Teaching kids to dance!

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If you have more than one child, complete the registration for the 1st child, come back to this page and repeat for the 2nd and 3rd. 


Welcome to Deborah Messinger School of Dance!

☞ Leading dance education in the Portland Metro area since 1971.  

  • At DMSD, we have fun while learning and most importantly we are loving and patient with every dancer.

  • It's about using dance education to have a positive impact on students - every step of the way!

  • We build confident, disciplined and responsible students in our warm, nurturing environment.

  • Our staff enjoy mentoring young people and want to help each child grow.

We don't offer just a dance class, we make memories and offer an experiences that will last a lifetime!

You are an outstanding parent. 

But you are frustrated. 

You want your child to experience more!

More fitness, more friends, and more fun after school and on the weekends with ☞ less screen time!

Meet Deborah Messinger School of Dance!

At DMSD, we teach a variety of dance styles to children of all ages; including toddlers to teenagers. 

We believe that dance education creates happy, healthy and confident kids. 



It’s about more than just dance classes, it’s about building character and enhancing lives, one amazing child at a time!



DMSD is the answer you’ve been looking for. 

  • Dance gets kids physically active. 
  • Dance creates amazing friendships.
  • Dance is fun! 

 

Registration has never been easier. 

  • Step 1: Click the register button. 
  • Step 2: Select your child’s age. 
  • Step 3: Fill in the Quick Registration Form
  • Step 4: Download the PDF and set up tuition payments. 
  • Step 5: Sit back, relax and reward yourself for being an outstanding parent. 

 

Wait! There’s more! - Now, you might have a hundred questions?!?!

  • Who gets to be in the recital?
  • What are the additional fees?
  • When do classes start?
  • Where do I buy my child's uniform?
  • How to get updated information?

Relax… being a member of DMSD is a breeze.  

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“My daughter loves going here! The teacher is great and she looks forward to it all week! We will continue to sign her up for classes here. They have also remained fair and understanding during the whole pandemic.”

Parent

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“this is a wonderful family vibe studio! Everyone is welcoming and helpful and there’s everything you need to get started like shoes and Leo’s etc right in the studio. Deborah has been in the biz longer than anyone and will bend over backwards to accommodate you. Can’t say enough about this amazing dance community!”

Teacher

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Both of my children (including my special needs child) enjoyed the preschool, "mommy & me" class, gymnastics & toddler dance classes! Very family oriented & professional! Would definitely recommend!”

Parent

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“My kids have been going here for over 3 years. It's like our second home with amazing dance instructors. We really enjoy our time here. My children built confidence and many friendships along the way.”

Parent

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“I've grown up dancing with Deborah Messinger School of Dance for over 40 years. My children and grandchildren also take dance and have been in the preschool. The staff is great, helpful and understanding and try to address participants needs. My kids and I would recommend Deborah Messinger School of Dance to anyone looking for a great, fun experience for their child.”

Parent

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Since moving to Oregon my daughter has wanted to go to this studio. This is her second year at Deborah Messinger School of Dance. We spend four nights a week here and it is always clean with friendly staff. Ms. Deborah and Miss Tara have taught my daughter dance with so much love. They have given her so much confidence through their positive encouragement. The love and support my daughter gets from this studio is priceless. I have never met two people that were so dedicated to your child’s happiness. If you are looking for a family friendly studio than I would give this studio a call. You won’t be disappointed”

