Business Details
9 Years
experience
Non-Competitive Irish Dance Classes for Kids in Portland
Founded in 2017 by sisters Christina and Victoria White, Oregon Irish Dance Academy (OIDA) is a Portland-based, non-competitive Irish dance program dedicated to providing recreational dance education for children aged 5 to teen. Our structured curriculum emphasizes step-by-step guidance in a safe, uplifting environment, prioritizing confidence-building and individual progress over competition. With over 25 combined years of professional Irish dance experience, including world championship qualifications and performances with renowned artists, we focus on creating a joyful, inclusive atmosphere where students learn at their own pace.Our teaching philosophy combines technical expertise with creative encouragement, ensuring each class leaves dancers feeling successful and excited. We offer flexible enrollment, summer camps, and community performance opportunities, fostering a lifelong appreciation for Irish dance traditions.
Services
Irish Dance Classes
Summer Camps
Performance Team
Adult Classes
Workshops
Free Trial Class
Dance Instruction
Cultural Education
Community Performances
Flexible Enrollment
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer non-competitive classes with 20+ years of combined teaching experience from world championship instructors
- Our structured curriculum allows students to learn at their own pace without pressure
- Summer camps include dance instruction, crafts, and cultural activities
- Flexible enrollment with monthly tuition and no long-term commitments
- Founders hold TCRG certification from An Coimisin Le Rinc Gaelacha, the global Irish dance authority
Associations and certifications
- CLRG (TCRG certified)
What people say
Incredible warm teachers
Energizing engaging community-oriented
Safe encouraging environment
Perfect balance discipline acceptance
Phenomenal community experience
Services
Irish Dance Classes
Weekly non-competitive Irish dance classes for children aged 5-13 with experienced instructors. Structured curriculum focuses on technical skill development, cultural appreciation, and confidence-building through traditional Irish dance forms. Classes held year-round with flexible enrollment options.
Summer Camps
Three-day summer programs combining Irish dance instruction with crafts, games, and cultural activities for ages 5-10. Includes light shoe, heavy shoe, and ceili dance lessons plus creative projects in a supportive environment with 1:8 instructor-to-camper ratio.
Performance Team
Opportunity for students aged 8-teen to participate in community performances at local festivals, parades, and cultural events. Recent appearances include Portland Trail Blazers games and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, providing practical stage experience.
Free Trial Class
Complimentary trial classes for new students aged 5-11 held at The Children's Gym location. Includes 60-minute session for younger children or 90-minute session for older students with no obligation to enroll.
Adult Classes
Guidance for adult learners seeking Irish dance instruction through local Portland options. Program connects interested adults with appropriate instructors while maintaining focus on youth education at OIDA.
People
Christina White
Co-Founder & Instructor
25+ years of Irish dance experience, 9-time World Championship qualifier, and TCRG-certified instructor. Former gymnastics coach and Phoenix Designs' 2017 face. Teaches with creative, patient methods emphasizing individual progress.
Victoria White
Co-Founder & Instructor
Three-time Western US Regional Champion with 8 World Championship qualifications. Former Riverdance Academy scholar and professional performer. Brings 10+ years of teaching experience and expertise in creating engaging dance environments.
Questions
Are your classes non-competitive?
Yes, we offer completely non-competitive Irish dance instruction focusing on personal growth and technical skill development in a supportive environment.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children aged 5-7 (60 minutes) and 8-11 (90 minutes) with flexible enrollment options year-round.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our Summer Irish Dance Camps run in July and August with three-day sessions including dance instruction, crafts, and cultural activities.
Are instructors certified?
Christina holds TCRG certification from CLRG, the global Irish dance teaching authority, with 25+ years of professional experience.
Can I try a class before enrolling?
New students receive a free trial class plus 50% off first month tuition with no registration fee.
What performance opportunities exist?
Our performance team participates in local festivals, parades, and cultural events including Portland Trail Blazers games and St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Reviews (7)
Manuel Pina Ugalde
Dec 13, 2019
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This is such a unique, empowering and fun dance program. My daughter has been dancing with Christina and Victoria for four years now and has never once wanted to miss a class. The teachers are supportive, focused, caring role models for our girls and seem to strike the perfect balance between discipline and acceptance of children as they are.
Cat Livingston
Dec 04, 2019
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Oregon Irish Dance Academy is fabulous. The teachers are engaging and fun. Kids have a great time and are exhausted and are clearly learning the dances. The OIDA camps are also fantastic (dancing and really nice crafts).
Chris Dunning
Oct 19, 2019
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Our oldest daughter is in Level 1 light shoe and heavy shoe and loves it! OIDA does a great job getting the students engaged and excited.
Kelly McCain
Sep 11, 2019
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My daughter LOVES Miss Victoria and Miss Christina. They keep the classes fun, age appropriate, and top notch. It has been amazing watching her progress in just a short year. The community and quality of instruction at OIDA is phenomenal. Would highly recommend.
Casie Dunning
Jul 31, 2019
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My daughter loves this Irish Dance studio! She has been going for just over a year and has been thriving, learning so many moves, gaining confidence and being proud of her accomplishments!
Whitney Rutz
Jul 30, 2019
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My daughter has been taking classes at OIDA for just a couple of months, and it's already her favorite extracurricular activity. The instructors are patient, enthusiastic, and incredibly kind in their teachings. I look forward to many years of Irish dance lessons in my daughter's future.
Melissa Sowers
Jun 22, 2019
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My daughter is loving hard shoe with Miss Christina. At times my daughter is a little shy and I see the love of Christinas art when she is so welcoming and patient. Miss Christina uses simple games and stories to build each step and dance. Each child in the class moves at their own pace. Thank you for creating such a fun place to learn!
