Performing Arts❯Dance❯Ballet

This fall, Portland welcomes an extraordinary celebration of classical ballet as PRIMA Ballet Gala brings together artists of the Grand Kyiv Ballet and international guest performers for one unforgettable night.

More than a performance, PRIMA Ballet Gala is a night of elevated artistry – where timeless classics meet contemporary expression, and the stage becomes a space of beauty, power, and emotion.

The program features iconic highlights from world-renowned ballets including Don Quixote, Spartacus, and The Dying Swan, alongside vibrant national dance such as the thrilling Hopak, set to music by legendary composers including Tchaikovsky.

Begin your evening on the red carpet, then step inside for a celebration of artistic excellence and international cultural connection.
Guests are warmly encouraged to attend in the evening attire, helping create an atmosphere of elegance worthy of this special occasion.

Join us for a rare opportunity to experience world-class dancers, timeless choreography, and a night filled with beauty and inspiration.

Seats are limited. Be part of PRIMA Ballet Gala — where ballet speaks from the heart.

Some evenings stay with you forever. This fall, Portland welcomes an extraordinary celebration of classical ballet as PRIMA Ballet Gala brings together artists of the Grand Kyiv Ballet and international guest performers for one unforgettable night. More than a performance, PRIMA Ballet Gala is a night of elevated artistry – where timeless classics meet contemporary expression, and the stage becomes a space of beauty, power, and emotion.

The program features iconic highlights from world-renowned ballets, including Don Quixote, Spartacus, and The Dying Swan, alongside vibrant national dances such as the thrilling Hopak, set to music by legendary composers such as Tchaikovsky. Begin your evening on the red carpet, then step inside for a celebration of artistic excellence and international cultural connection. Guests are warmly encouraged to attend in evening attire, helping create an atmosphere of elegance worthy of this special occasion.

Join a rare opportunity to experience world-class dancers, timeless choreography, and a night filled with beauty and inspiration.

Seats are limited. Be part of PRIMA Ballet Gala — where ballet speaks from the heart.

The Teen Table is a relaxed, hands-on cooking experience for teens who want to feel more comfortable in the kitchen, learn to cook for themselves, and spend time with other teens who enjoy good food.

Whether they’re brand new to cooking or already have some experience, we’ll focus on building practical skills and confidence. Rather than following strict recipes, teens will learn how to think like a home cook—how to make decisions, work with what they have, adjust as they go, and turn simple ingredients into food they’re excited to eat.

We’ll also cover meal planning, kitchen organization, time management, using ingredients thoughtfully, making adjustments, and cleaning up. Most importantly, teens will gain the confidence to cook without needing a recipe to tell them exactly what to do.

Every class ends with everyone sitting down together to enjoy what we’ve made—because cooking is more fun when it’s shared, and learning how to feed yourself well is a pretty great skill to have.

The goal is simple: to help teens feel at home in the kitchen, make food they enjoy, and learn how to take care of themselves through cooking.

November Menu:

• Herb Roasted Chicken

• Seasonal Vegetable Sides

December Menu:

• Veggie Chili

• Cornbread

What to expect:

• Price is per person and includes the class, all ingredients, and dinner.

• Each class is hands-on and centered around preparing a meal together. We’ll cook, talk, experiment, ask questions, make mistakes, and figure things out along the way. There’s no pressure to already know what you’re doing or to be a “chef”— just a welcoming space to learn at your own pace.

• Some food allergies and intolerances can be accommodated, but please note that we may cook with eggs, dairy, nuts, poultry, beef, pork, and fish. If you’re unsure whether the class will be a good fit for your dietary needs, please inquire before registering.

• This series is for kids aged 13-18

About our Instructor:

Chef Leta Merrill is the founder and Pasta Maia, a seasoned culinary instructor, and also a mom of teens. She loves cooking with families and teaching young cooks in a fun, hands-on environment. Inspired by the Cucina Povera philosophy of simple, resourceful cooking made with love, Leta brings old-world Italian warmth and a love of gathering around the table to every class.

Friday, November 6, 2026
6:00-8:30pm
with Elsy

Why Do Haitians Eat Pumpkin Soup (Soup Joumou)?

Soup Joumou is much more than a delicious Haitian pumpkin soup. It is a powerful symbol of freedom.

