📍584 NE Burnside Rd. Gresham, OR 97030
✉️ info@deborahmessingerschoolofdance.com
📞 503-661-6948

Our Dance School

What makes DMSD different than other dance schools in our area?

Actually, there are a number of things, such as:

  • Deborah Messinger School of Dance offers qualified, professional dance instruction in a family-oriented, warm, loving, fun atmosphere for boys and girls ages 2 yrs through adult. Plus, we offer classes for "just walking toddlers" to 2.5 yrs in our "123 Dance with Me" classes where the children participate with an adult family member.

  • We offer children's combination classes such as "Ballet/Tap/Tumbling" for our young ones, and many "back-to-back" classes for our older students, so they can get a sampling of several forms of dance in order to see what they'll really like.

  • We allow parents to observe classes whenever they wish. Each classroom is designed with viewing windows and we have a parent/student lounge area as well.

  • We offer classes for beginners through advanced dancers in classes as well as private instruction. Our classes are designed for students who come to us for fun, exercise and recreation, as well as for the serious, career-minded dance student.

  • Students are offered at least two opportunities each year to perform on stage if they wish. But, performing is not required.

  • We offer the option of becoming a "performing group" and "competitive" dancer if they have the interest.

  • Ask us about a discount if you take multiple classes, or enroll a sibling. We even give special discount rates to parents of our students who wish to take one of our adult classes!

  • We offer BOGO - bring a friend who signs up and receive a credit toward your own dance classes.

  • We have a low student-teacher ratio. If a children's class gets large, we have a classroom assistant for the teacher.

  • We have injury-preventing sprung floating wood floors in our classrooms. No dancing on tile or cement here!

  • Our teachers are all very loving & positive people who love what they do. 

6 REASONS GIRLS & BOYS SHOULD TAKE A BALLET CLASS

Twirling, dancing and skipping around is what little girls do, right? Many girls started their self-directed dance careers almost as soon as they could walk; pirouetting through the store and practicing tendus along the curb. As soon as a child turns three, they can be enrolled in recreational ballet classes. Kids can learn many important things by taking ballet such as following instructions and improving balance and coordination. Additionally, a ballet class is great exercise and a fun excuse to dress up in glittery outfits and dance shoes! Here are six ways little girls can benefit from taking ballet.

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Taking ballet is a great way to teach kids how to follow instructions. Kids recreational ballet classes are often customized for specific age groups. For 3 and 4-year-olds, kids will learn how to follow the teacher’s simple instructions and learn basic ballet steps, such as the plie (plee-ay), releve (ruh-leh-vay) and saute (soh-tay). Because many girls love to dance, they are eager to carefully listen to the teacher. Often a ballet class will teach kids a choreographed dance routine. Older kids will learn more complex ballet moves by following the teacher’s instructions and example.

BALANCE

Many little kiddos have trouble balancing, and practice makes perfect! Ballet teaches kids precise if simple ballet moves. Kids can significantly improve their sense of balance when they practice the repetition of simple ballet moves. Ballet class teaches girls how to point and balance on their tippy toes, stand on one foot, and gracefully extend their leg behind them in an arabesque.

COORDINATION

Coordination is another great benefit kids learn by taking ballet. Little girls learn how to precisely move their feet while also gracefully moving their arms and positioning their hands. Ballerinas are required to stand up straight and pay attention to their minor body movements. Even a 10-week recreational ballet class can be so helpful for kids to practice their coordination, which will also help with running and playing at the playground. Kids who learn basic ballet techniques at an early age will be able to quickly advance to more technical (and fun) ballet instruction.

GRACEFULNESS

Little girls can always benefit from practicing their gracefulness. Straight posture and graceful movements can go hand in hand with learning manners and etiquette, which are often under-emphasized topics in today’s society. Graceful and precise movements aren’t just for girly girls either; kids who practice the intricacies of ballet can go on to excel in gymnastics and other precision-based activities such as martial arts.

EXERCISE

Of course, the rigors of ballet and repetition of precise movement is great exercise! Most girls are tired after their 30 minute ballet class. Kids will have fun burning energy while twirling, leaping and running the length of the dance studio. Chances are, if your girls love ballet, they will also spend much of the week practicing their moves in all sorts of impromptu settings.

DRESSING UP

Finally, the best part of taking a ballet class is dressing up! Often a ballet class will end with a recital and kids can show off the skills they’ve learned. My girls love dressing up in their recital outfits and performing with their class on stage.