Iko Movement

Iko Movement, situated in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, stands out as a truly unique and empowering space dedicated to pole, aerial, and floorwork dance. Far from a typical dance studio, Iko Movement is a vibrant community that prioritizes safety, acceptance, and authentic self-expression. It's a place where individuals of all backgrounds can explore movement, build strength, and find confidence in an environment that celebrates the diverse roots of pole dance, including its profound connection to sex work culture.

What makes Iko Movement particularly special for locals in Oregon is its foundational philosophy. It is owned and operated by Women of Color (WOC), queer folx, and sex workers, creating a distinctly inclusive and supportive atmosphere. This ownership structure directly translates into a studio culture that actively embraces and celebrates the true origins of pole dance, offering a space where everyone can feel unapologetically themselves while connecting with their bodies. This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a statement; it's woven into the very fabric of their operations and teaching approach.

The instructors at Iko Movement are highly regarded for their expertise, empathy, and ability to break down complex movements into understandable components. Students consistently highlight the coaches' dedication to physical and emotional well-being, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience. As one passionate patron shared, "Iko is the best studio in town because it’s the prettiest with the best lighting, prioritizes the safety of students, fosters an environment of acceptance and empowerment, embraces and celebrates pole dancings roots as sex work without co-opting it, and every coach is unique in their style, while being united in their curriculum so you always know you’re getting consistent education no matter who’s teaching it or what’s being taught." This comprehensive approach to teaching, prioritizing both technique and a supportive community, truly sets Iko Movement apart in the Portland dance scene.

For those in Oregon looking for a movement practice that goes beyond the conventional, Iko Movement offers a transformative experience. It’s a space where physical challenge meets personal empowerment, and where the art of pole and aerial dance is taught with integrity, respect, and a deep understanding of its rich history.

Iko Movement is centrally located at 316 SW 11th Ave #300, Portland, OR 97205, USA. This prime downtown Portland address positions the studio in a highly accessible and dynamic urban environment, making it convenient for residents throughout the city and surrounding communities in Oregon. Its location in the heart of downtown means excellent connectivity to major transportation hubs and routes.

For those commuting by car, downtown Portland offers various parking garages and street parking options, though availability and rates can vary. Its central location allows for relatively straightforward drives from different parts of Portland, including the inner Eastside, Northwest, and Southwest neighborhoods.

Public transportation is a significant advantage of this address. The studio is within easy walking distance of multiple TriMet MAX light rail stations (including those on the Blue, Red, and Green lines) and numerous bus stops. This robust public transit network makes Iko Movement highly accessible for students who rely on buses or light rail from anywhere in the Portland metropolitan area. The vibrant downtown setting also means that the studio is surrounded by various amenities, shops, and eateries, adding to the convenience for attendees before or after classes. This strategic location ensures that Iko Movement can serve a broad base of clients in Oregon, providing easy access to their specialized dance and movement offerings.

• Pole Dance Classes: Iko Movement offers a wide range of pole dance classes for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. These classes focus on technique, strength building, fluidity, and artistic expression on the pole.

• Floorwork Classes: Dedicated classes specializing in floor-based movement, including sensual and contemporary floorwork, helping students develop flow, strength, and artistry without being on the pole.

• Flexibility Training: Classes designed to improve flexibility, mobility, and body awareness, crucial for pole and aerial arts as well as general well-being. This often includes intensive stretching and conditioning sessions.

• Choreography Classes: Sessions focused on learning and performing choreographed routines, allowing students to develop their performance skills and musicality.

• Performance & Freestyle Training: Classes that encourage improvisation and developing personal style, preparing students for showcases or personal performance exploration.

• Courses (8-week progressive programs): Structured courses that meet once a week for 8 weeks, covering progressive material to build skills systematically. These are ideal for consistent learning and skill development.

• Series (4-week programs): Shorter, focused series that meet once a week for 4 weeks, often designed to add versatility and style to foundational training.

• Single Classes (Drop-in): Available for those unable to commit to a full course or series, offering flexibility for review or trying out different styles.

