DanceWell PDX Beaverton

Learn the way you like and the dances you want. Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Nightclub and Country. A better fit into your weekly schedule. Focus on the mechanics of partnering, rhythm, timing and movement. Work on routines or wedding preparations. Take a “time out” from day-to-day living and just have a fun time in your week!

Private Dance Lessons for singles or couples are personalized with your needs and schedule in mind. You’ll discuss a plan with your teacher to reach your goal more quickly, without the limitations of group learning. Ballroom dance lessons and most social dance lessons are available with DanceWell staff.

Social dancing example: Nightclub 2-Step A VERY popular social dance, easy and elegant for contemporary slow ballads. “Ballroom” style begins with a back rock on count “1”, then moves sideways, while Country begins on a side step on “1”. We teach both! Country version takes more space and uses characteristics of Bolero and ballroom dance while the Ballroom version is a little smaller. Good for lounges, nightclubs and also for larger dance floors.

Country. A line dance is a pre-choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in lines or rows. Throughout the centuries. All kinds of Line dancing including Country, Folk, R&B, Weddings, Pop, Latin, Ballroom.

Social dancing example: Country 2-Step Country. Traveling around the dance floor at a moderate to fast pace, Country Two-Step is full of fun turns, wraps, and weaves. Of course you will find it at country bars and clubs, but also in demand at dance studios, ballroom events, and West Coast Swing parties. This is a great dance to develop quick turns, assertive leading, and maneuvering around the dance floor.

Social dancing example: Basic Swing Social dancing example: Lindy Hop Social dancing example: East Coast Triple Swing Swing dance has many variations and names. Swing, Jump Swing, Jive, Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie, Lindy Charleston, Shag…East Coast is the easiest of the swing dances to learn. It’s also one of the most commonly known dances in America. Fun energetic music! With its roots in Lindy Hop, the original swing dance, Swing has been around since the 1920’s, and has evolved with each decade’s popular music. It is also great for big band, rock n’ roll, and blues music. We teach several variations including Lindy Hop.

Social dancing example: West Coast Swing Swing. West Coast Swing is a contemporary-style of Swing, very different than what most people initially think of as “swing.” Sleek, smooth, sexy, funky and challenging, the dance is versatile enough for blues, pop, R&B, country, jazz, disco, rock, and many more genres of music. Its relaxed and smooth body movements, playful improvisation, and stretch give it a distinctive look. It takes longer to get up to speed than many other dances, but well worth the time and practice.

Social dancing example: Hustle Hustle is exciting and energetic, with an elegant and graceful, sultry and intimate, or funky and fun look. It includes numerous wrap and turn patterns as well as gliding movements. Hustle is danced to a syncopated rhythm perfect for 1970’s disco, pop, and some jazz, and techno tunes.

Social dancing example: Samba Ballroom Latin. The Samba as a “partner dance” is a MUCH slowed-down version of Brazilian street-dance. Our Samba is done to South American rhythms as well as many Latin-flavored pop tunes and can also be danced to Zouk or Flamenco music. Samba has motion different than the Cuban motion of other Latin dances like Salsa and Rumba, and is danced with a slight sexy body bounce.

Social dancing example: Salsa Club or Ballroom Latin. There are Salsa clubs and dancing in practically every major metropolitan city. Salsa is primarily danced to Latin music with Afro-Cuban rhythms and is characterized by rolling hip motion and body movement, as well as numerous spin and turn patterns. There are several styles of Salsa, all of which are closely related, including ‘Mambo on 2’. We usually teach the “breaks” on the 1st beat of the musical phrase but sometimes are requested to teach Mambo as well.

Social dancing example: Rumba Social dancing example: Bolero Ballroom Latin. A slower and romantic Ballroom cousin to Salsa, this Latin dance is perfect for contemporary and classic pop ballads, as well as Latin love songs. Because it is a slower Latin dance, it can be ideal for dancers practicing the distinctive hip and body motion of the Afro-Cuban dances like Salsa, Mambo, and Cha Cha. You’ll see Rumba at Salsa clubs, lounges, weddings, and Ballroom dance events.

