THE SCHOOL

At STEPS PDX, we offer a high-caliber curriculum designed to develop technical excellence, artistic expression, and overall well-being. Our program blends classical foundations with diverse movement practices, ensuring dancers receive a well-rounded and enriching experience.

Core Curriculum

• Ballet Technique – Strong technical foundation with an emphasis on precision, artistry, and musicality.

• Modern Technique – Exploration of movement through contemporary and traditional modern dance principles.

• Jazz Technique – Dynamic and expressive movement rooted in rhythm, energy, and versatility.

• Pointe & Variations – Classical and contemporary pointe work, focusing on strength, alignment, and repertoire.

• Composition, Improvisation & Partnering – Encouraging creativity, self-expression, and collaboration through choreographic exploration.

• Strength & Conditioning – Incorporating Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation to enhance flexibility, injury prevention, and overall physical resilience.

Enrichment & Specialty Training

Monthly Workshops – Expanding movement vocabulary with training in:
Hip Hop, African Dance, Tap

Monthly Seminars – Holistic dancer development with expert-led discussions on:

• Mental Health & Mindfulness

• Body Image & Wellness

• Meditation & Breathwork

• Racism in Dance – Understanding dance history, representation, and inclusivity.

• Precision in Movement (Rockette Training) – Developing sharpness, synchronicity, and performance discipline.

At STEPS PDX, we are committed to fostering strong, versatile, and confident dancers by providing exceptional training and a supportive community. Join us and experience the difference!

Beyond the Studio: A Comprehensive & Supportive Training Experience

At Steps PDX, we believe in providing more than just exceptional dance training—we offer a holistic approach to dancer development, guiding students toward their personal and professional goals while fostering a strong, supportive community.

Mentor Program

Our mentorship program connects dancers within the school, pairing younger students with more experienced dancers to create a supportive learning environment. At the highest levels, pre-professional dancers are paired with industry professionals, gaining invaluable insight from accomplished artists in the field. Past mentors have included dancers and staff from renowned companies such as Miami City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and more. These mentorships provide not only artistic and technical guidance but also career advice, networking opportunities, and personal development support.

Seminars & Workshops

We believe that well-rounded dancers thrive both inside and outside the studio. Our specialized workshops bring in experts across various disciplines to educate and empower our students. Topics include:

• Mental health & wellness

• Body mechanics & injury prevention

• Nutrition for dancers

• Music and dance history

• Resume building & career planning

• Pointe shoe fitting and care

Performance Opportunities

Performance is a crucial part of a dancer’s journey, and Steps PDX provides multiple opportunities to shine on stage:
✨ Winter Performance – A full-length production, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, giving students experience in storytelling, character development, and stagecraft.
✨ Spring Performance – A showcase of both contemporary and classical works, allowing dancers to develop versatility and artistry in performance.

Exposure to Industry Professionals & Dance Experiences

Our dancers gain unparalleled access to the professional dance world through:

• Training in multiple styles with esteemed guest artists and faculty from across the country, ensuring students develop versatility and adaptability.

• Participation in national and international conferences like the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), where students train, audition, and connect with choreographers, master teachers, and industry leaders.

• Field trips to see world-class performances from companies such as Pacific Northwest Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions, Lines Ballet, Martha Graham, Philadanco!, Sasha Waltz and Guests, Grupo Corpo, Urban Bush Women, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and more.

Pre-Professional Dance Track

For students aspiring to pursue dance professionally, we offer a structured Pre-Professional Dance Track designed to guide them toward success. Our faculty works closely with students to:

• Create individualized training plans tailored to their goals.

• Facilitate professional photoshoots and resume building for auditions and applications.

• Offer expert coaching and career strategy sessions to help students navigate the professional dance world.

At Steps PDX, we provide quality training in a positive, nurturing environment, ensuring that every dancer feels supported in reaching their highest potential. Join our thriving dance community and take your training to the next level!

Our students have trained and been accepted into the following programs/companies:

ADCIBC 1st place, Ballet Academy East (BAE), Body Traffic, Bolshoi Ballet, Complexions, CPYB, Ballet Chicago, Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), Goucher University, Idyllwild, IABD, Joffrey, Lines, Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB), Royal Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Salt Contemporary Dance, Sarasota Cuban, School of American Ballet (SAB)

PRICING

Before enrolling, dancers and parents should carefully consider this commitment in light of academic and other activities. Dancers who withdraw from the program mid-semester are responsible for the remaining tuition and fees for the season.

After the start of the season (September 10th), there are no tuition refunds.
The 2024/25 Season is a total of 36 weeks, over the course of 10 months, mid September through mid June.

3 Ways to Pay:
- Monthly: 10 payments over the course of 10 Months
- Seasonal Trimester: 3 payments and Save 3%
- Annual: 1 payment in full and Save 5%  

QUESTIONS | CONCERNS

CALL | 971.400.0713
EMAIL | Kathryn@STEPSPDX.COM or info@stepspdx.com