I’ve always been a pretty awful dancer — but I’d like to suck less. The question is: how much would that cost me?
I decided $15 was my hard limit and went on a deep dive into Portland’s dance scene. I focused on lessons that include a social dance afterward, so that I could immediately test out my new moves. Here are six of the best affordable options I tried, plus a few bonus picks I haven’t make it to (yet).
1. Stomptown
The details: Portland’s home for LGBTQ+ country-western dance.
This was the first stop on my journey, and I loved it. Stomptown offers country-western two-step, line dancing, swing, waltz and more — with a friendly, mixed-age crowd and lots of partner rotation. Rotating partners is always optional if you come with your own partner. No partner is required to attend. The vibe was inclusive and welcoming, and most of the line dances were beginner-friendly.
The social afterward rotated between two-step, swing, waltz and line dance, so you get a little bit of everything without being too overwhelmed with styles.
When: 7-8 p.m. lesson and 8-10 p.m. social. First and second Fridays at Escape Bar and Grill and third Saturdays at Norse Hall. Full calendar at stomptown.org/dances.
Where: Escape Bar and Grill (9004 N.E. Sandy Blvd.) or Norse Hall (111 N.E. 11th Ave.)
How much: Suggested donation $10-$20 (although no one is turned away due to lack of funds).
What styles: Country two-step, line dancing, west coast swing, waltz and shadow.
2. Queer Baile
The details: Free monthly Latin dance lessons by and for the queer community.
Run by volunteer instructors, Queer Baile is more about fun and community than precision. The vibe was relaxed, the music was great and the crowd was lively and diverse.
Lessons rotate between bachata and cumbia, with possible salsa additions in the future. It’s free and welcoming — the kind of place that makes you want to dance, even if you’ve never tried before.
When: 7-8 p.m. lesson and 8-10 p.m. social with DJ Mala. Held monthly – typically on the third Wednesday of the month. Next lesson is cumbia on July 16. Follow @queerbailepdx on Instagram for updates.
Where: White Owl Social Club (1305 S.E. Eighth Ave.)
How much: Free (donations welcome).
What styles: Rotating bachata and cumbia.
3. Walters Cultural Center Latin Dance Nights
The details: Quarterly salsa, bachata and cumbia nights with live music included.
This one almost didn’t make my list because it’s quarterly, but I’m so glad I went. Taught by Lines Dance Academy, the night featured a salsa lesson and live band (Dina y los Rumberos, when I went). Most people came with partners and stuck with them, but I was able to find a partner to dance with so it was still enjoyable without the social aspect.
The live music gave this one a concert-like energy. It’s also an infrequent event, which made it feel extra special. I stayed until the band stopped playing.
When: 6:45 p.m. doors, 7-8 p.m. lesson and 8-10 p.m. live music. Next event is Aug. 8 with live music by Pa’lante. More info at cityofhillsboro.ticketspice.com/latin-dance-night-august.
Where: Walters Cultural Arts Center (527 E. Main St., Hillsboro).
How much: $14 in advance, $16 day-of or $5 with SNAP, Oregon Trail Card or student ID.
What styles: Latin styles including salsa, bachata and cumbia.
4. Sesame Dance Club
The details: A historic ballroom club with serious variety.
Sesame has been around since June 1961, and it shows — in a good way. The crowd skews older and the dancing is polished. I took a foxtrot lesson, and while it was expertly taught, I couldn’t quite keep up during the social which alternated between over 10 dance styles over the course of an hour.
Still, if you want variety, this is the place. The DJ’d social included ballroom, swing, Latin and even polka. Bonus: there’s usually a showcase performance too.
When: 7:30-8:15 p.m. lesson and 8:15-10:30 p.m. social. First and third Fridays. Full calendar at sesameclub.org/calendar.
Where: Norse Hall (111 N.E. 11th Ave.)
How much: $15 general admission, $10 with membership and $5 for students or observers. An annual membership is $40 before July 1 or $20 after.
What styles: Waltz, foxtrot, rumba, swing, cha-cha, salsa, tango, quickstep, samba and polka.
5. Portland Lindy Society
The details: Vintage jazz and swing with a rotating monthly theme.
This was one of my favorite lessons for $5 — great instructors, rotating partners and a monthly dance style (June was slow balboa, July will be historically inspired swing).
It’s best if you can attend the full Monday series, but I showed up on the fourth week and was still able to keep up. Portland Lindy Society also hosts a weekly lesson on Thursdays with a live band social for dancers who want a full experience.
When: 7-8 p.m. lesson and 8-10 p.m. social on Mondays (except first Monday). 6:45-7:45 p.m. lesson and 8-10:30 p.m. live music social. Full calendar at portlandlindysociety.com/plscalendar.
Where: Mondays at Tango Berretin (6305 S.E. Foster Rd.) and Thursdays at Norse Hall (111 N.E. 11th Ave.)
How much: $10-$20 sliding scale for social +$5 for lessons on Mondays (can choose to attend only the lesson or social). $15 cover on Thursdays.
What styles: Swing styles including lindy hop, balboa, collegiate shag, charleston and swing jazz.
6. Ponderosa Lounge & Grill
The details: Country line dancing at a truck stop bar.
Yes, it’s at a truck stop. Yes, it’s awesome. I got to wear my cowboy boots and pretend I was back in Texas. Line dance lessons here are focused on learning a single routine and the instructors are great.
After the lesson, the floor opens for more dancing. The food is also great and they have pool tables you can play for $1 when you need a break.
It’s also a great option for folks who don’t want to partner dance — most of the night is line dancing.
When: 7-8 p.m. lessons most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Dance floor is open until closing (midnight on Thursdays or 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). Full schedule at jubitz.com/ponderosa-lounge-country-bar/dance-lessons.
Where: Jubitz Truck Stop (10350 N. Vancouver Way).
How much: Free (tips encouraged). Cover applies only for ticketed concerts on Fridays and Saturdays.
What styles: Country-western styles including line dance, two-step, west coast swing and cha-cha.
Honorable Mentions
I didn’t make it to these lessons, so I can’t vouch for them but they’re on my radar.
Let’s Dance Portland
When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Where: SouthLake Church (1555 S.W. Borland Rd., West Linn).
How much: $7.50 with punch card or $10 drop-in.
What styles: West coast swing, two-step, night club two-step, hustle, cha-cha and waltz.
Cascade Zydeco
When: 7-9:30 p.m. first Tuesdays and third Thursdays.
Where: Showdown Saloon on first Tuesdays (1195 S.E. Powell Blvd.) and North Portland Eagles Lodge on third Thursdays (7611 N. Exeter Ave.)
How much: $7 for members ($25 annual membership) or $12 general admission.
What styles: Zydeco and cajun.
Kyklos International Folk Dancers
When: 7:15-9 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Dance with Joy Studio (8051 S.E. 16th Ave.)
How much: $10 suggested donation.
What styles: Traditional and contemporary folk dances from around the world.
Lucky’s Roadhouse
When: 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: Lucky’s Roadhouse (9306 N.E. 76th St., Vancouver).
How much: $5 on Mondays, free with tips encouraged other nights.
What styles: Country line dancing and partner styles (varies by night).
Shawn Gardner Dancing
When: 6:30-10:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. for Latin nights on the second and last Friday.
Where: Shawn Gardner Dancing (8900 S.W. Commercial St., Tigard).
How much: $5 for Tuesday social and $15 or two for $20 on Latin nights.
What styles: Country two-step, west coast swing, line dance, salsa and bachata.
— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; [email protected] or @chiaraprofenna.
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