Group Dance Classes
Come solo. Leave dancing.
Ballroom, swing, Latin and country. It’s a workout for your brain too, so you’ll leave sharper and smiling.
New series start the first week of every month at DanceWell PDX – Beaverton and DanceWell PDX – Parkrose.
Easy to get started:
- Dropping in for a single class? Use DROP IN SCHEDULE — perfect for last-minute or trying us out (walk-ins welcome).
- Joining a regular weekly series, prepay, or membership? Use CLASS SEARCH — browse all current monthly series by level and location, then prepay for the best rates.
Note: You can book classes as paid (prepay now) or unpaid (reserve now and pay later).
Booking just got easier! 👉 Show me how
Searching on a phone? Slowly type one word. The list updates and sorts by itself.
Quick Help:
- Explore class levels and curriculum → Dance Recommendations
- Need help choosing the right class? Schedule a Planning Chat
- Curious what the dances look like? Watch videos of real classes
- Don’t see your favorite dance? Email us — many dances share the same foundations
No partner needed
We rotate, so you meet everyone. Rotating is optional.
Start any month
New series the first week of every month.
Teens to seniors
Ages 14 and up. Teens get a sweet deal.
Group Dance Classes at DanceWell Ballroom
Join our fun, supportive group classes in the Portland area (DanceWell PDX – Beaverton and DanceWell PDX – Parkrose). Learn partner dancing in a welcoming environment with no partner required. New series begin the first week of each month.
How it works
Start at Level 1. Each series runs 3-4 weeks, and Beginner-1 flows into Pre-Intermediate Foundations, so you get 6-8 weeks to real confidence in one dance.
Walk-ins welcome. Rates and deals: Prices & Specials ›
What to Expect — Your First Class (and Beyond!)
Our group classes are designed for beginners and returning dancers alike. Here’s what you can expect:
- ClassFormat: 45 minutes of instruction focused on patterns, technique, and styling, followed by guided practice time.
- Arrival: Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in and settle in.
- What to Wear: Clean, comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Loose slacks or a skirt for women; sport or polo shirts and loose slacks for men. Deodorant and breath mints are appreciated.
- Shoes: Snug shoes with a thin, flexible sole work best. Women can wear heels for social dancing, but flats are recommended for lots of practice. Thick-soled walking shoes, sneakers, or athletic shoes are not recommended — they can restrict movement or cause injury. Specialized dance shoes or dance sneakers are ideal.
- Partner Policy: No partner is needed! The instructor rotates partners frequently so you dance with many people in the class. This is one of the best ways to learn social dancing and meet new friends. We encourage rotation but do not require it.
- During Class: It’s completely okay not to know everything — that’s where we all begin. You’ll build muscle memory, timing, lead/follow skills, and confidence step by step.
Repeating Classes: Highly encouraged, especially in the beginning levels. Many students repeat classes to make movements smooth and natural before moving up.
Cancelled Classes:
- Classes may be canceled for weather, staff unavailability, or if they don’t reach the minimum number of pre-registrations. Pre-register so we can reach you (prepaid or pay at the door, either works). We’ll email and text you, and if you prepaid, your purchase goes back to your account.
- Can’t make it to a class? Cancel in My Schedule 24 hours ahead. Missed classes aren’t refunded.
The good stuff, bite-sized
The number after the dance is the level: CHA CHA-2 = Cha Cha, Level 2. -1 Basics · -2 Pre-Intermediate · -3 Intermediate · -4 Advanced (when offered). New? Start in week 1 of a -1 class. Repeating a level is normal and smart.
Getting there: Parkrose: 4848 NE 105th Ave. Use the 105th Ave door. Parking: 105th Ave, Sandy Blvd, the Park Rose Coffee Shop lot or the shopping center lot on Sandy. Beaverton (Aloha): 3425 SW 185th Ave. Use the 185th Ave door. Parking: anywhere in the shopping center lot or on Alexander St. Maps ›
When you arrive: Head upstairs, the ballroom is on the left. Sign in, grab a name tag and check in with the registrar, then change into your dance shoes.
