Where are your classes located?

Our two main studios are in SE Portland at New Expressive Works at 810 SE Belmont Street and Shout House 210 SE Madison Street. We are currently looking for dance space to expand our classes to Hillsboro, Vancouver and Outer East Portland.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code except space specific footwear requirements. Most student participate either barefoot or in ballet or modern dance shoes. We request no dark soled shoes that might scuff the floor. Please check the event posting on Facebook or Eventbrite for class specifics.

Should I still take a class if I can't stand for long periods or need to take rest breaks during class?

Our classes are low impact and take in account the needs and variations of plus size bodies. All dancers are encouraged to find and ask for adaptations so that movement feels safe, comfortable and honoring of our bodies including following along while seated. For high energy classes we provide time for water and rest breaks.

Are thin people welcome?

Classes are open to people of all sizes, bodies and abilities. We ask that dancers respect that our first mission is to provide a fat-centric safe space and while all dancers are welcome we require everyone to refrain from any diet, weight loss or body shaming talk while in class and to focus on the work and fun at hand.

Why is diet and weight loss not a part of the Zaftig Dance body positive mission.

Our goal is only to promote physical activity, comfort in our bodies and to inspire creative expression through dance. Regardless of the number on the scale after taking our classes our dancers find themselves more confident, more active with healthier and stronger bodies.

Do you have basic beginner level classes? I've never taken dance before or haven't danced since I was a kid.

All of our current classes are created for new dancers or those just returning to dance after a long hiatus. Each class offers available adaptations to make it enjoyable and challenging for both the beginner and more experienced dancer. In the future we plan to add more advanced classes and hope to create a performance dance team.

I can't afford classes but am desperate to be a part of Zaftig Dance. Do you have any discounts, scholarships or work-study opportunities?

We have limited number of sliding scale, work study and scholarship opportunities. For those interested please send an email explaining your situation, what classes you are interested in and how, if any way, you can volunteer or support Zaftig Dance.

How ADA accessibile is the dance space?

We strive to make every class as accessible as possible and seek venues that also provide gender neutral bathrooms. Please check each class event posting on Facebook or Eventbrite for space specific ADA accessibility information.

What's one thing people may not know about Zaftig Dance?

Zaftig Dance is LGBTQ and POC created and operated. Classes are open to all bodies regardless of age, gender expression, gender identity, range of abilities, physical health, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin or financial means. Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to do all we can to be a model for eliminating those barriers in our classes and within the dance community.

I have previous dance training. Do you have openings for teachers or audition opportunities?

We are always looking for advanced dancers to expand our Zaftig community. For more information please email us your specific interests, resume, bio and/or video clips and we will contact you.

What does Fat-Centric and Body Positive Mean?

We define Fat-Centric as curating programs and services specifically for the needs and interests of plus size people and Body Positive as the belief that whatever the size, ability or physical health of a person they should have the opportunity to enjoy any activity, live a confident and joyful life without shame and self-hatred.