Portland Dance Exchange Introduce
For Oregon locals with a passion for movement, whether you're a seasoned dancer or just taking your first steps, Portland Dance Exchange stands out as a truly exceptional destination. This vibrant studio, nestled in Southeast Portland, has earned a stellar reputation for providing not just top-tier dance instruction, but also a genuinely safe, uplifting, and inclusive environment. It's a place where individuals can explore their creativity, build confidence, and connect with a supportive community through the joy of dance.
At the heart of Portland Dance Exchange's success is its owner and lead instructor, Kindell Rae. She is consistently lauded by students for her incredible talent, kind demeanor, and ability to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and celebrated. One devoted student raved, "An amazing space for beginner/intermediate or advanced dancers. I’ve been taking classes for years and the environment is genuinely such a safe space to explore/grow. a shoutout to the owner Kindell. Highly highly recommend!" This speaks volumes about the studio's commitment to fostering personal growth and creative expression.
Another glowing review emphasizes the personal connection and quality of instruction: "I have been going here for over a year now and I love every time I go there. The owner/dance instructor Kindell is amazing, kind and talented! I always feel welcome and had an amazing time dancing with her and every one. If you are new to hip hop, I highly recommend this studio." This feedback highlights a crucial aspect of what makes Portland Dance Exchange so special: it's not just about learning steps, but about building meaningful connections and feeling truly part of a dance family. Kindell Rae, as the owner, is described as a professional dancer, model, background dancer, and creative director, bringing a wealth of real-world experience and an "exuberant energy and celebratory perspective on learning" to her students.
The studio's mission is deeply rooted in radical self-love, creative expression, and joyous curiosity, aiming to provide a safe space for the community to feel empowered in their body, mind, and spirit. This ethos permeates every class and interaction, making Portland Dance Exchange a unique and invaluable asset for the Oregon dance community.
Portland Dance Exchange is conveniently located at 1014 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202, USA. This address places it in the vibrant heart of Southeast Portland, a well-established and easily accessible neighborhood. SE Clinton Street is part of a dynamic area known for its local businesses, eateries, and strong community feel, making the studio a convenient stop for residents from across Portland and the surrounding Oregon communities.
For those utilizing public transportation, the studio's location is well-served by Portland's TriMet bus lines, with stops often within easy walking distance. While specific parking details may vary, street parking is generally available in the surrounding neighborhood. The ease of access, combined with the charm of the Southeast Portland area, means that visiting Portland Dance Exchange can easily be part of a larger outing, allowing students to explore the local shops and cafes before or after their dance sessions. This prime location ensures that the studio is a practical and attractive destination for a wide range of Oregonians seeking to engage with dance.
Services Offered:
- Hip Hop Dance Classes: A core offering, catering to all levels from absolute beginner to intermediate/advanced. These classes focus on foundational hip hop techniques, choreography, and fostering individual style, as highly recommended by a reviewer for those new to hip hop.
- Choreography Classes: Regularly offered at various levels, including Beginner Choreography, Beginning/Intermediate Choreography, Intermediate Choreography, and Intermediate/Advanced Choreography. These classes emphasize learning and performing full dance routines.
- Open Level Classes: Many classes are designed as "Open Level," welcoming dancers of different experiences, ensuring inclusivity and allowing everyone to participate and grow.
- Heels Dance Classes: Specialized classes focusing on dancing in heels, often incorporating elements of jazz, contemporary, and hip hop, emphasizing confidence and fluidity.
- House Dance Classes: Exploring the unique rhythms and movements of House dance, a vibrant street dance style.
- Reggaetón Dance Classes: Focusing on the dynamic and rhythmic movements characteristic of Reggaetón music.
- Adult Dance Classes: The studio primarily caters to adult dancers, providing a space for individuals of all ages (typically 13+) to learn and grow.
- Drop-in Classes: Many classes are available on a drop-in basis, offering flexibility for those with inconsistent schedules or who wish to try out different styles or instructors.
- Class Packages: The studio offers various class packages (e.g., 2-class, 4-class, 8-class, 12-class packages) providing cost-effective options for regular attendees.
