Business Details
8 Years
experience
Premier Dance Studio in Portland for All Ages & Skill Levels
Elevate Dance Academy was founded in 2018 with a vision to empower dancers to achieve their highest potential through exceptional training and support. Our studio fosters a nurturing environment where students aged 2.5-18 develop technical excellence, artistry, and a lifelong passion for dance. With nationally recognized instructors and a curriculum spanning Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and more, we offer both recreational and pre-professional competitive programs. Our commitment to personalized guidance ensures every dancer thrives, whether they're taking their first steps in dance or competing at national events.The studio's state-of-the-art facilities include four studios with specialized flooring, dedicated dressing rooms, and a supportive community that values creativity, humility, and drive. Through annual performances like our Jingle & Mingle Winter Show and End of Year Show, we celebrate student growth and artistic expression. Our team's diverse expertisefrom professional performers to award-winning choreographersensures a well-rounded, fresh approach to dance education. We prioritize accessibility with free trial classes and flexible enrollment options, making dance education inclusive for all skill levels and backgrounds.
Services
Jazz Dance
Ballet
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Tap Dance
Musical Theater
Acro
Lyrical
Improv
Strength Training
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer nationally recognized instructors with diverse professional backgrounds in dance performance and choreography.
- Our pre-professional competitive program has attended five major Northwest events annually since 2018.
- We provide free trial classes in up to four dance styles for new students.
- Our 3,200 sq ft facility includes specialized flooring and equipment for all dance disciplines.
- We combine technical training with creative storytelling to develop well-rounded artists.
Services
Jazz Dance Classes
Our Jazz Dance program teaches dynamic movement combinations, syncopated rhythms, and performance energy for ages 2.5-18. Students develop versatility through multiple jazz styles including Broadway, concert, and competition jazz. Classes emphasize proper technique, musicality, and creative expression in a supportive environment.
Ballet Training
Ballet classes focus on classical technique, posture, and grace for dancers aged 2.5-18. Our curriculum includes barre work, center combinations, and pointe training for advanced students. Classes build foundational skills that enhance all dance disciplines while fostering artistic expression.
Competitive Company
Our pre-professional Competitive Company offers intensive training for ages 6-18 through choreographed group routines, solos, and duets. Dancers participate in five annual Northwest competitions and optional national events, with custom costumes and nationally recognized choreography enhancing their performance experience.
Hip Hop Instruction
Hip Hop classes teach street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking for ages 2.5-18. Students learn rhythm, isolation movements, and freestyle expression while building strength and coordination in a high-energy environment that celebrates urban dance culture.
Strength Training
Strength & Flexibility classes develop core stability, muscle control, and range of motion for dancers aged 2.5-18. Our targeted conditioning programs improve performance capabilities across all dance styles while reducing injury risk through safe, progressive training techniques.
People
Meghan Newman
Owner, Studio Director, Instructor, Company Choreographer
Meghan Newman founded Elevate Dance Academy in 2018 with a vision to create a supportive environment for dance excellence. As an instructor specializing in Contemporary and Musical Theater, she brings extensive performance experience and choreographic expertise to our programs.
Mari Juras
Ballet Director, Instructor
Mari Juras leads our Ballet program with expertise in classical technique and pointe work. Her background includes professional performance experience and comprehensive training that ensures our students develop strong ballet foundations.
Karlie Evans
Instructor, Company Choreographer
Karlie Evans specializes in Contemporary and Jazz instruction, bringing award-winning choreography to our programs. Her teaching focuses on technical precision and artistic expression, helping students develop versatility across multiple dance styles.
April Dong
Hip Hop Instructor
April Dong teaches Hip Hop classes with expertise in urban dance styles and performance energy. Her background includes professional experience in street dance forms and a passion for developing students' rhythmic awareness and freestyle confidence.
Ellie Thomas
Ballet Instructor
Ellie Thomas provides expert ballet instruction focusing on proper technique and artistic development. Her teaching emphasizes foundational skills that enhance all dance disciplines while fostering students' technical growth and performance quality.
Questions
Where are you located?
Our main office and dance studios are located on the second floor of The Plex Sports Arena at 8785 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225.
What styles of dance do you offer?
We offer Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theater, Acro, Lyrical, Improv, and Strength Training classes for ages 2.5-18.
Do you offer adult classes?
Currently, we only offer classes for children and teens aged 2.5-18.
What is your Company program like?
Our pre-professional competitive program includes award-winning choreography, custom costumes, and participation in five annual Northwest events plus optional national competitions.
Do you have performances during the year?
Yes! We host our Jingle & Mingle Winter Show in December and End of Year Show in June, both featuring professional-level productions.
What is a free trial class?
Free trials allow new students to experience up to four different dance styles at no cost before committing to enrollment.
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