The Everybody Dance Project

For families in Portland, Oregon, seeking a welcoming and engaging introduction to the world of dance for their young children, The Everybody Dance Project (EDP) offers a unique approach. This studio is specifically focused on bringing quality dance training to young, beginning dancers through classes that prioritize fun, engagement, and fundamental dance knowledge. It aims to foster socialization, coordination, and a love for movement in a supportive and positive atmosphere.

The Everybody Dance Project emphasizes creating an environment where every child feels accepted and encouraged to participate. While some parents might seek a more rigorous, technique-focused approach from the outset, EDP excels at providing a relaxed and friendly space where young dancers can build confidence and develop foundational skills without intense pressure. Testimonials highlight the extremely positive and accepting nature of the instructors, who keep kids wanting to come back. This article will provide an overview of The Everybody Dance Project, its offerings, and why it's a suitable option for locals in Oregon looking for a gentle and joyful start to dance education for their children.

The Everybody Dance Project (EDP) has a primary location at 3132 SE 67th Ave, Portland, OR 97206, USA. This address places the studio in Southeast Portland, a vibrant and accessible part of the city. Being situated in a well-established neighborhood, it is conveniently reachable for families residing in SE Portland and surrounding communities.

In addition to this Southeast location (often hosted at Genesis Project Church), The Everybody Dance Project also holds classes at Fremont United Methodist Church in NE Portland, and has a new North Portland location coming in Fall 2024, expanding its reach across the city. This multi-location approach enhances accessibility for families throughout the Portland metropolitan area. While specific parking details for each location might vary, being situated within community-oriented venues often implies reasonable street parking or small lots, making drop-off and pick-up relatively straightforward for local parents.

The Everybody Dance Project is specifically tailored to introduce young children to dance in a fun and encouraging manner, focusing on foundational skills and fostering a love for movement. Their class types are designed with age-appropriateness and engagement in mind. Here's a look at the services and classes they offer:

• Dance Party! (Ages 2-5): This class serves as an excellent introduction to dance and movement for the youngest learners. Dancers develop gross motor skills, explore through playful dance games, and begin to understand the basic structure of a dance class. It prioritizes spontaneity and fun, using props and age-appropriate music.
• Ballet/Tumbling (Ages 3-7, with variations for specific age ranges like 3-5, 3-6, 4-7): In these classes, dancers explore the fundamentals of ballet, including an introduction to terminology and positions. The tumbling component helps children develop confidence in coordination and strength. Play and spontaneity are encouraged, making learning enjoyable.
• Hip Hop/Tumbling (Ages 5-10, with variations for specific age ranges like 5-8, 7-10, 10+): This fun and upbeat class teaches dancers basic grooves, isolations, and choreography combos characteristic of hip hop. The tumbling aspect, similar to Ballet/Tumbling, focuses on building strength and coordination, making it a dynamic and energetic option.
• Beginning Ballet/Contemporary (Ages 6-10): For slightly older beginning dancers, this class likely blends the discipline of classical ballet with the fluidity and expression of contemporary dance, offering a broader introduction to dance forms.
• Summer Camps: The Everybody Dance Project offers various themed summer camps for ages 3-8 (and some for 6-10), often with titles like "Moana Camp," "Fairytale Forest Camp," "Magical Creatures Camp," "Pirates and Mermaids Camp," "Taylor Swift Super Fan Club Camp," "Under The Sea Camp," and "Unicorns and Rainbows Camp." These camps provide immersive, themed dance experiences, typically with half-day options and extended aftercare.
• Free Trial Classes: The studio offers free trial classes for dancers new to EDP or those wanting to try a class, allowing families to experience the studio's atmosphere and teaching style before committing.

The classes are generally structured to promote socialization, coordination, and fundamental dance knowledge, keeping it easy for parents and fun for kids. It's important to note that while some parents might desire a more rigorous technical focus, EDP's strength lies in its approachable and encouraging environment for young beginners.

