News

March 21, 2009

We are moving along with our transition of ownership. April 3rd, Friday, we will host a social dance. This is a special dance to introduce Jim (the new owner), Larry & Noelle (instructors) and say farewell to Pam. The lesson will be Nightclub Two Step at 7:30. Country, Ballroom and Swing music will be played from 7:30-11:00. $5 for the lesson and dance. Come early and enjoy dinner at the Coyote Ranch Restaurant.

March 10, 2009

We will host our first Friday night social at the new location (The Ranch Hall at the Coyote Ranch Restaurant) this Friday, March 13th. Sorry for the late notice. There was a cancellation in the Event Hall enabling us to be able to use it! Dance from 7:30-11:00. $5 for the evening. Come early and enjoy dinner next door at the Coyote Ranch Restaurant. I’ve eaten there a number of times. The food is great and the steaks are especially awesome.

There has been some confusion about our Friday dance socials since moving to the new location. We will ONLY have Friday dances when the Hall is not being used for another event. The scheduled March dances are the 13th and the 20th.

Until further notice, we will not be having lessons on Thursday nights.

Jim and I really appreciate your support as we make the transition to new ownership. As always during a transition, there are adjustments to make and we appreciate you standing by us. Jim’s April calendar is nearly done and will be posted soon. Jim will be here in a couple of weeks and I’ll be leaving to join Bob on April 7th.

March 1, 2009

We have moved our dance studio to The Ranch Hall, next door to the Coyote Ranch Restaurant. The address is 1368 S Hwy 97, Redmond, OR. As of tomorrow, Monday, March 2nd, classes will be held at the new location. Coyote Ranch is accessible from Hwy 97 and the Hall has a great dance floor. Coyote Ranch Restaurant is just a walk through the hallway, to enjoy great food and beverages.

February 8, 2009

As of March 1st, CODC will have a new owner. I will post his Jim Mullins photo and bio soon. We are pleased to make this announcement and sad to be leaving Central Oregon. I will be here through March, while Jim is moving here from Southern California and for a transition time for the business. Thank you for your continued support while we looked for someone to buy the business, that was a fit for what we have started. We welcome Jim with open arms.

January 10, 2009

Bob, Raymond (my step-dad) and I will be moving to Texas. As most of you know, Bob works for Cessna. With the tightening of our economy, Cessna announced layoffs in December and another one this week. We decided to check out our employment options, before he loses his job. During our research, we found that Texas has not been as affected by our economic downturn as other areas. There is ample work. In fact, while on vacation in December to Texas, we found work. Bob will be working in the oilfield services driving truck and I have a job opportunity at a dance studio. Bob will be leaving in 2 weeks. I will be here for a bit longer, at least through February and possibly through the spring.

By now you are wondering what will happen to Central Oregon Dance Company. We have a couple of options for dance to continue through Central Oregon Dance Company. Plans have not been finalized yet, so I will announce the outcome before long. I will be in Central Oregon long enough to help with the transition of Central Oregon Dance Company. Know that we will do all we can to continue to support the dance community in Central Oregon. In fact, our February schedule will be out in another week or so.

Leaving Central Oregon was not an easy decision. The studio is starting to grow and we appreciate the support we’ve received over the last year and half. The friendships that have developed through our studio are more like family than friends. We love you all and will miss you terribly.

We will be settling in an area about 30 miles southwest of Ft Worth. Please come see us as you travel through the south.

December 18, 2008

It's vacatiaon time! Bob and I will be on vacation from Dec 19th through Jan 4th. The studio will be closed during this period, except for Zumba. Classes resume January 5th. We have a great line-up, with Sean Meehan as our guest instructor. He'll be teaching Jitterbug. We've also added another West Coast Swing class. We had a great Christmas party with about 60 in attendence. It was fun dancing to all the Christmas music and giving toys and food to help families that need some extra help this season. Thank you for participating. Thank you for your support in 2008. We look forward to a grand 2009!

November 28, 2008

I am so thankful for all our friends and family that have helped us throughtout the year. I am grateful for my husband, extended family and grandchildren. We had our 7th grandchild on Nov 1st. Another boy, Darin. That makes 6 boys and a girl. Soon we'll have a football team! As we close 2008 I pray that all of you are safe this season and start 2009 with joy in your heart.

November 17th, 2008

Moving to the Redmond Athletic Club has been great for Central Oregon Dance Company. We have a well-lit, air-conditioned room with a large sprung dance floor. What more could a dancer ask for? I want to personally thank all the instructors that filled in and helped with the lessons and dances while I was out with a hip/back problem. Steve & Deena, Mark & Diane, Hazel, Larry & Noelle and of course Bob ~ thank you from the bottom of my heart. With the tightening of our economy, lost jobs and a load of stress, it’s nice to have an outlet to escape the stress. Dancing at Central Oregon Dance Company is affordable stress-relief fun. Our goal is to offer you a place for dancing that is comfortable and enjoyable, as well as affordable. As with most other industries in our country, we are also feeling the effect of our tightening economy. Please support us by registering for classes and attending our dances. Where else can you have so much fun for the price of a few dollars!

