Youth Training Program

The Youth Training Program includes Creative Movement for ages 4 and 5, Junior Track (Primary Ballet to Level 4) for ages 6 to 16, and Pro Track for ages 14 to 18. It also includes Young Creatives Company, which is by audition only and requires enrollment in Pro Track, plus a Nutcracker-themed dance camp for ages 4 to 6 and a Winter Dance Intensive for ages 7 to 19.

Programs

• Creative Movement — Age 4 + 5
• Junior Track (Primary Ballet to Level 4) — Age 6 to 16
• Pro Track — Age 14 to 18
• Young Creatives Company — by audition only + must be enrolled in PRO TRACK to participate · By audition only; must be enrolled in Pro Track to participate.
• Nutcracker-themed dance camp — Ages 4 to 6 · Dec 14 to Jan 17, 3:45 to 5:45 PM · 4-day camp with creative movement dance class, story time, craft, and Nutcracker-themed movement exercises.
• Winter Dance Intensive — Age 7 to 19 · Dec 29 / 2026 to Jan 1 / 2027; Beginner 2:30 to 5:30 PM, Intermediate 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Advanced 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM · Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels listed.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Current session: 2026/27 Youth Program Calendar (Sep 14–Jun 6, 2027); Winter Break (Dec 14–Jan 3, 2027); Winter Dance Intensive (Dec 28–Jan 1, 2027); Spring Break (Mar 22–Mar 28, 2027)
• General schedule: Annual youth program dates run Sep 14 / 2026 to Jun 6 / 2027. Youth classes resume Jan 4 / 2027 after winter break.

About the provider

The program was founded in Portland in 2004 by Sarah Slipper. NW Dance Project has earned an international reputation for cultivating and nurturing young dancers. Its community involvement includes accessible performances, outdoor performances, special events, master classes, collaborations with artists of other performing arts and visual genres, conversation with artists, free public performances as often as possible, and the cost-free Dance Moves program.

• Early Registration Discount — Save $25 if you register before Nov 6.

Creative Movement does not participate in the Student Holiday Showcase. Student must attend all rehearsals to be considered for performances and other opportunities. Dancers are required to audition for Young Creatives Company. Dancers enrolled or planning to enroll in Pro Track are eligible and encouraged to audition.

What families say

““changing the way dance is created”” — Dance International Magazine

“an essential part of the city’s arts scene” — The Oregonian

“the it company...one of the most dynamic dance troupes in the country” — Oregon Public Broadcasting

Last updated October 11, 2026.