The Everybody Dance Project stands out in the Portland dance community due to several key features and highlights, particularly its approach to early childhood dance education:

• Strong Emphasis on Positivity and Acceptance: A consistent highlight from reviews is the "extremely positive" and "accepting of everyone" nature of the dance instructors. This creates a supportive environment where children feel comfortable and eager to participate, regardless of their skill level.
• Focus on Fun and Engagement for Young Children: The studio prioritizes making dance "fun" for kids, using playful dance games, props, and age-appropriate music. This approach is ideal for very young dancers (ages 2-7) who benefit from a less rigid, more exploratory introduction to movement.
• Building Confidence and Love for Dance: Multiple testimonials affirm that the instructors "keep my kid wanting to come back!!" and help instill confidence and strength in each student. This nurturing approach encourages a lifelong appreciation for dance.
• Foundational Skill Development: While relaxed, classes still focus on "fundamental dance knowledge," gross motor skills, coordination, and strength, particularly through the tumbling components of their Ballet/Tumbling and Hip Hop/Tumbling classes.
• Accessible for Beginners: The Everybody Dance Project is explicitly "focused on bringing quality dance training to young, beginning dancers," making it an excellent starting point for children with no prior dance experience. Offering free trial classes further enhances this accessibility.
• Community-Oriented Locations: By utilizing spaces like Genesis Project Church and Fremont United Methodist Church, EDP integrates itself within local communities, making it convenient for neighborhood families. The upcoming North Portland location further expands this community focus.
• Diverse Themed Summer Camps: The variety of themed summer camps (e.g., Moana, Taylor Swift, Unicorns) provides exciting, immersive experiences during school breaks, offering a fun way for kids to stay active and creative.

It's important to set expectations based on the studio's primary focus: it is designed for a relaxed, confidence-building introduction to dance for young children, rather than an intense, competition-focused technical academy for older, experienced dancers. This distinction aligns with some of the varied feedback, highlighting its suitability for specific needs.

For families in the Portland, Oregon area interested in enrolling their children in classes or learning more about The Everybody Dance Project, you can reach out through the following contact details:

Address: 3132 SE 67th Ave, Portland, OR 97206, USA

Phone: (503) 560-5860

Mobile Phone: +1 503-560-5860

It is highly recommended to visit their official website for the most current information regarding class schedules (including specific age ranges and locations), registration details, summer camp information, and to inquire about free trial classes. You can also contact them directly via phone or email to discuss your child's specific needs and find the best fit within their programs.

For residents of the Oregon region, particularly those in Portland and its diverse neighborhoods, The Everybody Dance Project is a highly suitable choice for introducing young children to the joys of dance. Its specific focus on beginner, youth-oriented programs, coupled with an exceptionally positive and inclusive atmosphere, makes it a valuable local resource.

Firstly, the studio's strategic location in Southeast Portland, complemented by additional sites in Northeast and forthcoming in North Portland, ensures broad accessibility across the city. This local presence means that parents can easily find a convenient and community-integrated option for their child's dance education, reducing travel burdens and fostering consistent participation.

Secondly, the studio's primary strength, as highlighted by multiple positive reviews, lies in its nurturing environment and the "extremely positive" attitude of its instructors. For parents seeking a relaxed setting where their child will be encouraged and celebrated, regardless of initial technical perfection, EDP excels. This approach helps young children build confidence, develop social skills, and cultivate a genuine love for movement—qualities that are invaluable far beyond the dance floor. While it might not cater to those seeking immediate high-level technical rigor, it perfectly serves its intended audience: young, beginning dancers who thrive on fun and encouragement.

Finally, the variety of class types, including "Dance Party!" for toddlers and combined Ballet/Tumbling and Hip Hop/Tumbling for slightly older children, provides engaging options tailored to developmental stages. The themed summer camps further enhance its appeal as a dynamic local activity provider. For any Oregonian parent looking for an accessible, supportive, and joyful entry point into dance for their child, The Everybody Dance Project is an excellent community choice.

The Everybody Dance Project

3132 SE 67th Ave, Portland, OR 97206, USA