Shoes: Snug, with a thin, smooth sole. Leather soles or dance sneakers work best. Skip sneakers and thick rubber soles: they grip the floor, cramp your moves and can cause injury. Dance shoes are great, not required.
Bring: Water and your dance shoes. Wear comfy clothes in layers. Dancing is hard work! Deodorant and breath mints make you everyone’s favorite partner.
Partner: Not needed, so come solo. Partners rotate in class, so you’ll dance with lots of people and make friends fast. Rotating is encouraged, never required.
Class: 45 minutes of instruction, then guided practice. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Let the instructor do the teaching.
Can’t make it? Cancel in My Schedule 24 hours ahead (no refunds for missed classes).
Pre-register so we can reach you. If we ever cancel (weather, staff unavailability, or not enough pre-registrations), we’ll email and text you, and if you prepaid, your purchase goes back to your account.
Most dancers spend 6-9 months (or longer) in the beginning levels. Repeating is the pro move. When a series ends: repeat it, move up, try a new style, or add a private lesson. Then use your steps at our dance parties.
Muscle memory is slower than brain memory, so we live by the Rule of 1,000: repeat it until it’s automatic. Awkward at first? Totally normal. The mighty oak was once a little nut who held its ground.
Ballroom manners? See Etiquette & Customs ›
Class Etiquette
To make class enjoyable and productive for everyone:
- No teaching on the floor — Let the instructor guide the class. If you’d like to help a fellow student, please do so after class or during practice time.
- Partner rotation — Be gracious when rotating. Smile, thank your previous partner, and warmly welcome the next one. This is how we all learn social dancing together.
- Be mindful — Give others space, avoid excessive talking during instruction, and stay focused on the lesson.
- Hygiene & presentation — Come with clean clothes, fresh breath, and deodorant. Thin-soled, flexible dance shoes are strongly recommended.
- Ask questions — If something is unclear, raise your hand or ask the instructor during appropriate moments.
We’re all here to learn and have fun in a supportive environment!
AGES 14 AND UP
Teens & young adults
No kids’ table here. Teens join our regular adult classes and dance right alongside the grown-ups, in any class.
$25 4-week series $20 3-week series
Teen deal for ages 14-21. Prepaid, group classes only. Ask about large family discounts.
How teens book
- Log in or create your free account.
- Add the birthdate in the Profile (unlocks the teen rate).
- Sign the waiver (parent/guardian if under 18).
- Pick a series and prepay.
Curriculum Overview & Class Levels
The number after the dance is the level.
CHA CHA-2 = Cha Cha, Level 2. You’ll see it the same way in the booking site and on the Monthly Planner.
- -1 Basics
- -2 Pre-Intermediate
- -3 Intermediate
- -4 Advanced (when offered)
New? Start in week 1 of a -1 class. Repeating a level is normal and smart.
DanceWell uses a clear 4-level progression so you always know where you stand and how to grow.
Beginner (Level 1, Basics)
Little or no experience needed. Focus on basic steps, posture, connection, and simple patterns.
Key Beginner Goals:
- Learn simple rhythms to music
- Learn balanced movement with a partner
- Learn basic partnering “lead/follow” skills (turning, traveling, twirling, and more)
- Learn the first 5–7 patterns of a dance
- Feel confident enough to “get by” at a dance event
Note: Not all patterns at a level can be taught in one 3–4 week series.
Goal: Feel comfortable on the dance floor and enjoy moving to the music.
Pre-Intermediate (Level 2)
Strengthen and enhance skills. Build a solid foundation of dancing.
Key Pre-Intermediate Goals:
- Improve your partnering skills and style
- Improve turning, traveling, and twirling
- Add to your repertoire — usually steps 8–10 of the foundation social patterns
Goal: Smoother movement, better timing, and more confidence with basic partnering.
