Learning & Tech❯Workshops

The Low Bar Chorale is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer Laura Gibson as a special guest. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of her debut album, If You Come To Greet Me, Laura is re-releasing her first four records on vinyl. Sing together and learn harmony parts for some of her best-loved songs from these albums, as well as some favorite covers and guilty pleasures. Come sing with one of the defining voices of Portland's musical legacy.

Join Habiba, a native of Ghana, in learning the richness of West African culture through song and dance. Habiba offers an interactive, multicultural lesson with authentic West African costume, spiced with singing and movement. The whole audience gets involved in simple dance steps, call and response, greetings and phrases, and rhythm drumming.

This event is first come, first served.

This will be a special night for all dance lovers!

Come at 8PM and get a Forró Dance class!

Josephina Del Norte: The Argentinian DJ, singer and multi-instrumentalist Josefina Del Norte will start the night playing a mix of Latin American Cumbia and Forró music from Brazil.

Forró Beleza: Led by Pyata Penedo, a Brazilian lead singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and owner of Figure 8 Sound Recording Studio, the band performs a variety of music from Northeastern Brazil known as forró.

Forró is a lively Brazilian music and partner-dance tradition rooted in Northeastern Brazil, where it developed through community gatherings centered around music, dancing, and social connection. Popularized nationally by legendary artists such as Luiz Gonzaga, its distinctive sound is traditionally created by the accordion, zabumba drum, and triangle, producing rhythms that feel both grounded and flowing.

The dance brings people together through a warm embrace, shared movement, playful turns, and a close connection to the music. Although it may remind newcomers of the intimacy of tango, the energy of salsa, or the grounded feeling of blues, forró has a joyful and welcoming character entirely its own.

More than simply a style of music or dance, forró is a celebration of Brazilian culture and community—and the best way to understand it is to come experience it for yourself!

Community Dance Odd Fellows Hall 11/20/2026 7:00 – 9:30, upstairs above LaHaie’s Men’s Wear,
Let’s have some fun! Come get acquainted with BALFOLK, the dance craze from Europe. Traditional dances have been revived in new ways in every country in Europe. We will feature Balfolk dances from Gascogne, Bretagne, and other regions of France. All ages and skill levels welcome. Dance instruction will be provided. You will be accompanied by a 9 piece acoustic band, Raspberry Bourrée, featuring violins, accordion, nyckelharpa, mandocello, string bass, harp, clarinet and more! Donations accepted, but the dance is free.

Learn foundational techniques in County Clare-style Irish set dancing, accompanied by traditional music. Step-by-step instruction is followed by called dances and social dancing, with opportunities to build coordination, musicality, and confidence for participating in a ceili. The dances draw on the County Clare tradition and are performed to reels, jigs, and hornpipes. The final class includes a field trip to a community dance with live music. All levels are welcome, and no partner is required.

Our Saturday night series at Fulton Hall continues, sliding scale: $6-20 per person, cash or check. 7 pm newcomer/refresher lesson 7:30-10:30 pm dancing Sep 12 (Sat): caller Koren Wake [Seattle], music by Pleasantly Frantic Oct 10 (Sat): caller Noah Grunzweig, music by The Hat Band Nov 14 (Sat): caller Kelly Tabor, music by Riffraff [Olympia] Dec 12 (Sat): caller Tighe Hauze, music by Bandwidth We welcome people who respect our expressed dance-community values and code of conduct without regard for age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability. Mask Policy: All contra dances are mask-optional at this time. COVID Policy: PCDC no longer requires proof of vaccination, but we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated. While currently available COVID-19 vaccines no longer do much to prevent transmission, they continue to be effective for protecting oneself from more serious illness.

This class is designed for dancers who are already comfortable with two-step fundamentals, and want to build their range. Beginning fundamentals will not be reviewed.

Join an evening of Irish music, dancing, and community at Portland’s 3rd Friday Céilíus on the third Friday of every month. Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or have been dancing for years, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to join in. All dances are taught and called, making this event accessible to dancers of all experience levels.

A beginner-friendly lesson begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by an evening of dancing to live music. No partner or previous experience is required, and everyone is welcome.

Come enjoy the music, meet new friends, and experience one of Ireland’s great social traditions. Children under 12 are free. All ages and experience levels welcome

No partner needed. No experience required. Just bring your dancing shoes and join the fun.