Business Details
Your Trusted Dance School in Portland, OR
Stites Performing Arts Center has been a cornerstone of dance education in Portland for decades, offering comprehensive training in diverse disciplines. Our team of seasoned instructors brings decades of combined experience in dance instruction, performance, and competition coaching. We specialize in integrating traditional dance forms with innovative techniques, including our signature baton twirling programs aligned with the Kelly Kadet Baton Corp. Our facility nurtures artistic growth through structured curricula for ages 3 to adult, emphasizing technical proficiency and creative expression. With instructors like Shanon Barker, who has taught dance and baton twirling for over 30 years, and Thomas Breuckman, whose educational leadership spans 22 years, we combine artistic excellence with holistic child development.Our alumni have achieved national recognition, including USTwirling Association-certified coaches and competition award winners. We maintain rigorous safety standards while fostering a supportive environment where students build confidence through performance opportunities. Our partnerships with local schools and arts organizations demonstrate our commitment to community engagement. From beginner classes in creative movement to advanced ballet training, we provide pathways for dancers at every skill level. Our dedication to quality instruction is reflected in our long-standing reputation as a trusted arts education provider in the Pacific Northwest.
Services
Tap
Jazz & Contemporary
Tumbling
Baton Twirling
Middle Eastern
Hip Hop
Ballet
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined teaching experience from nationally recognized instructors
- Our baton twirling program partners with Kelly Kadet Baton Corp for championship-level training
- We provide age-appropriate curricula from creative movement (ages 3-5) to professional ballet
- Our instructors include USTwirling Association-certified coaches and competition award winners
- We combine technical training with performance opportunities in local and national events
Services
Baton Twirling
Our baton twirling program combines technical precision with artistic expression for ages 8+. Certified instructors train students in fundamental skills through championship-level techniques. Classes integrate performance elements and prepare participants for local events and national competitions. The program's partnership with Kelly Kadet Baton Corp provides access to world-class coaching resources.
Hip Hop
Age-appropriate hip hop classes develop rhythm, coordination, and performance skills. Instructors focus on foundational street dance techniques while emphasizing musicality and self-expression. Classes prepare students for dance team auditions and competitive performances. Our program balances technical training with creative freedom in a supportive learning environment.
Ballet
Ballet instruction spans from introductory pre-ballet to pre-professional levels. Our curriculum develops proper technique, posture, and artistry through progressive training. Students receive performance opportunities in classical and contemporary works. The program accommodates both young beginners and older students with little prior experience.
Middle Eastern
Nemra Khan's Middle Eastern dance classes focus on body isolations, fluid movement, and cultural expression. Instruction emphasizes posture, grace, and fitness through traditional dance forms. Students learn veil work, zill (finger cymbal) techniques, and performance choreography. Classes combine physical conditioning with cultural appreciation in a fun, supportive environment.
Tap
Tap dance classes develop musicality and rhythm through sound-producing footwork. Our program incorporates both traditional and modern styles for ages 3+. Students learn to create percussive patterns while building coordination and timing. Classes integrate improvisation and choreography for performance preparation.
People
Shanon Barker
Owner & Instructor
Shanon Barker has taught dance and baton twirling for over 30 years. A former Stites student, she developed curriculum for Jefferson Performing Arts and coached international champions. Her passion for arts education drives the center's mission to nurture young talent through structured, joyful learning experiences.
Thomas Breuckman
Owner & Administrator
Thomas Breuckman brings 22 years of educational leadership to Stites Performing Arts Center. As DaVinci Middle School principal, he combines administrative expertise with arts advocacy. His vision supports the center's growth while maintaining its commitment to quality dance education and community engagement.
Amy Bonaduce-Gardner
Instructor
Amy Bonaduce-Gardner trained at Stites and Jefferson Performing Arts before studying at Oregon Ballet Theater and Alvin Ailey School. A three-time Grand State Baton Champion, she now teaches holistic movement while coaching nationally competitive baton teams through her Prism Movement Studio.
John Gardner
Instructor
John Gardner, former Pacific Festival Ballet director, brings international performance experience to our faculty. With decades of teaching expertise, he trains dancers from beginner to professional levels. His classical ballet background enriches our technical curriculum while mentoring the next generation of performers.
Nemra Khan
Instructor
Nemra Khan specializes in Middle Eastern dance with 20+ years of professional performance experience. She teaches body isolation techniques and cultural expression while emphasizing fitness and artistic growth. Her classes combine technical training with the joy of movement through exotic rhythms.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, Middle Eastern, and baton twirling classes for ages 3 to adult. Our curriculum includes both recreational and competitive training options.
Do you integrate baton twirling with dance training?
Yes, our program partners with Kelly Kadet Baton Corp. Many dance classes include baton twirling elements, and we offer dedicated baton classes ages 8+ with championship-level instructors.
What experience do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes nationally recognized instructors with 20-30 years of teaching experience. Credentials include USTwirling Association certification, professional performance careers, and competition award-winning coaching.
Are classes available for different age groups?
We provide age-appropriate instruction from creative movement (ages 3-5) through adult classes. Our structured curriculum accommodates both young beginners and older students with prior experience.