Sept 9th, 2008

We've had an exciting first week at our new location. Both West Coast Swing classes are full and line dance is quite popular. Our first Friday night dance had a room full of dancers who enjoyed an evening of dance music that included some country, some ballroom, some latin. We even had a couple who did an Argentine Tango, that we enjoyed watching.

On Sept 18th, we are implementing a Zumba dance exercise program. Zumba is the newest fitness craze, which could best be described as Latin Dance Aerobics. It is a fun, energetic workout. Laura Vanderhoff, of Bend, OR will join me on Sept 18th to kick-off our program. Laura was certified as a Zumba instructor nearly a year ago with numerous classes throughout the Bend area. I was certified in August.

Later this month, I will be trained in the 'gold' program. The "gold" Zumba is an exercise program geared toward older adults or those of us with physical limitations. Laura and I will host the classes together, with myself working the 'gold' program.

Sept 18th, Thursday, at 10:30 am, we are offering a free introductory class for everyone. Come check out this new and exciting way to excercise.

August 26th, 2008

One week until we open at our new location. How exciting! Registrations are coming in and people are excited that we are in Redmond. Some of the classes are filling up so pre-registration is encouraged. If you don't have a partner, let us know. We have singles that are looking for a partner for dance classes.

Join us Friday, the 5th, for our first social dance. We'll be teaching a basic Two Step class at 7:30, with DJ music starting at 8:00. Admission is $5 for the lesson and the dance.

Our first live band is Sept 6th, hosted by The Ranch. County Line will start playing at 8:30. I'll be teaching Cowboy Swing at 7:30, followed by a line dance. Admission is $5 for the lesson and the dance. A mix of music will be played for all dance venues.

Come early for both Friday & Saturday and enjoy dinner at the Coyote Ranch Restaurant. Specials are available from the 'dancers' menu.

Would you like a place to practice? We are considering setting aside time for dances to ‘rent’ floor time for practice. Remember we also have practice every night after classes, that is included with your class fee.

August 1st, 2008

Our website is in the process of being updated with all the current information for the new location. Please be patient with us and call if you have any quesitons. 541.419.8998 is my cell number and the best way to reach me.

July 30th, 2008

We have finalized the details for our new home and will be opening for classes on Sept 2nd. Our new address is 1350 S Hwy 97 in Redmond, Oregon. We are next to the Coyote Ranch Restaurant at the junction of Hwy 97 south and Veteran's Way.

July 1st, 2008

As most of you know or have guessed, we are no longer at our Prineville location. We will be reopening at the Redmond, Oregon soon. We thank you for your support while we were in Prineville. We have also moved our home to Bend Oregon and we are currently teaching from our home studio.

We are limiting our classes in Bend to 5 couples and am currently teaching West Coast Swing. The next series starts July 16th and it is nearly full.

Not long after my last report, my mother had a stroke and went to Jesus not long afterwards. I appreciate all the help and support during this time.

April 5th, 2008

Has it really been 6 weeks since I last updated our news page! How time does pass!

We are currently constructing a page for our website that lists places to dance in Central Oregon. If you know of an activity that you think we should list, please send information to our email at pam@centraloregondance.com Thank you.

We have been advertising for several months that we would not be open for our regular Friday night dance on April 11th, because we plan on attending the Jordan & Tatiana workshops in Medford. Steve & Dena McNeil have graciously offered to open the studio on Friday, the 11th for a dance party, for those that can not attend the workshops. Steve & Dena will teach a beginning two step class at 7:30 and the dance will be from 8:30-11:30. A mix of country, swing and ballroom dance music will be played thoughout the evening. Cost is $5 for lesson and dance. Bob and I want to publicly thank Steve & Dena as we do not like to close the studio and we appreciate their offer to host the dance!

Several changes have been made recently. In April we added childlren's line dance classes. The 7-11 yr age group is quite successful. The 4-6 age group we will try again in May, as there weren't enough children to continue that class. We have 6 classes offered for children of all ages through Crook County Parks & Recreation for a summer program starting in June.

Our Lindy Hop class for April has been changed to East Coast Swing. Lori, our instructor, job situation has changed and she will be unable to continue the classes. I will be teaching the East Coast Swing now on Thursday from 8:00-9:00 during April.

Last week we added Zumba classes for the month of April. Though our first class was quite successful, we will not be offering the class again at this time. Look for more Zumba classes in the future. Zumba is an exercise program that can be described as "Latin Dance Aerobics". We look forward to offering this class again in the future.

February 28th

We are considering adding children's dance classes to our curriculum. To start with we will teach line dance and possibly add some partner lessons if there is an interest. Please contact us if you would like to be put on the list to contact when classes start.

Watch the calender for new classes that will be forming on Sundays. Johanna will be adding another evening of Ballroom lessons in April.

February 18th

Bob and I just returned from the Sweetheart Jamboree in Bellevue, Washington. We had an exciting weekend learning new material to share with you. I had the blessing of catching up with friends I hadn't seen in a while and winning third place in the Advanced Two Step Jack & Jill.

We have a new phone number at the studio. 541.447.CODC (2632). This number is effective immediatley.

