Lake Oswego Academy of Dance

For families in Lake Oswego, Oregon, seeking a dance education that blends professionalism with a nurturing environment, Lake Oswego Academy of Dance stands as a dedicated community resource. With a mission to provide all dancers with a supportive space where discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and respect are prioritized, this academy offers a comprehensive range of dance styles for students of all ages and abilities. It's a place where budding dancers can learn the foundations of ballet, express themselves through hip hop, or explore the intricacies of jazz, all under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The Lake Oswego Academy of Dance prides itself on fostering a love for dance while instilling valuable life skills. While a single less favorable review mentions a preference for other studios, the consistent positive feedback highlights the kindness and knowledge of the teachers, and the studio's commitment to foundational training. This article will delve into what makes Lake Oswego Academy of Dance a suitable choice for locals in the Oregon region looking for quality dance instruction and a supportive artistic community.

Lake Oswego Academy of Dance is conveniently located at 16250 Bryant Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035, USA. This address places the studio within the heart of the Lake Oswego community, making it highly accessible for residents of Lake Oswego and surrounding areas within the Portland metropolitan region. The location on Bryant Road ensures ease of navigation for parents dropping off and picking up their children, as well as for adult students attending classes.

Lake Oswego is known for its family-friendly environment and strong community focus, and the dance academy's presence here aligns with these values. While specific parking details are not provided in the general information, its location in a suburban area typically means ample parking is available on-site or nearby, adding to the convenience for local families. The academy's accessibility makes it a practical choice for consistent attendance, fostering a strong connection with the local dance community.

Lake Oswego Academy of Dance offers a wide array of dance classes designed to cater to various age groups and skill levels, from introductory programs for the youngest dancers to advanced training for more experienced students. Their curriculum is structured to provide a well-rounded dance education, encompassing technique, artistry, and performance. Here’s a detailed look at the services they provide:

• Ballet: As the foundation of most dance styles, ballet classes enhance balance, strength, poise, posture, and fluid movement. Classes include stretching, muscle strengthening, and reinforcing ballet positions with basic movements.
  • Fairytale Ballet (Ages 3-4): A perfect first class for the youngest dancers, combining storytelling and ballet basics to create an imaginative and fun introduction to dance, focusing on gross motor movement, musicality, and basic choreography.
  • Beginning Ballet: Teaches the fundamentals of ballet technique.
  • Intermediate Ballet: Reinforces and expands upon previously learned movements, bringing dancers to a more advanced level.
  • Pre-Pointe: Designed for advanced dancers with a strong ballet background interested in further strengthening their technique, potentially advancing to Pointe work, or improving their work once already on Pointe. Evaluations are required for Pointe acceptance.
• Hip Hop: An upbeat, high-energy, and fun class that allows dancers to infuse their own personality and style into new moves, set to the latest songs.
• Jazz: Incorporates new-age stylistic jazz with old-school classical elements, focusing on strengthening technique, kicks, jumps, and turns.
• Jazz Funk: A popular class combining Jazz technique with an upbeat Hip Hop style.
• Tap: Teaches a variety of styles from Broadway, post-modern, traditional, and rhythmic tapping, reinforcing rhythm, technique, coordination, presentation, and style through footwork.
• Contemporary: Focuses on combining several styles of dance including jazz, ballet, modern, and lyrical, offering a fluid, challenging, and creative approach to dance.
• Lyrical: Combines ballet and jazz styles, often drawing inspiration from song lyrics and emotions to influence choreography.
• Combination Classes (Jazz / Ballet / Tap): Popular options for younger dancers who want to explore multiple styles and movements in a fun and exciting way. Dancers learn fundamentals of jazz, ballet, and tap in every class and perform one style at the annual recital.
• Open Classes & Recital: Classes are available for all ages (3+) and abilities, with opportunities for participation in an annual recital.
• Performing Groups (Competitive & Performing): For dancers seeking to bring dedication to their craft to the next level, audition-based Performing Company & Dance Teams are available.
• Adult Dance Classes: Ballet drop-in classes are available for adults, offering an opportunity for ongoing engagement in dance.

