Stites Performing Arts Center

For families and individuals across the Oregon region, particularly those in Portland seeking a vibrant and nurturing environment to explore the performing arts, Stites Performing Arts Center stands as a long-standing pillar of the community. With new ownership by Shanon Barker, a former student herself, and Thomas Breuckman, a dedicated supporter of the arts, Stites continues its legacy of providing exceptional instruction in dance and related disciplines. This center is more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a friendly and supportive community where students of all ages can discover their passion, develop solid technique, and grow as individuals. If you’re in Oregon and looking for a dance studio that combines experienced teachers with a welcoming atmosphere, offering a diverse array of classes from ballet to baton twirling, Stites Performing Arts Center invites you to experience the joy of movement and artistic expression right here in Portland.

Stites Performing Arts Center is conveniently located at 11240 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266, USA. This central Portland address makes it highly accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas. Situated on SE Division Street, a major thoroughfare, the studio is easy to reach by car, with readily available parking usually found in the vicinity. For those utilizing public transportation, SE Division Street is well-served by TriMet bus lines, providing a convenient option for students and families to reach the studio without personal vehicles. The location ensures that individuals from various parts of Portland can easily integrate dance and arts classes into their weekly schedules, making Stites a practical and desirable choice for consistent training and artistic engagement. This accessibility underscores Stites Performing Arts Center's commitment to serving the diverse needs of the local Oregon community.

Stites Performing Arts Center offers a wide and inclusive range of services and classes designed to foster artistic development and movement skills for individuals of all ages and levels, from beginner to pre-professional.

• Diverse Dance Classes: The center provides instruction in numerous dance styles, including Ballet (from pre-ballet to pre-professional levels), Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop (age-appropriate movement and music), Contemporary, and Creative Movement (for ages 3-5, focusing on developmental motor patterns).
• Baton Twirling: A unique and multi-generational offering, baton twirling classes are available for ages 9 to 100, providing a fun and active way to engage with performing arts. The owner, Shanon Barker, is a highly experienced baton teacher and coach.
• Middle Eastern Dance: Led by the renowned Nemra Khan, classes in American Cabaret style Middle Eastern dance are offered for ages 14 and up, focusing on grace, posture, fitness, toning, and body isolations.
• Gymnastics/Tumbling: Recreational tumbling classes are taught with competitive gymnastic technique, providing a safe and effective way to learn acrobatic skills.
• Singing Classes: Beyond dance, the center also offers singing instruction, allowing students to explore vocal arts.
• Classes for All Ages and Levels: Stites is committed to inclusivity, offering classes for students aged 3 through adult, from beginner through pre-professional levels, ensuring a suitable option for everyone.
• Performance Opportunities: Optional performance opportunities include a yearly spring recital, participation in the Jr. Rose Parade, community and senior center performances, holiday shows (frequently at Festival of The Trees), and an annual Blazers' performance. Baton competitions are also available for twirling students.
• Emphasis on Solid Technique and Performance Skills: Instruction focuses on developing strong technical foundations and effective performance abilities, all taught within a culture of kindness and age-appropriate curriculum.

Stites Performing Arts Center is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing reputation as a beloved arts institution in Portland.

• Experienced and Passionate Ownership/Leadership: Co-owner Shanon Barker is a native of Portland, a former student of Stites, and has over 30 years of experience teaching dance and baton twirling. Her deep love for children and the arts ensures a mission-driven approach. Thomas Breuckman, the other co-owner, brings 22 years of experience working with children and is highly supportive of artistic development.
• Great Teachers and Friendly Environment: Consistently highlighted in reviews, Stites is praised for its "great teachers" and a "very friendly environment." This supportive atmosphere is crucial for students to feel comfortable, learn effectively, and truly enjoy their classes.
• Comprehensive Artistic Offerings: Beyond just dance, the center's inclusion of baton twirling, Middle Eastern dance, gymnastics/tumbling, and singing creates a well-rounded performing arts experience, allowing students to explore diverse talents.
• Focus on Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Stites emphasizes delivering age-appropriate curriculum, ensuring that lessons are tailored to the developmental stage of each student, promoting healthy and sustainable growth in their artistic journey.
• Culture of Kindness: The studio operates within a "culture of kindness," which fosters a positive and nurturing space where students can learn, grow, and express themselves without undue pressure.
• Spacious, Clean, and Comfortable Facility: Stites offers a well-maintained facility, described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, featuring a viewing room, waiting room, four dance rooms, and a dedicated gymnastics studio, all designed for an optimal learning environment.
• Year-Round Enrollment and Flexibility: The center accepts new students throughout the year, offering flexibility for families to join programs when it best suits their schedule.
• Community Engagement: With performances in the Jr. Rose Parade, at senior centers, and holiday shows, Stites provides numerous opportunities for students to share their talents with the broader Portland community, fostering a sense of contribution and pride.

For those in Portland, OR, and the wider Oregon region interested in enrolling in classes or learning more about Stites Performing Arts Center, here is their contact information:

Address: 11240 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266, USA

Phone: (503) 665-5155

Mobile Phone: +1 503-665-5155

Stites Performing Arts Center is an excellent choice for locals in the Oregon region, particularly those in Portland, who are seeking a comprehensive and supportive environment for arts education. For Oregon families, the blend of experienced teachers, a friendly atmosphere, and a wide variety of class offerings makes Stites a truly valuable local resource. The consistent positive reviews highlighting "great teachers" and a "very friendly environment" speak to the studio's commitment to creating a welcoming and effective learning space for all ages. Whether a child is just beginning their movement journey with creative dance, a teen is honing their hip-hop skills, or an adult is looking to try baton twirling or Middle Eastern dance, Stites provides tailored instruction for every level.

The center's dedication to solid technique, age-appropriate curriculum, and a culture of kindness ensures that students not only develop their artistic abilities but also grow as confident and well-rounded individuals. The numerous performance opportunities, from annual recitals to community events like the Jr. Rose Parade, give students invaluable stage experience and a chance to share their passion with their families and the wider Portland community. With new ownership passionate about the arts and children, Stites Performing Arts Center continues its legacy as a beloved local institution. For any Oregonian looking for a place where artistic talent is nurtured, friendships are made, and the joy of performing is celebrated, Stites Performing Arts Center on SE Division Street is a premier destination that truly serves the local community's artistic needs.

Stites Performing Arts Center

11240 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266, USA