Business Details
19 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Oregon City
Abernethy Performing Arts has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in Oregon City since 2007. Our studio emphasizes discipline, self-esteem, and artistic growth through diverse dance styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre. We offer opportunities for students of all ages to perform in professional and recreational settings while fostering community engagement. Our experienced instructors prioritize individual development and a welcoming environment. We believe in the transformative power of dance education to build confidence and creativity that lasts a lifetime. With classes for ages 2.5 to adult, we cater to both recreational learners and competitive performers.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our structured curriculum and focus on holistic student growth. As a family-owned business, we treat every student like part of our extended family. Our facility in Oregon City serves as a hub for movement-based artists in the Portland Metro area. Through performances, competitions, and community outreach, we strive to promote the performing arts as a vital cultural asset.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Contemporary Dance
Musical Theatre
Senior Fitness
Early Education Dance
Competition Training
Performance Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 2007 with personalized attention
- Offers competitive and recreational dance programs
- Experienced instructors with 25+ years in fitness and dance
- Community-focused performances and outreach initiatives
- Structured curriculum building technical proficiency and confidence
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through traditional training methods. Students learn proper form, posture, and movement vocabulary while building foundational dance skills. Classes emphasize musicality, grace, and discipline that benefit all dance styles.
Senior Fitness
Tailored fitness classes combining cardio, resistance training, and balance exercises for active seniors. Our program maintains physical health while creating a social, supportive environment. Led by certified instructor Shirley Hall with 25+ years of experience.
Competition Training
Advanced training for dedicated dancers seeking competitive performance opportunities. The program develops stage presence, technical excellence, and teamwork through choreography and performance preparation. Participants gain valuable experience in professional dance environments.
Early Education Dance
Introduces children aged 2.5+ to dance fundamentals through playful, age-appropriate instruction. Classes develop motor skills, creativity, and classroom readiness while making dance accessible and enjoyable for young learners.
Performance Workshops
Specialized training focusing on stagecraft, character development, and performance techniques. Students learn professional practices for theatrical productions through hands-on workshops and rehearsal experiences.
People
Heather Watts
Artistic Director
Renowned dance educator Heather Watts founded Abernethy Performing Arts to cultivate creativity through structured dance training. With decades of experience, she champions arts education as essential for 21st-century learning and personal growth.
Shirley Hall
Fitness Instructor
Certified fitness professional Shirley Hall brings 25 years of experience designing senior fitness programs that combine cardiovascular health with functional movement training for active aging.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, musical theatre, and senior fitness classes.
Do you accept adult students?
Yes! Our classes cater to ages 2.5 through adulthood with appropriate skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we provide both recreational showcases and competitive performance options annually.
What should students wear?
Specific attire requirements vary by class - please check our website for dress code details.
How do I register?
Visit our website to access current registration links for all programs.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide specialized summer dance intensives and workshops for all skill levels.
Reviews (4)
Christa Bosserman Wolfe
Nov 01, 2019
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Fabulous instructors and caring community. Entertaining productions that your child will love being part of. Try a class or attend their upcoming production.
Alexsandra Danae
Sep 10, 2018
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The people here are wonderful. Fantastic with my 3 year old. She couldn't be happier with her dance classes.
Tammi Burkhardt
Jul 20, 2015
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Abernethy Performing Arts is a fantastic dance studio. Keith Walls and his dance instructors are well-trained and well-versed in dance technique, training, and instruction to a variety of age groups. My daughter has been attending for close to 5 years and has taken ballet, jazz, and musical theater classes. The formal performances are top notch. Parent participation is encouraged and dancers are taught to be mindful of technique and have awareness of the necessity to stretch, practice, eat healthy and fully participate in classes. I highly recommend APA for beginning or advanced dancers.
Geochron Actual
Jun 21, 2011
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A fun studio for dance and song. It doesn't have the bells and whistles that more established studios has, but a real community effort. We participated for awhile. The disorganization was chronic.