Lake Oswego Academy of Dance boasts several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal and effectiveness as a dance institution:

• Professional and Nurturing Environment: The studio's mission emphasizes providing a professional and nurturing environment where discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and respect for each other are prioritized. This focus on holistic development beyond just dance steps is a significant highlight.
• Kind and Knowledgeable Teachers: Customer reviews consistently praise the instructors as being "very kind and knowledgeable." This indicates a supportive learning atmosphere where students feel comfortable and effectively guided.
• Award-Winning Recognition: The academy was honored to receive the "Studio of Excellence award from the the Association of Dance Competitions and Conventions (ADCC) at the Spotlight Dance Cup." This accolade underscores their commitment to high standards and quality instruction.
• Comprehensive Dance Curriculum: Offering a wide range of styles including Ballet (with pre-pointe), Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Tap, Contemporary, and Lyrical, the academy provides diverse options for students to explore and specialize. This breadth of offerings caters to varied interests and fosters well-rounded dancers.
• Programs for All Ages and Abilities: From "Fairytale Ballet" for 3-4 year olds to adult drop-in ballet classes, and catering to both beginner and experienced dancers, the academy ensures that dance is accessible to everyone in the community.
• Emphasis on Fundamentals: Particularly in ballet, the classes focus on the foundations, enhancing technique, poise, and posture, which are crucial for success in any dance style.
• Performance and Competitive Opportunities: Through open and recital classes, as well as audition-based Performing Company & Dance Teams, students have ample opportunities to showcase their skills and engage in competitive dance, enriching their experience and development.

While one review stated the studio "is not as good as other studios," the specific reasons were not detailed. The available information and other reviews, however, strongly indicate a dedicated and effective dance program.

For those in the Lake Oswego, Oregon area interested in exploring the dance programs at Lake Oswego Academy of Dance, or for inquiries regarding enrollment, class schedules, and fees, you can reach out through the following contact details:

Address: 16250 Bryant Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035, USA

Phone: (503) 697-3673

Mobile Phone: +1 503-697-3673

It is recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone for the most current information on class offerings, registration processes, annual recital details, and competitive team auditions. Their staff will be able to assist you in finding the best program suited for your or your child's dance aspirations.

For residents of the Oregon region, particularly those in Lake Oswego and surrounding communities, Lake Oswego Academy of Dance presents itself as a highly suitable and valuable local institution for dance education. Its commitment to quality instruction, diverse offerings, and nurturing environment makes it an excellent choice for families seeking artistic enrichment.

Firstly, the studio's convenient location on Bryant Road in Lake Oswego ensures that high-quality dance training is easily accessible. This local presence means that children and adults alike can pursue their passion for dance without extensive travel, making consistent attendance and community engagement a practical reality for busy local families.

Secondly, the positive feedback consistently highlights the "kind and knowledgeable" teachers who are dedicated to "teaching my granddaughters the basics of ballet." This speaks volumes about the supportive and effective learning atmosphere within the academy. For parents, entrusting their children's artistic development to instructors who prioritize both technical skill and a nurturing approach is incredibly reassuring. The studio's "Studio of Excellence" award further validates its commitment to high standards and a positive learning experience, reinforcing its suitability for locals.

Finally, the wide array of dance styles offered, from foundational ballet and jazz to energetic hip hop and expressive contemporary, ensures that there's a program for every interest and age group. This comprehensive curriculum, coupled with opportunities for both recreational and competitive participation, means that Lake Oswego Academy of Dance can cater to diverse aspirations within the local community. For any Oregonian looking for a dance studio that fosters discipline, artistic growth, and a strong sense of community, Lake Oswego Academy of Dance is a highly recommended local gem.

Lake Oswego Academy of Dance

16250 Bryant Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035, USA