Social dancing example: Cha Cha Ballroom or Club Latin. Cha Cha is both a ballroom dance and a street dance, and can by styled many ways. Perfect for many contemporary pop tunes, some classic rock ‘n roll, Country and various Latin rhythms. Along with Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata, Cha Cha is very popular at Latin dance clubs and definitely a dance every good social dancer should know.

Social dancing example: Bachata Club Latin. Popular at Salsa and Latin Nightclubs, Bachata has a side to side basic movement and a hip motion or foot tap on every fourth count of music. The music is slower than salsa music and faster than Rumba. From the Dominican Republic.

Social dancing example: Tango Ballroom Smooth. Originally from Argentina, Tango is a dramatic dance with styling options that can be sharp and aggressive, playful or smooth and romantic. We teach American, International and Argentine Tangos. American and International dance with the base of the music, traveling the floor, and Argentine Tango stops and starts, dancing more with the melody.

Social dancing example: Quickstep Ballroom Smooth. The Quickstep is named well. A very quick and lively dance, comprised of running steps, hops, skips and kicks, traveling the dance floor at great speeds. The dance began as a quick version of Foxtrot mixed with the Charleston and has a Jazz music influence. Dixieland jazz is perfect for quickstep as is the faster swing music.

View social dancing example: Foxtrot Ballroom Smooth. Known as “THE” social dance, Foxtrot is one of the most common American dances of the 20th century. Dance it as a slow, romantic, cheek-to-cheek dance; or as a gliding, sliding traveling dance around the dance floor. To see Foxtrot at its best, watch films with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Foxtrot is appropriate for several music types including: big band; jazz; blues; pop; and easy listening.

Social dancing example: Viennese Waltz Ballroom Smooth. This faster-moving Waltz dance is what you usually see in films typically with couples spinning and twirling around the dance floor. Waltz is rarely done outside of traditional ballrooms due to the space needed but there are annual Viennese Balls throughout the world. A beautiful classic dance, Viennese Waltz is also perfect for a surprising amount of contemporary and country pop tunes.

Social dancing example: Slow Waltz Ballroom Smooth. Waltz is very popular, perfect for classics, and there are a surprising number of contemporary songs that use a Waltz rhythm. An elegant and graceful slow dance that glides across the floor, intimate and romantic or formal and grand. Improve your posture, poise, balance, frame, and control. Waltz music is recognized by its 3 / 4 rhythm, meaning musical phrases are counted in six beats rather than the usual eight.

Includes nibbles, 1 or 2 45-Minute dance lessons [Beginner or Beyond Beginner levels], drawings and mixer dances. Preregister for discounts.

Includes mixer dances and fun. Help for new dancers to learn the basic step of dances. Prepay for discounts.

Private group instruction is also available, as well as event instruction.

Single or Couple same price. 50-Minutes instruction with 10 minutes for notes, videos and transition. To request an appointment, go to BOOK NOW > Appointments.

Single or Couple same price. 50-Minutes instruction with 10 minutes for notes, videos and transition. To request an appointment, go to BOOK NOW > Appointments.

Youth ages 14-20. Register & add a birth date. Then book your classes using this option. Must be 14-20 years age. Must prepay. Must have permission waiver.

Save on all CLASSES and WORKSHOPS when you purchase at least 24 hours before class.

Save on all CLASSES and WORKSHOPS when you purchase at least 24 hours before class.

3-month Classes & Parties - Auto-Pay. All our Regular Classes & Parties on the schedule each month. Over 50 hours possible. MONTHLY AUTO-PAY.

All classes & parties included. Best deal if taking 3+ classes/week. 3-month prepay auto-enroll.

This class is for those who have had 3-6 months experience in dance and have had some previous experience in the dance being taught. This class has more focus on dance details and movement skills. Prerequisites: 3-6 months dance experience plus experience in the dance taught. Focusing on: SOCIAL DANCING skills and teamwork. FUN! Coordination and musicality. Confidence and self-esteem. Social skills, group interaction and teamwork. Respect and acceptance of individual differences and ages.

This class is for those who have had 2-3 months experience in dance. New dances are introduced every month. Working together as well as social dynamics, changing partners if agreeable, and learning social skills as well as great dance steps. Prerequisites: Some dance experience needed. Focusing on: SOCIAL DANCING skills and teamwork. FUN! Coordination and musicality. Confidence and self-esteem. Social skills, group interaction and teamwork. Respect and acceptance of individual differences and ages.

