I always know I am in for a good time when I see a Bodyvox show. I love that their performance space is in an area where you can find parking and is not horrific traffic as well but close enough in that a wander before or after a show for a spot of food or drink is also a great plan. I like that their shows seem to explore a bit of the dark and the light - it feels right. I also love the way that they use the space very creatively. As an ADA person, it means a lot that I have easy to get in an out of seating. Even just easy in and out of the building! And the staff there have always been so kind and welcoming. read more

See all

The show that I watched was absolutely terrific, this review is for the venue. I do not recommend this venue. The program specifically encouraged attendants to arrive an hour early to enjoy drinks. Staff was incredibly awkward and passive-aggressive. I don't know where they expected people to congregate, there was hardly any room at all in the lobby, and the show is completely sold out. I left before I had a panic attack, and came back about 10 minutes before the show to find a seat, in a completely crowded and full theater, great good for them! The show itself was brilliant. But I had to endure 10 adjacent giggling wiggling man-children kicking my seat and causing the whole row to shake. Again, they're not the venue's fault, but when a show is full to capacity like this, the seats being latched together will really try your patience. I did see a woman in front of me stand up and look all around to see if she could find another empty seat, before asking the man next to her to stop leaning on her. Kudos. If I could offer any suggestions, the venue should have at least some signage telling guests where they can and cannot go in the building if the staff will not open their mouths even once. Also, if you're going to ask people to come early for drinks, don't put them in a secret cooler somewhere, have an actual bar set up. In the room where people are allowed to be. Atmosphere: 2/10 read more

Bodyvox is such an amazing dance space! Their staff is friendly, warm and knowledgeable. I also love the lounge area they have. The space is huuuge! I love that there's dressing rooms and tall ceilings with mirrors. I take clases with Asteria who teaches many classes including Contemporary for Fat Bodies. She's so talented and a great teacher. I always feel welcomed there and love their commitment to accessibility with sliding scale options. read more

I take classes here a few times a week. They offer a lot of open classes for adults of all levels, and the teachers are great. read more

BodyVox - Outside of building - Performing Arts Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of my favorite studios in Portland - particularly for open ballet classes. These are held both in the morning and evenings most days unlike other studies. The instructors are always friendly and give helpful corrections without being overly critical. It's a very laid back atmosphere, which I greatly appreciate. There is always a range of levels from those just finding dance, to those returning to dance after many years, to young professionals. They also offer a wide selection of more exercise classes and other dance styles. read more

Review specifically for Rachel. Literally writing this review right in front of her after I was treated like I was completely invisible during her contemporary class. Still hasn't bothered to say hello or even thank me for coming... literally standing right in front of her writing this. I mean, I know I don't know the choreography yet and can't keep up with the class, but I'm not an abysmal failure, and it was probably pretty clear I was new to the studio. Probably would've appreciated a, "hey you seem new - thanks for coming!" It takes a lot to put yourself back out there after not having danced seriously for over a decade.... Didn't need coddling, but ... a "hello" would have been nice.... Thanks for reminding me how clicky, self absorbed, and obnoxious dancers can be, takes me back to high school. read more

BodyVox is a magical place full of opportunity to experience beauty of dance and community. The staff is warm and welcoming! I have experienced so much joy and healing here as a middle, aged dancer coming home to myself after tremendous loss. I strongly encourage you to give yourself the gift of dance at BodyVox! (Stretch Appeal with Laure Redmond) read more

Languid. Aggressive. Funny. Beautiful. Romantic. Flying. All these adjectives describe the latest offering of Bodyvox, "Horizontal Leanings." I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Each piece was strong and captivating. Sometimes during shows my mind will wander and I'll start thinking about what I have to do the next day, or will start clock watching, and neither happened during this performance. The music was amazing; the arrangements are powerful and varied, and range from soft and muted to hip hop to jazz noir. Costuming was great; look for the use of plastic bags as tulle and neckties as dresses. Tonight was the first performance and there were some glitches. The music didn't start right away and they had to fix it and restart the show. The projection was too big for the screen. However, none of that mattered. The show is incredible. The theater wasn't full, and the seats aren't that expensive. Buy a ticket and see a great show. Support Portland art, and support a dance troupe that makes dancing look fun, powerful, raucous and joyous. read more

