Dance Class and Dance Programs at Inspire Dance Centre in Gresham, Oregon
We offer three programs of dance outlined below: Pre-professional program, youth dancers and recreational students.
Dance classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. Dance classes will remain "open" until the student limit is reached. Students will then be placed on a new class waiting list. For those interested in our summer classes and dance intensives, visit our summer programs page. Summertime dance class at Inspire Dance Centre is the perfect opportunity to learn a new dance style, improve your skills or try dance classes for the very first time!
Learn More About Inspire Dance Centre's Ballet Program
*Unless otherwise noted, classes start in September and run through mid-June and will be featured in our spring performance.
Classes Not in Spring Performance: Ball, Pointe/Pre-Pointe, Variations, Stretch & Tumble, Minis in Motion,
Creative/Primary Jazz & Lyrical, Intro to Jazz & Lyrical, and all Adult classes.
Dance classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. Dance classes will remain "open" until the student limit is reached. Students will then be placed on a new class waiting list. For those interested in our summer classes and dance intensives, visit our summer programs page. Summertime dance class at Inspire Dance Centre is the perfect opportunity to learn a new dance style, improve your skills or try dance classes for the very first time!
Learn More About Inspire Dance Centre's Ballet Program
*Unless otherwise noted, classes start in September and run through mid-June and will be featured in our spring performance.
Classes Not in Spring Performance: Ball, Pointe/Pre-Pointe, Variations, Stretch & Tumble, Minis in Motion,
Creative/Primary Jazz & Lyrical, Intro to Jazz & Lyrical, and all Adult classes.
Youth Dancer Program
This dance program is for young dancers wanting to explore and learn various dance styles from a foundation in ballet. The goal of this program is to learn proper execution of techniques and fundamentals to build on and grow towards our Inspired Dancer Program. It is possible that at one point some students may be in both programs. These classes, unless noted will feature at least one dance routine per class in our recitals. Dancers may be given an opportunity to audition for an additional dance if they desire.
Tiny Dancers, Creative Ballet & Primary Ballet
Children flourish in an atmosphere of self-discovery while learning a curriculum that introduces the basic concepts of ballet, promotes musicality and rhythm, and fundamental dance techniques. These classes are designed for truly beginner dancers ages 3-6 years old. Students age 3 take our Tiny Dancers class, Students ages 3-4 years old, take our Creative Ballet class. Students ages 5-6 years old, take our Primary Ballet class. Creative Ballet classes expose students to the joy of ballet through creative movement exercises done in an age appropriate way so they learn, with an introduction to ballet vocabulary and technique. A student in Primary Class will also learn the importance of listening skills, controlling their bodies, and maintaining focus among many other things. This valuable training prepares students for our Ballet Beginning 1 classes when they turn age 6-7. Watch your child’s confidence and appreciation for the art form grow as they master new skills and make new friends. These are 45 minute classes that meet once per week.
Minis in Motion
The perfect class to introduce your Tiny Dancer to music through movement, while developing rhythm and a love for dance!
The perfect class to introduce your Tiny Dancer to music through movement, while developing rhythm and a love for dance!
Intro to Ballet & Ballet 1
These classes introduce dancers to the fundamentals of classical ballet technique. Each ballet class focuses on proper posture, body positions, and alignment such as pointing of feet, turn out and positions of the feet and arms while also building on ballet vocabulary. Class structure and discipline are also emphasized, and musicality and creativity are explored through small exercises in improvisation. Watch your child’s confidence and appreciation for the art form grow as they master new skills and make new friends. These one hour classes meet once a week.
Ballet 2
This class maintains the format of the Ballet 1 classes, but at a more challenging level. Structured body conditioning and flexibility exercises are introduced. This 1.5 hour class meets twice a week.
Pre-Pointe
Designed to prepare the dancer to go en pointe, this one hour weekly class develops and strengthen the muscles and ankles to ensure a successful transition to pointe shoes. Teachers are able to monitor assess the dancer's readiness through balance and strength tests.