For brand new dancers. Everyone working together, changing partners and learning social skills as well as fun dance steps. Students are offered the chance to do small dance demos. Prerequisites: None. Focusing on: SOCIAL DANCING skills and teamwork. FUN! Coordination and musicality. Confidence and self-esteem. Social skills, group interaction and teamwork. Respect and acceptance of individual differences and ages.

The dance steps help young adults in many ways: learning coordination, meeting new people, a physical activity to help de-stress. Dance is a great basis for friendships, teamworking and having great fun! Note that classes must have at least six students attending. Usually ages 17-25.

The dance steps help break the ice and create a teamwork effort with many different partners, while learning coordination and having fun! Dancing and socializing over the months and years, students not only have fun and learn a great movement skill; they shed their shyness and emerge with self-confidence. Note that classes must have at least six students attending.

Physically meeting and working with others, combining dance lessons with common courtesies, helping students create a positive impression in a physical world. You are welcome to request class days and times. Note that classes must have at least six students attending.

Students ages 15-20: Enroll in our adult classes at $20 per month per class series. 4 visits/$20. Social Latin, Swing & Ballroom Dance Classes. Physically meeting and working with others, combining dance lessons with common courtesies, helping students create a positive impression in a physical world.

Nightclub dance classes include styles like Nightclub 2-Step and Hustle. These classes are designed to build your skills step-by-step, starting with Level 1 for brand-new dancers.

Country dance classes include styles such as Country 2-Step. These classes are designed to build your skills step-by-step, starting with Level 1 for brand-new dancers.

Swing classes encompass various styles like East Coast Single, East Coast Triple, 4-count Swing, and West Coast Swing. These classes are designed to build your skills step-by-step, starting with Level 1 for brand-new dancers.

Latin classes include styles such as Cha Cha, Rumba, and Salsa. These classes are designed to build your skills step-by-step, starting with Level 1 for brand-new dancers.

Ballroom classes cover dances like Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango. These classes are designed to build your skills step-by-step, starting with Level 1 for brand-new dancers.

Skill-Set: 2-3 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE DANCE BEING TAUGHT. Continuously improving your skills, able to quickly review and add or create new combinations. Preparation for Medals Testing if desired. Your goals in an ADVANCED class: 1) Review of all steps in a certain level. 2) Continue improving technique skills, lead/follow and variations. True mastery of the dance!

Skill-Set: 1 TO 2+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE PARTICULAR DANCE BEING TAUGHT. Continuously improving your skills, ready to add new exciting moves to your dance repertoire. For those already comfortable with their lead/follow skills in a particular dance style. Your goals in an INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED class: 1) Understand and use the fundamentals learned earlier. 2) Apply your skills to more difficult steps. 3) Add to and improve your dancing skills with more advanced form and finessed movement. Become free to express yourself.

Skill-Set: 3 MONTHS DANCE EXPERIENCE IN THE DANCE LISTED. For those who can already comfortably transition with partners between many basic patterns. Your goals in an Basics & Beyond class: 1) Improve your partnering skills and style. 2) Improve turning, traveling, twirling. 3) Add to your repertoire of dance moves, usually steps 8-10 of the foundation social patterns.

Skill-Set: LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. For brand new dancers and also for those who have experienced some sort of dance rhythms and partnering. A half hour private lesson or two can be of help if you get started if you wish. Your BEGINNER goals: 1) Learn simple Rhythms to music. 2) Learn balanced movement with a partner. 3) Learn some partnering “lead/follow” skills” turning, traveling, twirling and more. 4) Learn usually the first 5-7 patterns of a certain dance. 5) “Get by” at a dance event.

SWING-3 or 4 (Intermediate to Advanced class) Students in this class should have already been studying this dance for 1 year or more. There are many variations to learn.

SWING-2 (Beyond Beginner or Improver class) should have 2-4 months experience in beginner steps before joining this class and plan to remain in this class level for a year or longer.

SWING-1 (a Beginner or Intro class) –no skills needed. repeat to “set” your basic skills on auto-pilot.

Usually a theme party. Usually includes two 45-Minute dance lessons [Beginner or Beyond Beginner levels], mixer dances, contests, appetizers, beverages. Preregister for discount prices.