Modern dance has been around long enough we have had many waves of postmodern dance. It's a broad category! Anything can happen. Some people say modern dance: "will never see" or "don't get it, never will, give up." No. Reconsider. Check the many online BodyVox videos for a preview. I would say BodyVox is an easy and fun first modern dance experience you may like! Storytelling in dance does not rely on spoken words in a script. Instead BodyVox excels in athleticism, emotion, humor and telling a story outside film style. And BodyVox is the most up to date dance group in Portland incorporating video into their productions. An easy start as an audience person to seeing BodyVox is to imagine yourself as one of the performers. What would that feel like? Can you immerse yourself in the story in your mind? Or can you just think about the beauty of it, or thoughts that come up, without analysis and criticism? BodyVox has developed a playful style to go along with the beauty of the movement, performers, costumes and staging. And I would also say, very, very sexy date night. One thing that's super cool is their collaboration with Chamber Music Northwest for one Summer performance a year. Chamber Music Northwest performers in town do the music live. The audience has many long time older supporters, cool! The seats have a range of prices, and every, every, did I say every, single one has a great view, better than almost every dance venue in Portland. They have a fine online booking and electronic ticket system at their website. The audience dresses artistic-stylish-nice but not overly formal. It is a beautiful space too. Many shows have an intermission and an opportunity to socialize before and after. New Portland arriver or visitor interested in modern dance, whatever modern dance is, enjoy them! In Portland already, what are you missing? BodyVox is a Portland beauty, sexy, lovely, fun, playful performance opportunity which you can experience. read more

A little slow on posting this... but we decided to have our five year old daughter's birthday party at Bodyvox in August and it was wonderful especially working with Mia and James... We've since moved from the area but it's a nice memory for us for our last weekend in Portland. Mia was organized and had a craft ready for the little ones when we arrived (making little hats) while James was so patient with trying to get the children to follow him. They were so sweet at the studio to help with clean up and set up... Truly a great unique place to have a little one's b-day. read more

We've been fans of BodyVox for some years now, and love being season ticket holders now. The creativity and pure emotion encompassed in Rowland and Hampton's choreography is astounding. It sounds cheesy, but we have laughed, cried, and gotten chills in one night's performances. The dancers are at the top of their game, and the relationship with the audience is palpable. Mutual adoration and appreciation; very Portland, and great to be a part of. The other great thing about BodyVox is that they offer classes for all levels, and hold kids' classes to nurture this beautiful art among our youngest. Good thing, as we hope BodyVox and its relationship with Portland last a good, long time. read more

"I can't say enough about this class and the joy it has brought to my life. Laura Haney is an absolute doll- her positive and encouraging attitude is contagious, the music is uplifting, and by proving many options, the choreography is accessible to the beginning dancer like me, yet challenging for even the most advanced dancer. The community atmosphere Laura creates through laughter and dance will keep me coming back for years! Keep dancing!" read more

Bodyvox Rox!! It rocks. Amazing, light-filled, open studio spaces. Perfect, smooth, non-stick, safe-for-spinning and jumping-on floors. Best classes and times. Fabulous Company shows. Incredibly talented, gifted, patient teachers. Fair prices. Always Love Bodyvox for our Dance Community. Inspiring and inspirational people are always there. All the Buzz is True!! You must take a class there or attend a show in the theater 2c4 yourself. read more

S.U. and I saw Smoke Soup a few days ago at Bodyvox in Slabtown. It's a collaboration between a dozen dancers, several musicians, a couple of choreographers and an amazing performance space. I've accompanied S.U. to many dance performances. I'm sometimes reluctant and usually won over. This one was special because of the live band/ dancers interplay. Sometimes modern dance can be fussy, sometimes too goofy but this was fun, creative and beautifully performed. Good, tight band with great singers too! These small theater/dance venues are the creative engine driving performing arts in Portland. Audiences are the fuel. Get out there and support live theater!! read more