The differences between our Primary Ballet and Intro to Ballet classes:
Intro to Ballet is an hour weekly class, typically for ages 6 to 12 years old. This class follows an introductory ballet class format, an hour in length and follows our ballet curriculum. Students in our Intro to Ballet class are expected to have greater control over their bodies and their behavior in class, and be able to understand and apply corrections and maintain focus on instruction for a longer duration. The Primary Ballet class is a shorter class, 45 minutes, once per week for ages 5-6 years old that incorporates traditional pre-ballet with "purposeful play" skill building, done in an appropriate way for younger students to learn. Primary Ballet is an instructional ballet class and follows our ballet curriculum. A student in Primary Class will also learn the importance of listening skills, controlling their bodies, and maintaining focus among many other things. The benefit of a trial class is to see exactly where it would be the best fit for their learning style. Please email us for assistance in determining which class would be the best for your 5 year old. Students ages 3-4 years old, take our Tiny Dancers or Creative Ballet class.
Ballet 2
This class maintains the format of the Ballet 1 classes, but at a more challenging level. Structured body conditioning and flexibility exercises are introduced. This 1.5 hour class meets twice a week.
Pre-Pointe
Designed to prepare the dancer to go en pointe, this one hour weekly class develops and strengthen the muscles and ankles to ensure a successful transition to pointe shoes. Teachers are able to monitor assess the dancer's readiness through balance and strength tests.
The differences between our Primary Ballet and Intro to Ballet classes:
Intro to Ballet is an hour weekly class, typically for ages 6 to 12 years old. This class follows an introductory ballet class format, an hour in length and follows our ballet curriculum. Students in our Intro to Ballet class are expected to have greater control over their bodies and their behavior in class, and be able to understand and apply corrections and maintain focus on instruction for a longer duration. The Primary Ballet class is a shorter class, 45 minutes, once per week for ages 5-6 years old that incorporates traditional pre-ballet with "purposeful play" skill building, done in an appropriate way for younger students to learn. Primary Ballet is an instructional ballet class and follows our ballet curriculum. A student in Primary Class will also learn the importance of listening skills, controlling their bodies, and maintaining focus among many other things. The benefit of a trial class is to see exactly where it would be the best fit for their learning style. Please email us for assistance in determining which class would be the best for your 5 year old. Students ages 3-4 years old, take our Tiny Dancers or Creative Ballet class.
Creative/Primary Jazz & Lyrical Combo Class:
Jazz: This class incorporates traditional, Broadway and contemporary styles in a high energy, fun atmosphere. Classes introduce warm-ups, stretches, across the floor technique, center combinations and flexibility exercises set to the upbeat rhythm of contemporary music.
Lyrical: This style of dance uses movement to interpret the lyrics and emotions of music. Students will have a warm up focusing on core strength, flexibility, and movement of the back. The class includes floor work, progressions, and center combinations. Students will work on dance expression, body alignment and fluidity.
Jazz: This class incorporates traditional, Broadway and contemporary styles in a high energy, fun atmosphere. Classes introduce warm-ups, stretches, across the floor technique, center combinations and flexibility exercises set to the upbeat rhythm of contemporary music.
Lyrical: This style of dance uses movement to interpret the lyrics and emotions of music. Students will have a warm up focusing on core strength, flexibility, and movement of the back. The class includes floor work, progressions, and center combinations. Students will work on dance expression, body alignment and fluidity.
Intro to Jazz & Lyrical Combo Class:
Jazz: This class incorporates traditional, Broadway and contemporary styles in a high energy, fun atmosphere. Classes introduce warm-ups, stretches, across the floor technique, center combinations and flexibility exercises set to the upbeat rhythm of contemporary music.
Lyrical: This style of dance uses movement to interpret the lyrics and emotions of music. Students will have a warm up focusing on core strength, flexibility, and movement of the back. The class includes floor work, progressions, and center combinations. Students will work on dance expression, body alignment and fluidity.
Concurrent enrollment in ballet is required.
Jazz: This class incorporates traditional, Broadway and contemporary styles in a high energy, fun atmosphere. Classes introduce warm-ups, stretches, across the floor technique, center combinations and flexibility exercises set to the upbeat rhythm of contemporary music.
Lyrical: This style of dance uses movement to interpret the lyrics and emotions of music. Students will have a warm up focusing on core strength, flexibility, and movement of the back. The class includes floor work, progressions, and center combinations. Students will work on dance expression, body alignment and fluidity.
Concurrent enrollment in ballet is required.
Jazz 1 & 2
This class incorporates traditional, Broadway and contemporary styles in a high energy, fun atmosphere. Classes introduce warm-ups, stretches, across the floor technique, center combinations and flexibility exercises set to the upbeat rhythm of contemporary music. Concurrent enrollment in a ballet class is required to prepare for further study. This one hour class meets once a week.