Intermediate (Level 3)
1 to 2+ years experience suggested in the particular dance being taught. Comfortable with lead/follow skills and ready to develop personal style.
Key Intermediate Goals:
- Understand and use the fundamentals learned earlier
- Apply your skills to more difficult steps
- Add to and improve your dancing with advanced form and finessed movement
- Become free to express yourself through dance
Note: You can stay at this level for a long time. There are many new variations to learn!
Goal: Dance with greater ease and begin to develop personal style.
Advanced (Level 4, when offered)
2+ years (up to decades) of experience in the dance being taught. Able to quickly review and create new combinations.
Key Advanced Goals:
- Review of all steps in a certain level
- Continue improving technique, lead/follow, and variations
- Work toward true mastery of the dance
Goal: Dance at a high level with strong connection and enjoyment.
The Long Game – Repeating & Mixing Styles
Most students spend 6–9 months (or longer) in the beginning levels to build a strong foundation. Many dancers repeat Beginner and Pre-Intermediate classes — even for years — to refine skills rather than just learning new steps.
When your series ends, you can:
- Repeat the same level: one of the most popular choices. You’ll learn new steps, improve your technique, and feel much more confident.
- Move up to the next level when you’re ready.
- Switch to a different dance style.
- Add occasional private lessons to work on specific areas.
Repeating a level means practicing some steps until they become natural, learning new ones, and gradually adding panache — that smooth, confident style that makes dancing enjoyable. Dance is not just about the steps — it’s about the smooth movement, musicality, and strong partner connection in between.
Advanced students are encouraged to keep repeating earlier levels to focus on quality of movement. Watch for Technique Workshops!
You are welcome to mix styles and become an eclectic dancer. Learning a variety of dances gives you more options for nights out and makes you more versatile on the floor.
Practice what you’ve learned at our dance parties, a fun, low-pressure way to use your steps. Don’t feel pressure to move up quickly — many of our long-time students still repeat classes because they keep learning and having fun.
Dance you want isn’t on the schedule? Ask for it on our Contact page or call 503-241-0460.
The Learning Journey
Learning to dance is exciting, sometimes a little awkward at first, and very rewarding. It’s a whole new world where the highest math is simply “1-2-3.” Almost everyone feels unsure in the beginning — that’s completely normal.
The dances are related. An under-arm turn is an under-arm turn, and a box step is a box step; the dances mainly differ in timing and character. Once you learn the building blocks, everything starts to connect.
Dance is different from academic learning. Muscle memory takes longer to incorporate than brain memory. We recommend the Rule of 1,000 — repeating movements until they feel automatic.
There are four stages to the learning process:
- Unconsciously Incompetent (a blissful state)
- Consciously Incompetent (very uncomfortable)
- Consciously Competent (Progress!)
- Unconsciously Competent (WooHoo! Definitely worth the work!)
The biggest challenge isn’t remembering hundreds of steps. It’s simply showing up consistently and enjoying the journey. Many of our best dancers succeed by mastering just a few patterns really well.
Note to DanceWell Social Dancers The mighty oak was once a little nut who held its ground. Continuity and perseverance are keys to success.
Teens & Young Adults (Youth Classes)
Group classes are for ages 14 and up, and teens can take any class. Younger dancers: ask us, we decide case by case.
Middle-school, high-school, and young-adult dancers build coordination, confidence, teamwork, and friendships in our welcoming, no-pressure environment. Meeting and dancing with others, with common courtesies, helps students make a positive impression in a physical world.
Focusing on
- Social dancing skills and teamwork
- Fun!
- Coordination and musicality
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Respect for individual differences and ages
Teen deal (ages 14–21)
$25 4-week series$20 3-week series
Prepaid only, group classes only. Add your birthdate in your Profile. Under 18 needs a parent/guardian waiver. Ask us about large family discounts. In the Mini-Store, search “TEEN”.
All prices →How to book
- Log in or create your free DanceWell account.
