Studio Clubs are our way of reaching into the dance community and also of giving our students a way to focus their learning experience in a specific genre of dance if they wish. Students of partner dancing usually gravitate towards one style or another, and studio clubs give them an opportunity of getting the most out of their favorite dances.
Each “club” in the studio is headed by one of our instructors and tends to be in the strongest genre for that instructor. Any question one could have about dancing out around Portland in that style can be answered by the club head. Each club head not only directs students where to go, but frequents these locations themselves and so is completely up to date on everything that is going on in that type of dance in Portland.
Often the club head has had competitive experience with the style of dance of their club, and so can help with any technical questions you may have.
Portland Dancesport’s club heads are:
Swing: Lerey Bishop
Lerey’s introduction to dancesport was through this style, so it is only natural that he heads the club that has the biggest dance following in the city of Portland-swing. Swing dance is back and it’s back in a big way. Not only will you find swing ballrooms packed to capacity even on a Tuesday night, but the newest rage in swing is the use the different types of Swing (Balboa, Jitterbug, Lindy, etc.) together during the same song.
Lerey heads this club because of his expertise in this style and also because he is very experienced with the lifts and tricks often seen in Lindy Hop. If you have always wanted to learn this style and are wondering where to start, Lerey will be the best option for you, both as an instructor and source of knowledge about the local scene. He also enjoys dancing out with our Swing Club at their monthly excursions. You are welcome to join them!
Hustle/Nightclub: Kris Mola
Kristina is the head of this club which focuses on the most likely dances one would do at a wedding, nightclub, or other social event. Hustle, Nightclub 2 step, Rock and Roll and freestyle dancing are included in this club. The club also has outings to West Coast Swing dances and occasionally meets up with the Salsa Club too. For dancers who like dances such as Salsa and Hustle but would like to be in a group which dances more broadly, the Hustle club is the place to be.
Country Western: Rebecca Bishop
Rebecca heads up the Country Western Club. With outings to Duke’s and the Ponderosa Lounge, this club has high flyin’ fun written all over it. For those who love country music and dancing, the Country Western dance club helps one learn the country dances and practice them in a club setting with the support of a group. Also, if you’d like to learn these dances more throroughly in a studio setting, see Rebecca for help with your doe-see-doe.