During the colonial era in Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, enslaved Haitians prepared elaborate foods for their French colonizers while living under a brutal system of slavery that denied them freedom and dignity. Soup Joumou was one of the dishes the slaves were not permitted to enjoy.

After Haitians defeated the French and declared their independence in 1804, this pumpkin soup (Soup Joumou) became a symbol of their newly won freedom. Today, Haitians around the world continue the tradition of eating Soup Joumou on January 1st to celebrate Haiti’s Independence Day and honor the courage, resilience, and freedom of their ancestors.

In this hands-on class, we’ll explore the history and cultural significance of Soup Joumou while learning different ways to prepare this delicious Haitian soup.

We’ll also make French baguette and Haitian bread from scratch to enjoy alongside our Soup Joumou.

• Students may choose to use beef in their Soup Joumou or keep it vegan.

• Registration for this class will close on Wednesday, November 4 at 6pm, so we have time to shop for ingredients and prep class materials.

Please view our FAQs before registering.

Monday, November 2, 2026
6:00-9:00pm
with Katie

Fine-tuning your skills with a kitchen knife can greatly improve the cooking experience. Join us for this hands-on class and learn the reasons for various knife styles, how to care for and handle your knife, proper kitchen posture, how to best execute specific cuts, the basics of honing and sharpening, and more. Bring your own knife from home (if you’re able) and learn how to make your tools work for you!

• The materials for this class session are all vegan-friendly, nut-free and gluten-free.

• Registration for this class will close on Saturday, October 31 at 5pm, so we have time to shop for ingredients and prep class materials.

Please view our FAQs before registering.

The holidays may still be a few weeks away, but the best baking traditions are worth starting early! If you fill tins with homemade cookies, love bringing something sweet to a holiday gathering, or dream of giving beautiful gifts from your own kitchen, this class is for you.

Experience the spirit of Bake-Off without the pressure! Spark your creativity, expand your knowledge of classic desserts and craft your own signature recipe. Practice baking between classes. Great for home bakers.

Join the conversation and find new books to read with a bit of flavor! We will be reading books together and then have a cooking activity that ties in with our title.

For ages 5–9

Can Can’s holiday show turns the Nutcracker inside out for grown-ups. An innocent absinthe toast at a holiday soirée sends Clara tumbling into a dreamscape of marching soldiers, mischievous mice, swirling snowflakes, and sugarplum visions. The score is Can Can’s own adaptation of the Nutcracker music, mixed with new original songs and holiday classics, and the dancing runs from classic and modern to aerial and burlesque, with plenty of comedy. Evening performances are 21+ with valid ID.

Tired of eating sad desk lunches and pretending instant noodles are “a vibe”? Join Chef Jimmy for “Make Dim Sum Dumplings”, a hands-on cooking class through Classpop! where you’ll learn how to make something delicious without Googling “easy dinner ideas” mid-meltdown.

What’s Included:

• A fun, hands-on 2-hour cooking class led by a talented local chef.
• An authentic experience hosted at a local public brewery, distillery, craft beer bar or wine bar.
• All ingredients and cooking tools provided.
• Expert instruction, tips and chef secrets you’ll use daily.
• A full meal you cooked yourself (yes, you!)
• A recipe you’ll want to brag about in the group chat.

What to Expect:

• Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense.
• A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills.
• Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game.
• Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

What to Know Before You Go

• Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended for this hands-on experience.
• 21 + years old to attend the class.
• ⏰ Please arrive at the venue at least 10 minutes before your scheduled session. Upon arrival, check in with the host or staff at the entrance and mention that you're attending the event.
• Enjoy a selection of beverages available for purchase on-site.

Nivardo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved every minute of it. Jimmy went over every step clearly and answered everyone’s questions. The food was very tasty! Thank you again.

Cheryl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chef Jimmy did a great job with our class. He answered all our questions and it was a fun time.

JeffreyCharles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An excellent class all around. Chef Jimmy was prepared and led us through the steps giving valuable tips along the way. All in all an enjoyable afternoon.

Whether you’re in it for date night, a fun night out with friends or just here to finally learn how to cook something that’s not dry, this cooking class is the perfect fit!

Book now!

For additional information and dates visit Make Dim Sum Dumplings