- Add the student’s birthdate in the profile (it unlocks the teen rate) and sign the waiver. Under 18? A parent/guardian signs.
- Pick your location (DanceWell PDX - Beaverton or DanceWell PDX - Parkrose) and a class series.
- Prepay and book together.
Questions? Email linda@dancewellballroom.com or call 503-241-0460.
Ready to join?
Pick a class, grab your spot, see you on the floor.
Not into tech? We’re happy to book for you!
Call 503-241-0460 · Text 503-850-0828
Questions? Dancing FAQ ›
How Do Classes Work?
Our group classes are designed to build your skills step-by-step, starting with Level 1 for brand-new dancers. Whether you’re solo or bringing a partner, you’re welcome—and rotating partners is totally optional!
Each series kicks off the first week of the month and builds over 3–4 weeks. Beginner-1 classes flow right into our Pre-Intermediate Foundations, giving you 6–8 weeks of growing confidence in one dance style.
Our instructors keep it fun and flexible, adjusting the pace based on the group—so you might get to try more advanced moves sooner if the class is ready!
See full current pricing, Early Deals, series rates, RockENROLL Unlimited Membership, and more on our Pricing & Specials page.
Not into tech? No worries—we’re happy to book for you! Just call our landline 503-241-0460 or email linda@dancewellballroom.com.
Walk-ins are welcome! Just check the Daily Class Updates the afternoon of class.
Want to save time? Create your account here.
Tip: Allow cookies so our schedules load properly—thanks for your patience!
Ready to hit the dance floor? Our group dance classes are fun and social, and no partner is needed! Spin through ballroom, swing, Latin and country. Learning new steps is a workout for your brain too, so you’ll leave sharper and smiling. Come for the dancing, stay for the ‘feel-good’ vibe and the friends!
New series begin the first week of each month at DanceWell PDX – Beaverton (Aloha) and DanceWell PDX – Parkrose.
Easy to get started:
- Dropping in for a single class? Use DROP IN SCHEDULE — perfect for last-minute or trying us out (walk-ins welcome).
- Joining a regular weekly series, prepay, or membership? Use CLASS SEARCH — browse all current monthly series by level and location, then prepay for the best rates.
Note: You can book classes as paid (prepay now) or unpaid (reserve now and pay later).
Booking just got easier! 👉 Show me how
Searching on a phone? Slowly type one word. The list updates and sorts by itself.
Quick Help:
- Explore class levels and curriculum → Dance Recommendations
- Need help choosing the right class? Schedule a Planning Chat
- Curious what the dances look like? Watch videos of real classes
- Don’t see your favorite dance? Email us — many dances share the same foundations
Group Dance Classes at DanceWell Ballroom
Join our fun, supportive group classes in the Portland area (DanceWell PDX – Beaverton and DanceWell PDX – Parkrose). Learn partner dancing in a welcoming environment with no partner required. New series begin the first week of each month.
What to Expect — Your First Class (and Beyond!)
Our group classes are designed for beginners and returning dancers alike. Here’s what you can expect:
- ClassFormat: 45 minutes of instruction focused on patterns, technique, and styling, followed by guided practice time.
- Arrival: Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in and settle in.
- What to Wear: Clean, comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Loose slacks or a skirt for women; sport or polo shirts and loose slacks for men. Deodorant and breath mints are appreciated.
- Shoes: Snug shoes with a thin, flexible sole work best. Women can wear heels for social dancing, but flats are recommended for lots of practice. Thick-soled walking shoes, sneakers, or athletic shoes are not recommended — they can restrict movement or cause injury. Specialized dance shoes or dance sneakers are ideal.
- Partner Policy: No partner is needed! The instructor rotates partners frequently so you dance with many people in the class. This is one of the best ways to learn social dancing and meet new friends. We encourage rotation but do not require it.
- During Class: It’s completely okay not to know everything — that’s where we all begin. You’ll build muscle memory, timing, lead/follow skills, and confidence step by step.