Intro to Tap & Tap 1 & 2
This class emphasizes the development of tap technique & terminology. The student will explore coordination, rhythm and timing within a wide range of musical accompaniment. Class begins at the “tap barre” and progresses to center floor combinations and repetitive exercises, instilling a strong foundation for the beginner and intermediate tapper. This one hour class meets once a week.
Hip Hop Primary, Intro to Hip Hop and Hip Hop 1 & 2
This energetic, fun-loving, popular style of dance uses an eclectic mix of music, from R&B to house to pop and teaches dancers hip-hop movements, musicality and technique while also working on rhythm, precision, and muscle memory. These one hour classes meet once a week.
Lyrical 1 & 2
This style of dance uses movement to interpret the lyrics and emotions of music. Students will have a warm up focusing on core strength, flexibility, and movement of the back. The class includes floor work, progressions, and center combinations. Students will work on dance expression, body alignment and fluidity. This dance genre can only develop properly from a dancer who has sufficient ability and technique gained from previous ballet training, therefore this class is only offered to beginning ballet students. Concurrent enrollment in a ballet class is required to adequately prepare for further study. This one hour class meets once a week.
Musical Theater Intro, 1/2
A high energy and performance/character building class that will incorporate dance techniques from all dance forms (ballet, tap, jazz, etc.), while also learning to improvise choreography and pantomime. Students will learn to sing the Broadway show-tunes alongside dancing. Students will fine tune their performance and stage skills while learning original Broadway and Broadway inspired choreography. Must have one year of ballet and also be concurrently enrolled in both ballet and jazz. This one hour class meets once a week.
Stretch & Tumble Intro-2
This combo dance technique class incorporates intense stretching with some basic tumbling skills accompanied with basic dance techniques. This class is not a typical gymnastics class. Students will enhance their flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline & concentration. Students will work on such things as splits, handstands, chin stands, elbow stands, regular and one handed cartwheels, back bends, and walkovers or as class abilities develop. This class is great for students looking to enhance their agility, flexibility, & strength. This one hour class meets once a week. *This is a supplemental dance technique class and will not feature a dance in the recital.
Ball Intro/1 & 2
The Ball class is a unique training program using the fitness ball to enhance ballet technique. The results are remarkable and the areas concentrated upon are increasing muscle memory and flexibility, strengthening techniques, and aspiring toward longevity in dance. Ball Intro/1 & 2 is taught by a certified instructor. *These are supplemental dance technique classes and will not feature a dance in the recital.
Pre-Professional Program
This program is an individualized program designed for the dedicated and passionate dance student. Students obtain an in-depth and intensive training to promote a well-rounded aspiring professional level dancer. Students are offered opportunities for additional training in summer programs, conventions and competitions around the country. Students enrolled in this program will be given the opportunity to audition for multiple dances and/or roles in our recitals, performances and productions. Students are placed by audition/placement class only. Please call or email us to determine which class might be right for your dancer.
For those registering after our season starts, you will need to get a proper class placement determined by our Director. Please call the office or email [email protected] for help in determining an appropriate class to be observed in. We will place a student at their level or possibly below their ability for assessment. For information on class attire, please see our Dress Code.
For those registering after our season starts, you will need to get a proper class placement determined by our Director. Please call the office or email [email protected] for help in determining an appropriate class to be observed in. We will place a student at their level or possibly below their ability for assessment. For information on class attire, please see our Dress Code.
Ballet 3 & 4
All of our ballet classes stress correct placement (body alignment), and proper classical ballet technique. At this level students will execute a full ballet barre and learn proper vocabulary for all steps taught not only at the barre but in the center floor. In the center they will learn the proper sequence of movement. They will learn adage, petite allegro, turns practice, and grande allegro. They will achieve self-discipline, self-esteem, and the importance of working together and showing decorum and respect for others. Pointe may also be introduced at the discretion of the Artistic Director. This class meets for 90 minutes, twice a week.
Ballet 5 & 6
These levels require more commitment on the part of the student. The student must be secure in technique and the capacity to keep up in a fast-paced class, have proper body alignment, and an understanding of the dancers core and how it is used to achieve strong technical expertise. Pointe will be a part of each class, and the choreography will be at the highest level and designed to bring about a quick recall. These 1.5 hour classes meet twice a week. These classes may feature more than one dance in our recital as well as opportunities for additional dances and/or roles that may be auditioned for.
