Business Details
26 Years
experience
Join Portland's Premier Dance Community
Founded in 2000, The Viscount has established itself as Portland's premier dance institution, offering comprehensive instruction in diverse dance styles. Our mission centers on creating an inclusive, non-competitive environment where students of all skill levels develop technical proficiency while honoring the cultural origins of each dance form. With a faculty of experienced instructors, we emphasize social connection, historical context, and personal expression through weekly classes, workshops, and community events.Our programming includes Salsa, Bachata, Swing, Balboa, and global dance styles, taught through progressive curricula designed for both beginners and advanced dancers. The studio maintains a strong commitment to accessibility, offering flexible participation options including in-person, livestream, and on-demand video formats. Through our emphasis on community building and cultural education, we've cultivated a welcoming space where students discover their potential as dancers while forming lasting connections.
Services
Salsa
Bachata
Swing
Balboa
Bhangra
Bollywood
Disco-Fit
Salsa Suelta
Wedding Dance Prep
Partner 101
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 23+ years of Portland dance instruction experience
- Inclusive, non-competitive learning environment for all skill levels
- Cultural context integrated into every dance curriculum
- Flexible participation through in-person, livestream, and video formats
- Community-focused programming with social events and workshops
Services
Salsa
Our Salsa program teaches authentic Latin dance techniques from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn proper timing, partner connection, and cultural context through progressive series classes and specialized workshops. The curriculum covers multiple styles including Casino, LA-style, and New York Salsa, with options for both partnered and solo dancing formats. Classes emphasize social dance floor application over performance techniques.
Bachata
Traditional Bachata instruction focuses on cultural authenticity and social dance applications. Courses cover basic steps, body movement, and partner connection while exploring the dance's Dominican Republic origins. Students progress through structured levels with rotating partner practice and optional social dance events. The program maintains strong connections to Bachata's Afro-Caribbean roots.
Swing
Swing dance classes emphasize improvisation, musicality, and social connection. Our curriculum covers Lindy Hop fundamentals through advanced techniques, with specialized Balboa instruction for close-space dancing. Students develop skills through partner rotation and historical context about the dance's 1920s-40s origins. Regular social dance events reinforce learning.
Bhangra
Bhangra instruction combines traditional Punjabi folk dance with modern adaptations. Classes teach authentic movements while exploring the dance's agricultural roots in Punjab. Students learn to perform to both traditional and contemporary music while understanding cultural context. The program connects to Portland's South Asian music scene through DJ partnerships.
Disco-Fit
Disco-Fit offers a unique workout combining dance fitness with vintage disco culture. This original program uses line dance routines set to lesser-known disco tracks for cardiovascular exercise. Classes emphasize fun and social interaction over technical precision, with costume encouragement creating a playful atmosphere for all fitness levels.
People
Sarah Riddle
Owner & Salsa Instructor
Sarah has taught Latin dance since 1997, combining formal training in ballet and jazz with extensive global study. As former co-director of Portland's first Salsa company, she brings deep cultural knowledge to her teaching. Her expertise spans multiple Latin dance styles and she emphasizes historical context in instruction.
Anjali Hursh
Bhangra & Bollywood Instructor
Anjali combines classical Indian dance training with DJ expertise to teach authentic Bhangra and Bollywood styles. As Portland's pioneer of Punjabi folk dance instruction, she connects dance to South Asian cultural heritage while maintaining contemporary relevance through her music industry connections.
Colin Livesey
Swing Instructor
Colin has taught Swing dance since 2003, specializing in Lindy Hop's rhythmic foundations. His international training informs a teaching style that emphasizes musical connection and adaptive learning. He focuses on making complex techniques accessible to social dancers of all experience levels.
Rod Young
Balboa Instructor
Rod brings expertise in close-space Swing dancing through his Balboa instruction. His deep knowledge of 1930s-40s jazz culture informs teaching that combines technical precision with historical context. As Portland Lindy Society president, he connects students to broader dance community resources.
Melissa Roane
Swing Instructor
Melissa specializes in vintage Swing styles, teaching since 2003 with an emphasis on improvisation and musicality. Her approachable style made her a beloved instructor in Portland's Swing community before relocating to New Orleans, where she continues to contribute through guest workshops.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach Salsa, Bachata, Swing, Balboa, Bhangra, Bollywood, Disco-Fit, Salsa Suelta, and more. Our rotating schedule includes both weekly series and special workshops.
Do I need a partner to take classes?
No partner required for any class. We encourage rotating partners during practice but make no requirements - you may dance solo or bring your own partner.
What should I wear to dance classes?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. Specific recommendations vary by dance style - for example, sneakers work best for Salsa Suelta while disco attire is encouraged for themed classes.
Are classes available online?
Yes! All classes offer livestream participation via Zoom with recordings available upon request. We also provide on-demand video courses for flexible learning schedules.
What is your cancellation policy?
Class passes expire 45 days from activation. Private lessons require 24-hour cancellation notice. We offer flexible rescheduling options for most programs.
Do you host social dance events?
Yes! We organize regular socials including Sunday Bachata Nights and special themed events. Our space also hosts community gatherings like wine tastings and movie nights.
