Find classes, practical details, and a glimpse of life at DMSD.
Meet the studio
Best of Gresham
Dance for fun, fitness, recreation, or serious training. From first steps to experienced dancers, DMSD offers warm encouragement, professional instruction, and room to grow.
We are one of the longest-running businesses under one owner in all of East County. We bring a family-friendly atmosphere to all our activities.
NO DRAMA! NO Dance Moms stuff! And NO BOOT CAMP! Just good training, stage experience, and loads of FUN!
Small classes, positive reinforcement, and sprung floating wood floors help dancers learn with confidence. Performing is always optional.
Meet Deborah & Tara →
Now in Troutdale
After serving Gresham families since 1980, we have moved to a bigger space in Troutdale.
Located inside Faith United Methodist Church. Deborah Messinger School of Dance is independently operated and not affiliated with the church.
A place for dance
Families can settle in on the deck while dancers learn, practice, and build confidence in the studio.
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Dance classes where toddlers, kids, teens, and adults grow with confidence.
The DMSD difference
Give your child a chance to experience more movement, friends, and fun, with less screen time after school.
At Deborah Messinger School of Dance, beginning dancers through pre-professional students find instruction that meets them where they are. From toddlers to teens, our classes build fitness, friendship, joy, and confident kids, one amazing child at a time.
Performing is never mandatory. It is an optional opportunity for dancers to show their families what they have been learning and build the confidence to be in front of an audience, a valuable skill for dance and for life beyond the studio.
A family-oriented, loving, and fun environment, with highly qualified professional teaching.
Teachers give personal attention to every student while building strength, activity, and self-confidence.
Many studios start beginners in a single-style class. DMSD takes a different approach: our combo classes give students a thoughtful sampling of ballet, tap, jazz, and basic tumbling, so they can discover the forms of dance that inspire them.
DMSD keeps a low student-teacher ratio. You will not find classes of 20 or more students with one instructor, because every child deserves meaningful personal attention.
Explore classes, find the right fit, and come see what DMSD feels like in person.
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Explore welcoming dance classes in Troutdale for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults, with a free class visit to find the right fit.
Creative movement and early imagination take center stage.
Explore classes →
Build confidence, coordination, and a love of dance.
Explore classes →
Develop skills, artistry, and friendships that last.
Explore classes →Keep growing, moving, and finding your rhythm.
Explore classes →3½–7½
A well-rounded mix that builds musicality, listening, gross motor skills, and confidence.
5½–15
Structured, high-energy classes focused on rhythm, precision, and age-appropriate music.
6–11
From rolls and cartwheels to bridges, handstands, and advancing skills.
6–11+
Classical technique, alignment, French terminology, and a strong foundation for dancers.
6–adult
Technique, musicality, stage presence, and expressive movement for every level.
By interest
Extra opportunities for dancers seeking individual attention or the stage.
See how DMSD helps children find a welcoming class, build confidence, and take a simple first step with a free visit.
Explore kids dance classes in Troutdale✦
Creative movement and early imagination take center stage.
A joyful first step
For children 3½ and under, dance class is a joyful introduction to music, movement, and being part of a group. Short, welcoming activities are designed to keep young dancers engaged and excited to return.
Marching, tiptoeing, balancing, jumping, and traveling in different directions build coordination and body awareness.
Songs, clapping, and moving to a beat develop rhythm, listening, and the ability to follow simple directions.
Stories, scarves, animals, and pretend play invite creativity while introducing basic dance and tumbling.
Taking turns, sharing props, and joining familiar routines build early social skills and comfort in a class setting.
Every child joins in at their own pace. Whether they are moving right away, holding an adult's hand, or watching first, they have room to grow more comfortable over time.
Try a classFor little ones who are just walking through age 2½, a familiar adult joins in for music, movement, props, rhythm, and connection. It can be a parent, grandparent, or another loved one, making this a comfortable introduction to class routines.
For ages 2½–3½, this first independent class introduces pre-ballet, pre-tap, and a little tumbling through singing, stories, and imaginative play. It gives children a gentle way to build confidence while they discover the joy of dancing on their own.
Learn what makes a first class feel comfortable, how parent participation works, and which option may fit your little dancer.
Explore toddler dance classes in Troutdale✦
For ages 3–5, we offer more than dance and tumbling: Deborah’s Rising Stars Preschool is our creative arts, play-based academic preschool downstairs.
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Now that you have decided to dance with us, it is time to prepare your student for success in the classroom with appropriate dancewear and shoes.
Just as skaters need skates and swimmers need swimsuits, dancers need dancewear.
Dance clothing is designed to be fitted and to have three-way stretch. It helps teachers see safe, healthy movement.
When you are dressed like a dancer, you feel like a dancer.
Dance shoes are an integral part of dance training. For your convenience, we carry quality dance shoes and can fit them correctly. Ordering shoes online may save only a couple of dollars, but it does not give parents a way to ensure the proper fit.
At the studio
We carry quality dancewear and can help your dancer find the right fit for class.
All dance and tumbling classes, except adult classes, have a dress code. Requirements may include a leotard or top, tights, dance pants, and discipline-specific footwear. The studio offers appropriate dancewear and shoes at discounted prices, but you are always welcome to purchase elsewhere once you have the exact guidance.
Adults do not need a specific outfit. Wear exercise clothing in any style or colors that let you move comfortably. Appropriate dance footwear is required. Please contact us when registering to confirm the type of shoes needed for your class.
When dancers outgrow gently used shoes, families may bring them to the studio for resale. Used shoes are typically about half the price of new ones, helping another dancer get the right footwear at a lower cost.
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Real moments from the studio, stage, and the friendships in between.
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Everything you need to get your dancer registered and ready to begin.
Step 1
Not sure which class is the best fit? Send this request to arrange one free trial class. This form is only for trying a class and does not reserve a regular class spot.
Step 2
Ready to enroll? Complete both Registration Form pages below, then submit them to request a particular class and hold your dancer’s place. The annual registration fee is $45 for new families and $40 for returning families, due with the first month’s tuition at the first lesson.
Registration Form
Step 3
Download and print this one-page form, complete it, and bring it to the studio at your dancer’s first class. Do not include credit card details in your online registration.
Download the Auto-Pay Form
Helpful reading whenever you need it.
A moment to shine
Join the recital.
Performance is an important part of dance training. It builds self-esteem, self-assurance, and the life skill of feeling comfortable in front of an audience, confidence that can carry into classroom presentations, social situations, and future college or job interviews.
DMSD presents two showcases each year, one in Winter and one in summer. Classes prepare routines for both, but participation is always optional.
Registered families will receive details about dates, costumes, tickets, and other costs as each showcase approaches.
Make magic happen for your child.