Parent

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“The teachers definitely care, and we have really enjoyed watching our son learn and grow through his class. This is his first extracurricular activity and it has been a great experience. This has really helped with getting him out of his comfort zone since the pandemic.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Deborah has always run a professional studio. She wants to instill the love of dance in her students by providing a positive, fun and caring atmosphere. I definitely recommend this dance studio, they have a lot to offer for children and adults.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“DMSD is a wonderful school with a well trained staff and a director who is there for the students, the staff, and the parents. The atmosphere in the studio is a positive one that is important for the nurturing of young dancers. I highly recommend this studio. ”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“I have known Deborah for decades. She is such a wonderful, caring dance teacher that goes way above and beyond for her students. I would highly recommend this studio for students of all ages!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“My now 4yr old daughter is now taking her third class at this school and absolutely loves it! She has met many friends and learned a lot. We could not recommend this studio enough!!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“I danced at DMSD for over ten years (starting when I was three years old) and am still in touch with some of the girls from my earliest classes, despite moving out of state. I recently took a ballet class after ten years out of the game, and it all came flooding back! Dance was such an integral part of my childhood, and I can't say enough about Miss Tara, Miss Deborah, and all of the other teachers I came across while there. I love reminiscing and watching old videos and looking at all of our pictures. Thanks!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Deborah Messinger School of Dance is a great place for your children. I spent many years learning dance from Miss Debbie and the experience was amazing. Son is starting "All Boy's dance classes" (Hip Hop, Tap, and gym) and I can't wait for recitals.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“My daughter has been going here for 3 years. She loves it and everyone of her teachers have been so kind and welcoming. She is learning so much. Before here we went to a studio in Clackamas for 1/2 a year and it really didn't teacher anything. Since she has been here she has been dancing so much more at home and making up routines with her friends.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Absolutely love the studio and everyone that makes it function ! My daughter Jayden danced there for 2 1/2 years and when life got busy we had to take a break. She asks me frequently when can she get back to dancing and we hope to make that happen soon! We've recommended friends to the studio and they've also quickly fell in love. Prior to coming to Deborah Messinger we tried other studios and were less than pleased. They welcome you into their family from the start. Great place for all ages and dance levels.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Anyone who joins Deborah's dance school is joining a special family! The dedication, drive and talent are what make this studio thrive, but the love warmth and family community is really the soul to the studio. I am blessed to be able to be a part of this great group and hope to meet many more new dancers in the future.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“DMSD has been apart of my life for MANY years. Love them ALWAYS and still to this present day. Now my daughter takes dance from DMSD and i'm still 100% happy with the teaching, patience, care, honesty, love and respect that all the teachers and staff have here. I recommend this studio to your lil ones even the adults. Come get your groove on!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Great dance studio with outstanding teachers, students, parents. I can't wait to see you all again. We all sure have had great memories over the years. Coming back on tour soon. Hugs to you all.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“A warm and inviting place for
children of all ages. The instructors
are knowledgeable and well rounded
and the owner is fantastic!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“I LOVE this dance studio and all
the people/instructors that run it!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“My Son is 3 & has been
going here for a year & loves it
& his teacher!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Wonderful place. Very friendly staff”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“I have three daughters in dance
and they love it. There are many types of dance to choose from.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“My daughter loves her teachers
and the variety of dance opportunities offered. Great location & staff is very nice.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“It's all about the kids!
It"s all about dance! It"s all about family!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Great place to learn to dance.
The staff is amazing.”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“We love this studio and the
instructors! The girls are growing so much!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“High quality dance training in a
supportive environment.
Highly Recommended!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“My grandkids go to this dance school
and they love it! The teachers are wonderful! Great School!”

Gresham, Oregon

Deborah Messinger School of Dance

“Had a wonderful dance education
with Deborah. Creating memories for a lifetime. I never stopped dancing.”

Gresham, Oregon

Proudly Serving these Dance Communities:

Beaverton, Cornelius, Fairview, Forest Grove, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, King City, Lake Oswego, Maywood Park, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Portland, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn, Wood Village, Clackamas County, Multnomah County, Washington County, State of Oregon

PROGRESSIVE DANCE CLASSES IN Gresham:
(Ages 1 years to Teens and Adults)

Ballet: dance classes & dance lessons
Tap: dance classes & dance lessons
Jazz: dance classes & dance lessons
Hip Hop: dance classes & dance lessons
Lyrical: dance classes & dance lessons
Contemporary: dance classes & dance lessons
Musical Theatre: dance classes & dance lessons
Acrobatic Arts: dance classes & dance lessons
Pointe: dance classes & dance lessons
Acro: dance classes & dance lessons

READ: Twelve Things to Ask When Choosing a Dance Studio

Families have lots of choices when selecting a dance studio in Gresham. One of the first things many parents ask is, “How much will dance classes in Gresham cost?” But there are many equally if not more important things to consider when selecting a school.  Here are a few questions to ask before enrolling your child at a dance studio in Gresham.

1. Are the instructors qualified? 

One of the first things to ask when selecting a dance studio in Gresham is the qualifications of the dance instructors employed there. Not all dance teachers are the same, and there are no laws governing who can teach your child and who is not qualified. So, this should be the very first question you ask when considering dance classes in Gresham. A quality dance studio will be affiliated with a provincial or national organization that certifies instructors, such as Royal Academy of Dance. Instructors can also be college graduates with dance degrees or equivalent experience in the field. There are many ways in which dance educators can be qualified, so make sure your child is in the hands of a professional educator.

