Vega Dance+Lab

Dance Teacher

In 2004, under a bridge in an old brick warehouse on the industrial east bank of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, a vision was born. Through a row of narrow windows, light streams in and music pours out. Inside, people dance. This is Vega Dance+Lab, a home for many dancers of all levels, ages, and walks of life. A place where adults can dance with confidence and enjoy a nurturing environment, fostering community and fun before individualism and competition.

Vega Dance+Lab is a drop-in style dance studio for us grown-ups. Vega provides an atmosphere where adults can feel comfortable dancing without kids or tweens, where sometimes an occasional (and accidental) swear word can slip by in song lyrics, where we can have sexy dance classes like Tease and Tone and Burlesque without feeling inappropriate, and where we can all laugh at ourselves and dance without being self-conscious.

Classes at Vega Dance+Lab are special. Evie and the teachers she hand selects don’t just teach steps, they create chemistry. The choreography, the music, the instruction and the students combine into a rewarding, and joyous experience. Class at Vega is always fun. It’s often inspiring, and sometimes it’s downright profound. Experienced dancers can be challenged. Beginning dancers can feel accomplished. Even people who are convinced they can’t dance, discover the truth: they can dance. Dancing is for everyone, and everyone has a place at Vega. Read more

5 recommendations

  •  
    Sarah Grace M.

    Shared on yelp.com

    I started going to Vega three years ago, on the recommendation of a friend and co-worker who was a regular attendee, and raved about it. I now understand why. This place has literally changed my life. ...The studio accommodates all types of experience levels (with the exception of those classes that are specifically labeled as intermediate or advanced). It's a real mix of people, men and women, all different ages, all different body types. The studio is great for drop-ins, but also offers a number of pricing options to make it really affordable - much more affordable than yoga or barre classes that can be $20-25 just for one class. I love all the instructors, including Evie, the owner. Yes, she commands a room, and I really admire it - we're there to learn and to have fun, but I give her - and all the other choreographers - my 100% attention out of respect and love. They put so much thought and care into their choreography, and as a result it's always really fun to learn. ... I could not live without this place.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Rebecca F.

    Shared on yelp.com

    Age diversity, fun, and a good challenge--that's what you can expect to find at Vega Dance+Lab. ... Vega was exactly what I had always dreamed of. The classes are typically brimming with a diverse mix of adults from all age ranges; as a 30-something, I feel like I'm the median age. Other students are welcoming and non-judgmental. The teachers are knowledgable, creative, and kind, yet they always push you to be your best and move past boundaries. The choreography and workouts are bold and sometimes challenging, but in a way that makes you feel proud of yourself when you leave.

    At this point, I think of Vega as my place of worship. I know that I can walk in feeling stressed out, and leave feeling elated. New dancers (and those who have never taken a class in their life) my advice to you is to come in and try a beginning or workout class with an open mind. You will probably end up falling in love like I did.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Jan R.

    Shared on yelp.com

    So glad I found this place. I used to take dance in Denver and loved it but was having trouble finding a dance class that was for normal people like myself (not the best at choreography :) but still really cool and challenging. Depending on the class, I usually leave DRENCHED in sweat which is always an awesome bonus. I especially love Evie and Andrew's classes, but haven't encountered a class yet that I didn't enjoy. And it's always nice supporting a local business over a big chain, this place rocks.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Mike C

    Shared on goo.gl

    Unbelievable talent, teachers and inspiration. Whether beginner or pro, dance at vega!... u won't be sorry....

    Original recommendation
  •  
    yaer b

    Shared on goo.gl

    This place rocks! the instructors are energetic and take time to make sure you are comfortable. The owner Evie is a sweetheart as well. Love it here!

    Original recommendation