Entertaining, Amazing, Beautiful, Talented.... These are a few words that explain the Body Vox 2 show that we saw last night This was my first show, and definitely not my last. This is a very talented group of dancers! The music, the story they tell through dance, is just amazing. We had seats in the middle section, and I will say, I don't think there is a bad seat in the house! The place is small, which makes for an intimate setting. I highly recommend everyone to come and experience one of there shows! I can't wait to see another show here! They also have classes here for everyone, from little tykes to teens to adults. I can only imagine that would be one fun class! read more

I saw Horizontal Leanings and it was so entertaining! Some of the dances were amusing, some deeply thought provoking, some just beautiful to watch. One of the most fun and original pieces was a jazz number called... well, I don't know what it was called, but it should be "The Bunny." It was quirky and abstract and very memorable... so much so that I now use that term in my every day vocabulary. When something random or unexplainable happens, I sing-speak "The Bunny." read more

Classes at BodyVox are so fun! I'm absolutely addicted to ballet -- it's the best workout and the teachers here make it totally accessible for absolute beginners and advanced students alike. Jazz and the modern are super fun too -- any class here leaves me sweaty and fulfilled. Highly recommend. read more

Artistic directors Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland are inviting the audience to play artistic director. BodyVox has asked its patrons to vote online to select the dances that will make up ENCORES: The Best of BodyVox. Once votes have been tallied, the dances that will be included in ENCORES will only then be known, to the company and to the public. Performances are Oct 22 - 28 at the Newmark Theatre of the PCPA. More info at www.bodyvox.com read more

Beautiful studio space and variety with classes. The dance company is creatively led by Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland. It makes me so happy to see such creative, humor and wit in a dance company in my home town. I highly recommend trying out a dance class for any level/any style, or enjoying the treasure of having this inspiring, imaginative company to interact with and open your mind to beauty and imagination. Must see!! read more

My absolute favorite dance studio in town. I've lived in PDX for about 6 years and have tried to take adult ballet classes at at least 4 different studios. This is the best. While there are some other great studios out there this place has classes for everyone. I've found that adult ballet classes tend to either be way too easy (ie here's how to first position) or way too advanced (ie all the former professionals taking a fun weekend class together). BodyVox has the perfect mix of options for classes including Adult Beginning 1 and 2 and open classes. The instructors are kind and knowledgeable. I love that the weekend classes have a live pianist. Classes prices are reasonable as well. read more

Saw Smoke Soup last night. Beautiful show, amazing performers, LOVED the music. Looking forward to seeing future shows!

BodyVox is always terrific! Sexy, romantic, athletic, funny and theatrical. The most creative and inspiring dance in the city. And the theater is cozy--every seat is good. This is the place to take a date, a guest, a child, or a Mom for a great time. read more

Saw their Halloween show Bloodyvox yesterday. It was creative, entertaining and surprising. Loved it and I plan to go again and see their regular shows. Great entertainment in a small, intimate setting that is perfect for dance. read more

LONG Time FAN!!! This is a must if you appreciate the arts, makeup, engineering, imagination and more. If you enjoy a unique experience designed to stimulate your senses this is it. We've thoughrougly enjoyed every event we've attended. Talent, beauty, excellent entertainment. read more

We've been BV subscribers for 4 or 5 years and never tire of the shows we attend. BodyVox is a jewel in the Pearl. They opened this season, not in their beautiful studio on NW 17th but in an old rustic warehouse to recreate the mood of this show, The Body Opera Files, which was a return of their hit in 2009, The Foot Opera Files. This is true BodyVox, mixing the arts to create a theme. Opera singers, a rock band, Tom Wait and Elvis Costello's music and dancers all telling the story of this show. Other than needing to keep my coat on, I didn't dare blink because I didn't want to miss anything. We loved it...again. read more

Their 'interpretive' performance for Carmina Burana was such a train wreck that I actually closed my eyes so that their embarrassingly off-tempo prancing wouldn't distract me from an otherwise wonderful choral performance. Ryan N.'s review tells me not much has changed since then. If it isn't hastily produced, I'd venture to guess that its just badly improvised. At least, that's what it looks like. Save your money. read more

Attempting to rent studio space or even find out about renting space for rehearsal or performance is a nightmare....no response from calls, emails....oh, wait, I did get a response...it took more than a month..and the information got all confused...I definitely DON'T recommend try to deal with these people. I tried Conduit...waaaaaaay more helpful and responsive read more