Contemporary 3/4 & 5/6
Contemporary is a blend of traditional technique with modern dance. In this class we explore the fundamentals of contemporary and modern dance. At first, we explore using the spine in a fluid motion, counterbalance through weight and body, contraction and release, and spiral of the spine all while creating effortless shapes rooted in ballet. Improvisational skills are also introduced, giving dancers a chance to investigate movement. At the advanced level, dancers material and vocabulary become vast and intricate and en pointe. These one hour classes meet once a week.
Pointe 1 & 2
Most young ballerinas dream of dancing en pointe for years before they tie their very first pair of pointe shoes. We insist on proper readiness and skilled advancement before making the decision to allow a dancer to progress en pointe. Since this is highly individualized, the student is evaluated personally by the Artistic Director before progressing to pointe work. Many factors are involved in pointe readiness, including strength of the legs, feet and ankles. This class is designed to help students build the strength and alignment necessary for pointe work. It also helps the Director assess readiness, which lessens the risk of injury once students are dancing en pointe. The graduation to the level of pointe takes years of preparation and involves the strength and alignment of the body, not just the feet. Students who are in pre-pointe/pointe must take at least two additional ballet classes per week. Pointe 1 (pre-pointe) is a 45 minute class that meets once a week. Pointe 2 is a one hour class that meets also meets once a week. *These are supplemental dance technique class and will not feature a dance in the recital.
Jazz 3/ 4 & 5/ 6
These classes build on jazz technique while stressing isolations, core strength, and flexibility. Level 4 is for students with previous jazz experience. Focus is placed on strengthening technique and further developing style. Jazz 5 will extend students' technical skills through center and progressions. Students will have a solid working knowledge of lyrical and jazz technique and considerable experience. These students will focus on development including extensions, jumps, turns and longer combinations. For the older dancer, this jazz class is coupled with lyrical moves and choreography that naturally utilize and extend their jazz and ballet technique. A concurrent ballet class is required to adequately prepare for further study. These are one hour class that meet once a week.
Tap 3/4 & 5/ 6
These are upbeat and exciting classes. Tap is an excellent way to develop rhythmic skills and coordination. These classes will provide students with a strong understanding of tap foundation, terminology, timing and rhythm. Concentrating on proper execution of beginning steps through advanced technique. One or two dances will be learned during the year. This 1 hour class meets once a week.
Musical Theater 3/4 & 5/6
A high energy and performance/character building class that will incorporate dance techniques from all dance forms (ballet, tap, jazz, etc.), while also learning to improvise choreography and pantomime. Students will learn to sing the Broadway show-tunes alongside dancing. Students will fine tune their performance and stage skills while learning original Broadway and Broadway-inspired choreography. Must have one year of ballet and also be concurrently enrolled in both ballet and jazz. This one hour class meets once a week.
Stretch & Tumble 3/4 & 5/6
This class involves using the dancers core and entire body strength. The student will develop flexibility from intensive stretching, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all, discipline and concentration. Some skill sets they will work on will be stand up from back-bends, in and outs, one handed cartwheels, round-offs, front and back limbers, front and back walkovers. This is not a typical gymnastics class, but rather a dance technique class we have developed to enhance dancers skills and abilities when performing dance choreography. This class is great for dancers looking to enhance their agility, flexibility, & strength. This one hour class meets once a week. This is a supplemental dance technique class and will not feature a dance in the recital. However, once a student masters a skill, their Jazz or Lyrical teacher can possibly feature that in her choreography.
Hip Hop 3/4 & 5/6
This energetic, fun-loving, popular style of dance uses an eclectic mix of music, from R&B to house to pop and teaches dancers hip-hop movements, musicality and technique while also working on rhythm, precision, and muscle memory. These classes meet for one hour per week.
Ball Fitness Class 3/4 & 5/6
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The Ball Fitness class is a unique training program using the fitness ball to enhance ballet technique. The results are remarkable and the areas concentrated upon are increasing muscle memory and flexibility, strengthening techniques, and aspiring toward longevity in dance. Ball Fitness 3 & 4 is taught by a certified instructor. *These are supplemental dance technique classes and will not feature a dance in the recital.
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Recreational Dance Class Program
Adult Ballet & Pilates
Whether you’re interested in strengthening your ballet fundamentals, adding a class to your repertoire or sharpening your skills to make your local dance team, this class is for you. In the Ballet class, dancers will learn ballet fundamentals including body placement vocabulary and movement. Dancers will work on turns, leaps, and strengthening flexibility exercises.