Classes - Laura Stilwell Dance

Dance Classes

Jazz, Musical Theater, Ballet as well as professional one-on-one coaching sessions are currently offered onsite in Portland, OR as well as online in your time zone.

See descriptions below and contact instructor, Laura Stilwell, for class schedules, location and more details. Join a fun group class, or set up your own one-on-one coaching sessions.

JAZZ CLASSES

Jazz Dance

Whether you are looking to increase your fitness level, improve your coordination and posture, or polish your routine for an upcoming audition, Laura’s Jazz Dance Class is the right fit. All levels are welcome. Dancers are encouraged to get results and accomplish their personal goals in a fun, challenging and fulfilling course. Learn the basics steps and technique of Jazz. Start with a follow-along warm up, stretch and build strength, move across the floor to work on coordination, and end with a fun combo to fine-tune musicality and build confidence. This class will encourage freedom of thought and movement interpretation. Participants will strive for technical virtuosity as well as finding their own personal artistic voice. Laura is passionate about teaching all levels, and all backgrounds, and feels that every student has a gift to share with others.

Contact Laura to learn the upcoming Jazz Dance Class schedule or book a one-on-one coaching session and hone your craft with the guidance of a seasoned professional dancer, actor, singer and choreographer.

Laura Stilwell will be teaching jazz classes at the Multnomah Arts Center on Monday evenings starting April 1st.
Registration opens March 7th. Come and dance with us. Register now at https://multnomahartscenter.org.

Class Framework—Jazz Dance

Watch this video of Laura’s Jazz Dance Class (recorded a few years ago) and learn the core class framework

Play Video

CLASS FLOW
1. Warm-up Isolations
2. Center Barre Technique
3. Floor Stretches
4. Movement Across The Floor
5. Jazz Combination

MUSICAL THEATER CLASSES

Dance for Musical Theater

Experience the true energy, dynamism, and creative expression at the heart of Musical Theater. The session begins with vocal and physical warm ups to work on Musical Theatre technique integrating singing, dance and acting. Laura provides an introduction to fundamental techniques and application to song and dance routines. Work on storytelling and acting through dance. You’ll receive friendly feedback throughout the course. Laura is a seasoned pro with decades of professional experience in OFF BROADWAY productions. If you are looking to pursue dance on professional level or want to simply enjoy the benefits of fitness, coordination and confidence this training instills, this class is the right one for you. Consider booking private coaching to bring your audition piece to the next level. Dance for Musical Theater Classes are availble both onsite and online.

Contact Laura to learn the upcoming Dance for Musical Theater Class schedule or book a one-on-one coaching session and secure your next part by bringing your audition piece to the next level.

BALLET CLASSES

Ballet Classes

Ballet is the perfect discipline to develop posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, coordination and grace. If you are new to ballet, Laura’s classes are the perfect way to start your journey. These ballet lessons are also suitable for those of you seeking to refresh your skills. This course provides a fun introduction to Ballet and will cover basic ballet principles in a supportive environment. Ballet terminology will be explained and demystified. The classes will cover barre work, centre practice, allegro (jumps), pirouettes (turns) and some choreographed phrases. Through this course you will broaden awareness of the body in space and put techniques into practice by mastering simple choreographic phrases. Laura will provide friendly feedback and support throughout. Laura’s teaching credits include the Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT), Jefferson High School of Performing Arts, ‘Stage 7’ San Diego, Orlando Ballet New York, Bridge For Dance New York, The Dancers Workshop Portland, and more.

Contact Laura to learn the upcoming Ballet Class schedule or book a one-on-one coaching session and enjoy the guidance of a seasoned professional in the comfort of your home or office.

Laura Stilwell will be teaching ballet classes at the Multnomah Arts Center on Saturdays starting April 13th.
Registration opens March 7th. Come and dance with us. Register now at https://multnomahartscenter.org.

DANCE CLASS STUDENT REVIEWS

Student Reviews

“I have greatly enjoyed taking beginning ballet from Laura Stilwell for the past several months. She brings a joyful professionalism to her class and concentrates on proper form at all times”

—Tracy Wright

“Laura’s remote classes have been extremely rewarding and a terrific way for dancers to continue and build upon our craft. I look forward to these classes every week!”

—Kathleen Proudfoot

“Laura makes learning fun! She is an inspiration as I try to follow her graceful direction.”

—Jan Koenig

“Laura was my jazz dance teacher before I relocated. I was elated when I discovered she was teaching online. Her teaching style is very clear, encouraging and fun!”

—Susan Sullivan

"I have learned to stand and present myself with more confidence. As a singer, I am learning the value of story-telling with your gestures, posture and even facial expressions."

—LORI BOONE, JAZZ VOCALIST

“Laura’s classes are a wonderful outlet and are cleansing for the spirit, mind and body. I’m so grateful, I will follow her anywhere! Laura is a total inspiration!”

—Kathleen Proudfoot

“Laura’s Saturday ballet class is truly the best part of my week.”

—Susan Sullivan

“Laura is a perceptive and encouraging dance teacher. She points out just what we need to focus on, without giving us too much feedback all at once.”

—Susan Westby

“I'm so grateful to Laura Stilwell for offering such a great ballet class!”

—PAUL VINGER

“Laura Stilwell's dance class/movement training teaches participants how to move with specific intention. She uses visualization to teach and encourage proper body placement and movement.”