Repeating Classes: Highly encouraged, especially in the beginning levels. Many students repeat classes to make movements smooth and natural before moving up.
Cancelled Classes:
- Classes may be canceled for weather, staff unavailability, or if they don’t reach the minimum number of pre-registrations. Pre-register so we can reach you (prepaid or pay at the door, either works). We’ll email and text you, and if you prepaid, your purchase goes back to your account.
- Can’t make it to a class? Cancel in My Schedule 24 hours ahead. Missed classes aren’t refunded.
Class Etiquette
To make class enjoyable and productive for everyone:
- No teaching on the floor — Let the instructor guide the class. If you’d like to help a fellow student, please do so after class or during practice time.
- Partner rotation — Be gracious when rotating. Smile, thank your previous partner, and warmly welcome the next one. This is how we all learn social dancing together.
- Be mindful — Give others space, avoid excessive talking during instruction, and stay focused on the lesson.
- Hygiene & presentation — Come with clean clothes, fresh breath, and deodorant. Thin-soled, flexible dance shoes are strongly recommended.
- Ask questions — If something is unclear, raise your hand or ask the instructor during appropriate moments.
We’re all here to learn and have fun in a supportive environment!
Curriculum Overview & Class Levels
The number after the dance is the level.
CHA CHA-2 = Cha Cha, Level 2. You’ll see it the same way in the booking site and on the Monthly Planner.
- -1 Basics
- -2 Pre-Intermediate
- -3 Intermediate
- -4 Advanced (when offered)
New? Start in week 1 of a -1 class. Repeating a level is normal and smart.
DanceWell uses a clear 4-level progression so you always know where you stand and how to grow.
Beginner (Level 1, Basics)
Little or no experience needed. Focus on basic steps, posture, connection, and simple patterns.
Key Beginner Goals:
- Learn simple rhythms to music
- Learn balanced movement with a partner
- Learn basic partnering “lead/follow” skills (turning, traveling, twirling, and more)
- Learn the first 5–7 patterns of a dance
- Feel confident enough to “get by” at a dance event
Note: Not all patterns at a level can be taught in one 3–4 week series.
Goal: Feel comfortable on the dance floor and enjoy moving to the music.
Pre-Intermediate (Level 2)
Strengthen and enhance skills. Build a solid foundation of dancing.
Key Pre-Intermediate Goals:
- Improve your partnering skills and style
- Improve turning, traveling, and twirling
- Add to your repertoire — usually steps 8–10 of the foundation social patterns
Goal: Smoother movement, better timing, and more confidence with basic partnering.
Intermediate (Level 3)
1 to 2+ years experience suggested in the particular dance being taught. Comfortable with lead/follow skills and ready to develop personal style.
Key Intermediate Goals:
- Understand and use the fundamentals learned earlier
- Apply your skills to more difficult steps
- Add to and improve your dancing with advanced form and finessed movement
- Become free to express yourself through dance
Note: You can stay at this level for a long time. There are many new variations to learn!
Goal: Dance with greater ease and begin to develop personal style.
Advanced (Level 4, when offered)
2+ years (up to decades) of experience in the dance being taught. Able to quickly review and create new combinations.
Key Advanced Goals:
- Review of all steps in a certain level
- Continue improving technique, lead/follow, and variations
- Work toward true mastery of the dance
Goal: Dance at a high level with strong connection and enjoyment.
The Long Game – Repeating & Mixing Styles
Most students spend 6–9 months (or longer) in the beginning levels to build a strong foundation. Many dancers repeat Beginner and Pre-Intermediate classes — even for years — to refine skills rather than just learning new steps.
When your series ends, you can:
- Repeat the same level: one of the most popular choices. You’ll learn new steps, improve your technique, and feel much more confident.
- Move up to the next level when you’re ready.
- Switch to a different dance style.
- Add occasional private lessons to work on specific areas.
