Open Space

Welcome to Open Space, a truly phenomenal center for artistic innovation and movement excellence nestled right here in the heart of Portland, Oregon! If you’ve been searching for a dance studio that inspires, challenges, and supports every step of your journey, look no further. Open Space is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a vibrant "creative container" where "every body is welcomed." With a philosophy rooted in curiosity and play, this studio offers a unique blend of high-caliber training and an ultra-inclusive environment, making it a dream destination for anyone, from absolute beginners taking their very first class to seasoned professionals refining their craft. It’s the kind of place that embodies the exciting, inspiring feel of big city studios like those in LA, yet maintains a deeply caring and community-focused ethos that truly sets it apart in the Oregon dance scene.

Open Space has quickly earned a stellar reputation among Portland dancers, with patrons consistently expressing immense satisfaction and admiration. Reviews frequently highlight how the studio "over delivers like I’ve never experienced before," praising its ability to combine a professional, "exciting and inspiring feel" with an "ultra inclusive" atmosphere where everyone feels "safe and like I can pace myself in class." The dedication of the directors and staff is a recurring theme, described as "extremely caring" and deeply "investing in the growth and wellbeing of all Portland dancers." Beyond the exceptional instruction and nurturing environment, the physical space itself is often lauded as "GORGEOUS," contributing to the overall uplifting experience. Whether it's the structured learning in adult ballet classes where repetition aids technical execution, or the liberating energy of community sessions like Dance Church, Open Space is celebrated for its diverse offerings and its commitment to fostering authentic self-expression. Former principal dancers from Oregon Ballet Theatre are among the teaching staff, ensuring top-tier instruction across various styles while maintaining a welcoming vibe for adult learners of all levels.

Open Space is conveniently located at 8371 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA. This North Portland address makes it highly accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas, including those commuting from various parts of Oregon. Interstate Avenue is a significant thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation by car. While direct on-site parking details are not explicitly highlighted in public reviews, ample street parking is generally available in the surrounding neighborhoods, and visitors often find convenient options. More significantly, the studio's proximity to public transportation is a major advantage. The TriMet MAX Yellow Line runs directly along N Interstate Ave, with multiple stations nearby, providing excellent light rail access. Additionally, numerous TriMet bus lines serve the Interstate Avenue corridor, ensuring that students relying on public transit can easily reach the studio. This central and well-connected location allows Open Space to serve a broad community of dancers and movement enthusiasts from across the Portland metro area and beyond.

Open Space offers a dynamic and diverse range of programs and classes designed to cater to various interests and skill levels within the world of dance and movement. Their offerings emphasize both technical mastery and artistic exploration, all within an inclusive framework.

Services Offered:

• Adult Drop-In Dance Classes: Flexible, single-session classes in various styles, ideal for those with inconsistent schedules or who want to try different genres. Styles often include ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and Dance Church.
• Adult Absolute Beginning Ballet: Structured classes specifically designed for individuals with no prior ballet experience, focusing on fundamental body alignment and basic steps.
• Beginning Ballet Classes: A continuation of absolute beginning, building on foundational techniques with slightly faster tempos and more complex combinations.
• Advanced Beginning Ballet Classes: For students with some experience, introducing more intricate combinations, advanced jumps, and expanded adagio exercises.
• Intermediate/Advanced Ballet Classes: Geared towards experienced dancers, focusing on artistry, complex combinations, musicality, and strength building.
• Youth Dance School Programs: Professional dance training for students aged 3-19 in styles such as ballet, pointe, contemporary, and jazz technique, fostering artistic development.
• Weekend Workshops/Series Classes: Focused sessions on specific techniques, choreography, somatics, or other specialized movement studies.
• Dance Lab: Whole-bodied movement classes focusing on overall body awareness and fluidity.
• Modern Jazz: Classes incorporating elements of Luigi Jazz, exploring expressive and rhythmic movement.
• Improv + Composition: Movement study classes encouraging spontaneous movement and choreographic development.
• Contemporary Jazz: Classes blending contemporary movement with jazz techniques, focusing on flow and dynamic range.
• Performing Company: Opportunities for advanced students to participate in performances, including ticketed theater events and site-specific outdoor performances.
• Studio Rental: Space available for private lessons, rehearsals, workshops, or other movement-based activities.
• Scholarship Programs: Financial aid opportunities based on need, merit, and to support a diverse student body, ensuring accessibility for all.

Open Space distinguishes itself through a collection of compelling features and highlights that underscore its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and community within the Portland dance scene. These attributes are what make it a truly unique and cherished "hub of artistic innovation."

Features / Highlights:

• Inclusive and Judgment-Free Zone: A cornerstone of the studio's philosophy, Open Space actively fosters an environment where "every body is welcomed," regardless of professional training or prior experience. Students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore movement at their own pace.
• High-Caliber Training: Despite its inclusivity, Open Space provides exceptionally high-quality instruction. The faculty includes accomplished dancers, some even former principal dancers from renowned companies like Oregon Ballet Theatre, ensuring top-tier technical guidance.
• Caring Directors and Staff: The leadership team is deeply invested in the "growth and wellbeing of all Portland dancers," creating a nurturing and attentive atmosphere that resonates with students.
• Stunning and Inspiring Facility: The studio space itself is described as "GORGEOUS," contributing to an uplifting and motivating environment for dancers and artists.
• Diverse Class Offerings for Adults: Open Space caters extensively to adult learners with a wide range of drop-in classes and structured series in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and unique offerings like Dance Church.
• Focus on Curiosity and Play: The studio encourages an experimental and joyful approach to movement, where curiosity is celebrated, and play is seen as a vital path to discovery and growth.
• Community-Oriented Approach: Open Space actively builds a strong sense of community among its students, promoting mentorship and a shared love for dance.
• Performance Opportunities: For aspiring and professional dancers, the studio offers avenues for performance, bringing classroom learning to life through various events and collaborations with Portland artists.
• Commitment to Affordability and Access: The provision of scholarships demonstrates a dedication to making dance accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and financial situations.
• Holistic Approach to Movement: Classes emphasize not just steps, but also body alignment, muscle development, artistry, musicality, and the integration of movement elements for a more coordinated and artistic presentation.

Contact Information:

Address: 8371 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA

Phone: (503) 966-0330

Mobile Phone: +1 503-966-0330

For locals in Oregon, especially those in Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area, Open Space presents an extraordinary opportunity to engage with the art of dance and movement. If you're seeking a dance studio that balances professional-grade instruction with a genuinely inclusive and supportive atmosphere, this is truly a perfect fit. Whether you’re a complete novice curious about ballet, an experienced dancer wanting to refine your contemporary technique, or simply looking for a fun and expressive way to move your body, Open Space offers a welcoming environment where you can explore, grow, and connect with a vibrant community. The caring faculty, stunning facilities, and diverse range of classes ensure that every student finds their rhythm and discovers new capabilities. By choosing Open Space, Oregonians gain access to a world-class dance experience that prioritizes individual well-being and artistic expression, making it an invaluable asset to the local arts scene.

Open Space

8371 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217, USA