• Private Lessons: Personalized one-on-one instruction tailored to individual goals and needs, offering accelerated learning and specific skill refinement.

• Private Parties: Customizable private pole parties, perfect for celebrations, team-building events, or a fun unique experience with friends.

• Pole Rentals: Open studio time available for independent practice on the poles, allowing students to hone their skills outside of structured classes.

• Free and Discounted Classes: Iko Movement offers free single classes, courses, and series for Black sex workers and strippers in Portland. They also provide a 10% discount for all students working in the sex industry, emphasizing their commitment to community support.

• Inclusive and Empowering Environment: A core highlight is the studio's commitment to fostering a safe, accepting, and empowering space for all students. It actively embraces and celebrates the roots of pole dance in sex work, providing a non-judgmental atmosphere.

• Owned by WOC, Queer, and Sex Worker Folx: The studio's ownership and operation by Women of Color, queer individuals, and sex workers ensures an authentic and supportive environment that reflects and uplifts these communities.

• Prioritization of Student Safety: The class structure includes extended warm-ups (30 mins) and cool-downs (30 mins post-class stretches), with intensive skill work in the middle, designed to maximize student safety and injury prevention. This rigorous approach is highly valued by students.

• Consistent and High-Quality Instruction: Coaches are highly knowledgeable, empathetic, and united in their curriculum, ensuring consistent education regardless of the instructor. They excel at breaking down complex moves for easy understanding.

• Diverse Movement Offerings: Specializes in pole, dance, floorwork, and flexibility, with classes in performance, freestyle, and choreography, offering a comprehensive range of movement disciplines.

• Beautiful Studio Space: Described by clients as "the prettiest with the best lighting," the studio environment itself is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and conducive to movement, featuring 23 stainless steel poles across two open studios, and a third room for flexibility classes.

• Community Resources and Support: Offers free and discounted classes for Black sex workers and strippers in Portland, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting specific communities within the local area.

• Flexible Learning Options: Provides a variety of class formats including 8-week courses, 4-week series, single drop-in classes, private lessons, and pole rentals, catering to different schedules and learning preferences.

Address: 316 SW 11th Ave #300, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Phone: (503) 231-2542

Mobile Phone: +1 503-231-2542

For residents across Portland and the broader Oregon region seeking a unique and empowering movement experience, Iko Movement stands as an exceptional and highly suitable local destination. Its distinctive approach to dance education, coupled with its profound commitment to community and inclusivity, makes it a vital asset to the city's diverse landscape.

One of the most compelling reasons for Oregonians to choose Iko Movement is its unparalleled dedication to creating a safe, accepting, and empowering environment. Unlike many mainstream studios, Iko Movement openly acknowledges and celebrates the roots of pole dance within sex work culture, fostering a space where individuals from all walks of life feel respected and celebrated. This explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly as a WOC, queer, and sex worker-owned business, resonates deeply with Portland's progressive values and ensures a truly welcoming atmosphere for everyone who steps through their doors.

Furthermore, the quality of instruction and the methodical approach to safety are paramount. The extended warm-ups and cool-downs, combined with a curriculum designed for progressive learning, demonstrate a genuine care for students' physical well-being and long-term development. This thoughtful structure means that beginners can feel secure in their initial steps, while advanced dancers can push their limits safely. The consistent praise for the empathetic and knowledgeable coaches underscores the studio's ability to provide both excellent technical training and invaluable emotional support.

Lastly, Iko Movement offers flexible learning options, including courses, series, single classes, and private lessons, catering to various schedules and commitment levels common among busy Oregonians. The availability of pole rentals for independent practice further supports student growth. For anyone in Portland looking to explore pole, aerial, floorwork, or flexibility in a studio that genuinely cares about its community, celebrates authenticity, and provides top-tier instruction within a beautiful and safe space, Iko Movement is truly the only option. It's more than just a place to learn to dance; it's a place to find community, build strength, and embrace self-empowerment right here in Oregon.

Iko Movement

316 SW 11th Ave #300, Portland, OR 97205, USA