Repeating a level means practicing some steps until they become natural, learning new ones, and gradually adding panache — that smooth, confident style that makes dancing enjoyable. Dance is not just about the steps — it’s about the smooth movement, musicality, and strong partner connection in between.
Advanced students are encouraged to keep repeating earlier levels to focus on quality of movement. Watch for Technique Workshops!
You are welcome to mix styles and become an eclectic dancer. Learning a variety of dances gives you more options for nights out and makes you more versatile on the floor.
Practice what you’ve learned at our dance parties, a fun, low-pressure way to use your steps. Don’t feel pressure to move up quickly — many of our long-time students still repeat classes because they keep learning and having fun.
Dance you want isn’t on the schedule? Ask for it on our Contact page or call 503-241-0460.
The Learning Journey
Learning to dance is exciting, sometimes a little awkward at first, and very rewarding. It’s a whole new world where the highest math is simply “1-2-3.” Almost everyone feels unsure in the beginning — that’s completely normal.
The dances are related. An under-arm turn is an under-arm turn, and a box step is a box step; the dances mainly differ in timing and character. Once you learn the building blocks, everything starts to connect.
Dance is different from academic learning. Muscle memory takes longer to incorporate than brain memory. We recommend the Rule of 1,000 — repeating movements until they feel automatic.
There are four stages to the learning process:
- Unconsciously Incompetent (a blissful state)
- Consciously Incompetent (very uncomfortable)
- Consciously Competent (Progress!)
- Unconsciously Competent (WooHoo! Definitely worth the work!)
The biggest challenge isn’t remembering hundreds of steps. It’s simply showing up consistently and enjoying the journey. Many of our best dancers succeed by mastering just a few patterns really well.
Note to DanceWell Social Dancers The mighty oak was once a little nut who held its ground. Continuity and perseverance are keys to success.
Teens & Young Adults (Youth Classes)
Group classes are for ages 14 and up, and teens can take any class. Younger dancers: ask us, we decide case by case.
Middle-school, high-school, and young-adult dancers build coordination, confidence, teamwork, and friendships in our welcoming, no-pressure environment. Meeting and dancing with others, with common courtesies, helps students make a positive impression in a physical world.
Focusing on
- Social dancing skills and teamwork
- Fun!
- Coordination and musicality
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Respect for individual differences and ages
Teen deal (ages 14–21)
$25 4-week series$20 3-week series
Prepaid only, group classes only. Add your birthdate in your Profile. Under 18 needs a parent/guardian waiver. Ask us about large family discounts. In the Mini-Store, search “TEEN”.
All prices →How to book
- Log in or create your free DanceWell account.
- Add the student’s birthdate in the profile (it unlocks the teen rate) and sign the waiver. Under 18? A parent/guardian signs.
- Pick your location (DanceWell PDX - Beaverton or DanceWell PDX - Parkrose) and a class series.
- Prepay and book together.
Questions? Email linda@dancewellballroom.com or call 503-241-0460.
Ready to Join?
Check our current schedule and book your spot online. Have more questions? Visit our Dancing FAQ for quick answers.
How Do Classes Work?
Our group classes are designed to build your skills step-by-step, starting with Level 1 for brand-new dancers. Whether you’re solo or bringing a partner, you’re welcome—and rotating partners is totally optional!
Each series kicks off the first week of the month and builds over 3–4 weeks. Beginner-1 classes flow right into our Pre-Intermediate Foundations, giving you 6–8 weeks of growing confidence in one dance style.
Our instructors keep it fun and flexible, adjusting the pace based on the group—so you might get to try more advanced moves sooner if the class is ready!
See full current pricing, Early Deals, series rates, RockENROLL Unlimited Membership, and more on our Pricing & Specials page.
Not into tech? No worries—we’re happy to book for you! Just call our landline 503-241-0460 or email linda@dancewellballroom.com.
Walk-ins are welcome! Just check the Daily Class Updates the afternoon of class.
Want to save time? Create your account here.