- Pop-up Classes & Workshops: Occasional special classes or intensive workshops with guest instructors or unique themes, providing opportunities for deeper exploration.
Features / Highlights:
- Owner and Instructor Kindell Rae: A central highlight, praised for her talent, kindness, amazing teaching ability, and creation of a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Her background as a professional dancer and creative director enriches the learning experience.
- Safe and Uplifting Environment: Consistently emphasized in reviews, the studio is genuinely a safe space for exploration and growth, fostering radical self-love and creative expression.
- Inclusive for All Levels: Caters to beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers, with a variety of class levels and an encouraging approach that makes newcomers feel welcome.
- Diverse Dance Styles: Offers a range of popular urban and contemporary dance styles, including various levels of Hip Hop, Choreography, Heels, House, and Reggaetón.
- Community-Focused: Fosters a strong sense of community where students can connect, make friends, and support each other's dance journeys.
- Flexible Attendance Options: Provides drop-in classes and various class packages, accommodating different schedules and commitment levels.
- High-Quality Instruction: Professional and talented instructors ensure effective learning and skill development.
- LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-friendly: Demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, providing a welcoming space for all.
- Women-owned, Family-friendly, Neurodiverse-friendly, Trauma-informed: Further highlights the studio's dedication to creating a truly inclusive and supportive environment for a wide range of individuals.
- Convenient SE Portland Location: Easily accessible via public transit and located in a vibrant neighborhood.
Contact Information:
Address: 1014 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202, USA
Phone: (971) 276-3776
For Oregon locals, especially those in the Portland metropolitan area, Portland Dance Exchange is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to embark on or continue their dance journey. Its reputation as a safe, uplifting, and highly inclusive space, coupled with the exceptional talent and welcoming nature of owner Kindell Rae and her team, makes it a true gem in the local dance scene. Whether you're interested in mastering hip hop, exploring intricate choreography, or simply finding a fun and empowering way to move your body and connect with others, Portland Dance Exchange offers a fantastic opportunity. It's more than just a place to learn steps; it's a community where you can grow, express yourself, and feel celebrated, making it a perfect fit for residents across the Beaver State seeking joy and connection through dance.
Portland Dance Exchange Photos



Portland Dance Exchange Location
Portland Dance Exchange
1014 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202, USA
Portland Dance Exchange Reviews
An amazing space for beginner/intermediate or advanced dancers. I’ve been taking classes for years and the environment is genuinely such a safe space to explore/grow. a shoutout to the owner Kindell. Highly highly recommend!
Apr 13, 2025 · kavya vI have been going here for over a year now and I love every time I go there. The owner/dance instructor Kindell is amazing, kind and talented! I always feel welcome and had an amazing time dancing with her and every one. If you are new to hip hop, I highly recommend this studio.
Mar 03, 2024 · Tien TranOne of the best studios in the Portland area! Teachers are very knowledgeable and the quality is very good! Owner is an absolute sweetheart and is welcoming of everyone from beginners to Professionals. Class variety is great for all levels! They even have a $60 unlimited monthly pass for minimum of 6 months which is AMAZING for someone who is trying to get better at dance. The quality of instructing for what you are paying is SO good! This is coming from someone who has danced for over 10 years
Jan 04, 2023 · Elizabeth Fuentes (Lizzie)I took the beginning choreography class with Kindell and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Her energy is so warm and inclusive, and she is an excellent teacher. I love to dance but have always felt really awkward in a more formal class. She does an amazing job of creating a safe environment to learn and be comfortable in your body no matter your skill level or what you look like. The variety of types of people and skill levels I saw in the class speaks for itself.
May 10, 2023 · OllieOne of it not the best dance studios in Portland. Kindell and the other instructors are immensely talented as well as kind, welcoming, and accommodating. If you’re a new dancer, don’t be afraid to come try this studio. No matter the skill level or experience of the dancer, they make you feel confident in your body and worthy of being a part of the community.
Jan 26, 2023 · Rachel Milstein
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