2. What are the safety standards at the studio?

A quality studio in Gresham will require instructors to be CPR and first aid certified. A great studio in Gresham will have an on-site AED along with staples such as a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. These items should be centrally located and easy to reach in an emergency.  

3. Is the goal to help students reach their potential, or to enhance the studio’s reputation?

Teachers should never force students beyond their natural flexibility or encourage ballet students to “turn out” their feet farther than their natural rotation will allow. These practices cause injury. Safety should be paramount in any extracurricular activity especially when choosing dance classes in Gresham.

4. What type of flooring does the studio have?

A dance class should never take place on a concrete floor or flooring laid over a concrete sub floor. This is dangerous for a dancer’s joints when they jump and land…which happens a lot in a dance class. The ideal flooring for a dance studio is a sprung floor. This specially made dance floor allows some motion in the flooring to protect and cushion a dancer’s joints as she lands from a jump. The sprung floor can be covered with wood or vinyl dance flooring. (Ideal for many types of dance such as ballet and lyrical.

5. Can I watch the class every week?

While it would certainly be distracting to allow parents to sit in on each and every class, there are other ways in which parents can view their child’s weekly progress. Some studios in Gresham have windows into the classroom. This can be a great way to see the students in action, but also allows the students to be aware they have an audience. The best way to view class is through a monitor into the waiting area. Low-profile cameras in the dance room can allow parents to be comfortable knowing their kids are participating and learning.

6. What is the dress code?

It is important for the instructor to be able to see the student’s body alignment. Therefore, baggy clothing, jeans, sweatshirts and other street wear is not appropriate for dance classes in Gresham. A leotard and tights will allow the instructor to give constructive feedback to the student (which will help develop strong technique) while still covering enough of the body to be modest. Some studios require all students in a class to wear identical colors or styles, and some allow the dancers more personal choice and comfort by requiring dance wear but not dictating specifics. Either way, dance wear should be required for class.

7. How are students placed?

Dancers can be grouped by age, ability, or a combination of both. Students should not be held back because of their age nor advanced simply because of it. A combination of age and ability that allows dancers to be in a challenging environment yet still with peers is ideal. Some studios in Gresham achieve this by having several overlapping levels so that staff can guide each student to the combination of age and ability that suits them best.

8. Do students compete?

Dance studios in Gresham can be competitive, non-competitive or a hybrid with groups of each type of classes. Competition focused classes will require a higher level of commitment of both time and money, and not all dancers will be included and advanced. It is important to understand where your dancer may be headed if she continues in the program so that you can make the choice that feels right for your family.

9. Are there any additional performance opportunities?

Most studios in Gresham will have an annual recital regardless of whether they compete. Some studios in Gresham have an every-other-year schedule for recitals, and some have less formal in-class presentations. If your child is taking a combination class (tap and ballet for example), will she have the opportunity to perform two numbers? Are there community performance opportunities for older dancers?

10. How long is each class?

For a preschooler, 30 minutes can be a great class length. As dancers get older, more time is necessary for the dancers to learn and retain information. Especially when more than one genre is included (tap and ballet for example), an hour or more will be needed to have any meaningful instruction. By the time dancers reach third or fourth grade in school, combo classes are no longer feasible. Each genre will need sufficient class time for proper training. Ballet classes at the intermediate and advanced levels will need an hour or more to complete a proper class.

11. Is a syllabus followed for each level?

In order to have consistent training for all dancers in the dance studio, a set syllabus should be followed by all instructors. A director can set her own syllabus for the studio or follow one recommended by an umbrella organization such as Royal Academy of Dance. The classes should be structured according to a plan and organized so that dancers can progress from level to level regardless of which instructor they have.

12. And finally… how much will it cost?

Great studios in Gresham with great educators will need to charge enough to maintain a professional staff and facility. However, a studio in Gresham that is well-run and successful should not break the bank. Ask about tuition rates, costume prices, recital fees, competition fees, required dance wear and any other fees that the studio may charge so that you have a full picture of what you’ll be paying before you enroll. 

Dance Classes Oregon

See our dancers in action!