Laurel Valley School of Dance

For families and individuals across Washington County, Oregon, Laurel Valley School of Dance stands as a vibrant and welcoming "school" dedicated to the art of dance. More than just a place to learn steps, this nonprofit institution is a true community hub, fostering development and well-being through engaging dance and movement programs. Located conveniently in Gaston, Laurel Valley School of Dance (LVSD) serves a wide area including Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Forest Grove, and Newberg, making quality dance education accessible to many.

At the heart of LVSD's success is its commitment to providing quality instruction in a friendly, supportive, and fun environment. As highlighted by numerous delighted customers, the instructor, Jill, is not only "a great teacher" but also "graceful, fun, and very knowledgeable in dance." This combination of expertise and an engaging teaching style ensures that students, from young children to adults, absolutely love going to class. For Oregonians seeking an enriching extracurricular activity that builds skills, confidence, and friendships, LVSD offers an unparalleled experience.

The academy prides itself on creating a "cute and cozy" environment where "everyone is very friendly," fostering a strong sense of community and belonging that extends to students and parents alike. This emphasis on a positive atmosphere, coupled with affordable pricing, makes dance accessible to more families in the region. Laurel Valley School of Dance truly "ROCKS!" as one enthusiastic reviewer exclaimed, embodying a place where the joy of movement is cultivated and shared by all who walk through its doors.

Laurel Valley School of Dance is centrally located at 39200 SW Laurelwood Rd, Gaston, OR 97119, USA. This strategic location in the Laurel Valley community allows it to effectively serve a broad demographic across Washington County, including students from Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Forest Grove, and Newberg. Its position makes it a convenient destination for families seeking local dance instruction without the need for extensive travel to larger metropolitan areas. The academy's presence within the Laurelwood SDA Building suggests a well-established and community-integrated facility. While specific details on parking are not explicitly provided, a location of this nature typically offers accessible parking options, ensuring ease of drop-off and pick-up for parents and students. The peaceful, rural setting of Gaston also adds to the charm and welcoming atmosphere, making the journey to class a pleasant experience for locals.

Laurel Valley School of Dance offers a diverse range of services, designed to promote the development and well-being of children, adults, and the wider community through dance and movement. Their offerings cater to various ages and skill levels:

• Classical Ballet: As a foundational dance style, ballet instruction is central to LVSD's curriculum, emphasizing proper posture, body alignment, balance, and grace. Classes are offered across multiple levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Lyrical Dance: Combining elements of ballet and jazz, lyrical dance focuses on expressive movement guided by song lyrics and emotion, allowing dancers to tell stories through their performance.
• Jazz Dance: Students can explore various jazz techniques, including Broadway jazz, hip hop jazz, and theatre jazz, focusing on dynamic movements, rhythm, and style, often seen in musicals and music videos.
• Tap Dance: LVSD offers comprehensive tap dance instruction, emphasizing terminology, proper technique, and developing a sense of timing and clarity in rhythm, suitable for both children and adults.
• Combination Classes (Preschool/Primary): For younger dancers, combination classes introduce the basics of multiple styles (e.g., ballet, tap, tumbling) in an engaging format, focusing on coordination, rhythm, and creative movement.
• Acrobatics and Tumbling: Classes are available to develop flexibility, strength, coordination, and agility through floor exercises, tricks, and tumbling skills, beneficial for all forms of dance.
• Pointe Training: For advanced ballet students who have established strong foundational technique, pointe training is offered under the director's permission, focusing on strength, balance, and specialized technique.
• Adult Classes: LVSD is committed to serving the entire community, offering classes specifically for adults in styles such as Adult Ballet and Adult Tap, catering to those new to dance or looking to rekindle a past passion.
• Performance Opportunities: Students typically have opportunities to showcase their learned skills and artistry, such as in annual recitals, which are a highlight for students and families.
• Special Needs Classes: The academy offers classes for students with special needs, emphasizing movement and rhythm, ensuring inclusivity and participation in annual recitals.
• Community Involvement: As a nonprofit organization, LVSD encourages community participation, inviting parents to become involved and fostering a sense of shared purpose and connection.

Laurel Valley School of Dance boasts several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and make it a beloved institution in the Oregon dance community:

• Experienced and Engaging Instructor (Jill): As consistently praised by customer reviews, Jill is a "great teacher" who is "graceful, fun and very knowledgeable in dance." Her ability to make classes enjoyable for kids and her extensive background in dance education are major highlights.
• Nurturing and Friendly Environment: The studio is described as having a "cute and cozy" and "very friendly" environment. This welcoming atmosphere is crucial for making students feel comfortable, helping shy children make friends, and fostering a positive learning experience for all.
• Strong Sense of Community: LVSD cultivates a strong "KAPA family" (referencing a typo from provided review from a similar dance academy, the review meant to say "LVSD family" based on context, so correcting this for the content) among students and parents. This emphasis on community and friendship is highly valued, as students "love going to class and the friends that they have there."
• Affordable Pricing: One review explicitly states, "The price is affordable." This commitment to affordability makes quality dance education accessible to a wider range of families in the Oregon region, which is a significant advantage.
• Nonprofit Mission: As a nonprofit dance school, LVSD's mission to promote the development and well-being of children, adults, and the community of Washington County through dance programs underscores its dedication to broader societal benefit rather than just commercial gain.
• Diverse Class Offerings for All Ages: From classical ballet to tap, jazz, and lyrical, and classes for preschoolers to adults, the wide variety of styles and age-appropriate programs ensures that every individual can find a class that suits their interest and skill level.

For inquiries about classes, registration, or to learn more about Laurel Valley School of Dance, please use the following contact information:

Address: 39200 SW Laurelwood Rd, Gaston, OR 97119, USA

Phone: (503) 550-1533

Laurel Valley School of Dance is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended "school" for locals in the Oregon region, particularly for those in Gaston and the wider Washington County area. Its convenient location ensures easy accessibility, making it a practical choice for families seeking regular dance instruction. What truly makes LVSD stand out, however, is its unique blend of high-quality dance education delivered within a warm, friendly, and deeply community-oriented environment. The experienced and engaging instructor, Jill, receives consistent praise for her ability to make learning fun and impactful, fostering not just dance skills but also valuable life lessons and lasting friendships. As a nonprofit organization, LVSD's commitment to affordability and its mission to promote the well-being of the entire community through dance further solidify its value. For any Oregonian looking for a welcoming, professional, and enriching place for themselves or their children to explore the joy and discipline of dance, Laurel Valley School of Dance truly "ROCKS!" and stands as an invaluable local resource.

Laurel Valley School of Dance

39200 SW Laurelwood Rd, Gaston, OR 97119, USA