraged to grow.

• Historic Building Renovation: The academy is housed in a historically significant building (built 1915), formerly a theater and a well-known music store ("Day Music"). CBA is undertaking a significant renovation to restore and transform this landmark into a modern, purpose-built dance facility, including a future 200-seat black box theater.

• Comprehensive Age Range: Programs cater to a wide demographic, from young children (starting at 2.5-3 years old) in creative movement and pre-ballet classes, through a structured youth curriculum, to diverse options for adult beginners and experienced dancers.

• Performance Opportunities for All: Unlike some studios that limit performance to advanced students, CBA produces full-length ballets and other showcases that are open to all dancers who wish to participate, providing invaluable stage experience.

• Commitment to Accessibility: The academy strives to offer high-quality instruction at affordable tuition rates within the Portland Metro area, aiming to make classical dance accessible to a broader community.

• Community Engagement: Through its restoration of a local landmark and partnerships with professional companies like Shaun Keylock Company, CBA is creating a vibrant hub for dance history, creativity, and performance in the Foster-Powell neighborhood.

Address: 5516 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, USA

Phone: (503) 890-6101

Mobile Phone: +1 503-890-6101

For residents across Portland and the broader Oregon region, Classical Ballet Academy offers a compelling and multifaceted destination for dance education. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its dedication to quality instruction, its inclusive community ethos, and its significant contribution to the cultural landscape of Southeast Portland.

Firstly, CBA provides high-quality classical ballet training, a foundational discipline that benefits all forms of dance and movement. For Oregon parents seeking an enriching activity for their children, the academy's kind and highly skilled instructors create a welcoming environment where young dancers can not only learn proper technique but also develop discipline, confidence, and a genuine love for ballet. The programs are thoughtfully designed to accommodate various age groups, ensuring that toddlers, youth, and adults alike can find a suitable entry point and progression path. This means that families can potentially grow with the academy, from a child's first plié to an adult's continued pursuit of grace and fitness.

Secondly, the academy's commitment to community and accessibility truly sets it apart. By offering diverse classes and striving for affordable tuition rates, CBA makes classical dance more attainable for a wider range of Portland families. The fact that all dancers, regardless of their level, have opportunities to perform in full-length ballets and showcases is a testament to their inclusive philosophy, providing invaluable stage experience and boosting self-esteem within a supportive group setting.

Lastly, the ongoing renovation and re-purposing of the historic building on SE Foster Road is a significant point of local pride. This transformation of a beloved old theater and music store into a modern dance facility, complete with a future black box theater, demonstrates CBA's deep investment in the neighborhood and its cultural revival. It signals a long-term commitment to providing a vibrant arts hub right in the heart of Portland, enhancing the quality of life for residents and preserving a piece of local history. For any Oregonian seeking a professional, nurturing, and community-minded place to learn and experience the art of dance, Classical Ballet Academy is an outstanding choice.

Classical Ballet Academy

5516 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, USA