Our new Belly Dancing class has been well received. The girls are enjoying dancing 'in costume'.

We anticipate our new Lindy class starting in March will also be well received. All of our regular instructors are local to Prineville. It seems we have an abundance of dance talent in our area!

Watch the calender for new classes that will be forming on Sundays. Johanna will be adding another evening of Ballroom lessons soon.

January 11th

Our Rumba workshops (and dance) originally scheduled for Jan 19th, has been moved to January 26th. The workshops schedule and dance remains the same. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Due to lack of interest, at this time, the January 7:00 Line Dance class on Thursdays, has been changed to Intermediate Two Step. The dates for the Two Step are January 17, 24, & 31. $18 per person for the 3 weeks

December 20th

The January and February schedules are ready! Just in time to plan how you are going to spend the beginning of 2008. Thinking of warm weather yet? It's never to early to get in shape for spring attire.

The January schedule and registration is posted on the website and February will be soon. Plans are underway for March. There aren't enough hours in the week to teach everything we need to teach so we rotate dances throughout the months. If what you want to learn is not on the schedule, please request it, so we know there is an interest and we will get it on the calender. Coming back in March will be Salsa, Night Club Two Step, and more ballroom lessons.

Bring your friends and let’s dance in the new year on Dec 31st. CODC will be hosting a New Year's Ball. We encourage everyone to dress up and have your picture taken as a memento of your good time at Central Oregon Dance Company's first New Year’s dance party. Black & silver will be our theme for the evening.

December 9th

We had a most awesome Christmas party on Dec 8th. We started the day out with Robin Robinson teaching us some great West Coast Swing. Thank you Robin for your wonderful teaching. Robin will be back in February to teach Hustle and Night Club Two Step workskhops. After the workshops, some of us choose to watch Prineville's Christmas party. Personally, I choose to stay in and stay warm!

Nearly 100 people warmed up with chili and lots of snacks and beverages during dance. Johanna spun the tunes for ballroom and Latin dances and Pam played the music for the country and swing crowd. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Our New Year's Eve Ball will be just as fun. Plan on spending your New year's with us as we dance in 2008.

October 21st

Not long after our last 'news' report, Bob (our webmaster), had a computer meltdown. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

In Sept we attended the Bridgetown Swing Dance Event, where we took lessons from some of the world's top instructors. Myles Munroe & Tessa Cunningham and Maryann Nunez were two of the several instructors we took classes from. We had some special training in West Coast Swing from the extraordinary Skippy Blair. We highly recommend attending the next Bridgetown Swing in Portland in Sept 2008. We have flyers available at the studio.

Our October schedule had American Tango and Cha Cha on Monday nights. Due to lack of interest we have changed the Monday night classes to Beg & Inter Salsa, for the balance of October and possibly for November, based on popular demand.

When we opened the studio, we had a contract with COCC to teach in Bend on Thursday nights. We were unable to secure a substitute instructor for those nights so the studio will be closed on Thursdays until after Thanksgiving. We will again have Thursday classes, starting with the Cowboy Swing and the Horseshoe (pattern dance) on November 29th.

We are currently accepting applications for substitute dance teachers. Please submit your resume and references at pam@centraloregondance.com or call the studio at 541.416.0554

Plans are underway for our Christmas and New Years dance parties. Dec 8th is our Christmas dance and workshops. Admission to the dance will be a new toy or nonperishable food for families in need. Back by popular demand, Robin Robinson, will teach Hustle and West Coast Swing for the workshops. Our New Years dance party is Monday, Dec 31st. More information is available on the schedule link for both dates.

Please note our holiday schedule:

Closed for Thanksgiving holiday, Wed. Nov 21st through Sun. Nov 25th

Closed for Christmas holiday, Sat. Dec 22nd through Sun. Dec 30th. We will open again on Dec 31st for our New Years dance party.

August 20th Update

We will have a guest instructor on Thursdays, in October and November, while Pam and Bob are teaching at COCC in Bend. More information to follow next month.

Mark your calendars: Christmas Dance Party – Dec 8th. New Years Eve Dance Party – Dec 31st.

Our sign is finally up! Have you seen the sign on our building yet? Look for it on the second level at 320 N Main.

August 11th, we had a fine time dancing at the Crook County Fair. Thank you Terry, Jack, Rod and Gene for participating!

The Bridgetown Swing Dance event, hosted by the Portland Swing Dance Club is Sept 13-16th in Portland. We have flyers available at the studio. We will be closed on Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th to attend the event. Our regular Friday night dance will go on as scheduled. You can find information on BTS at www.portlandswing.org/bts

Do you or your company have a special event coming up? We are available to teach dance at your party, wedding, birthday and ………

Time slots are filling for private dance lessons in the fall. Call now to schedule one-on-one training with one of our experienced instructors.

August 3, 2007

Thank you for your support of CODC during our first month in business. About 80 people attended our grand opening and about 25 gathered for our Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. Thank you everyone who helped us kick off Central Oregon Dance Company. We had more participation than expected (since it is in the middle of the summer). We have a full schedule of classes for August and a dance every Friday night.

We are putting together the fall program. If there is a dance you want to learn, please let us know. Our goal is to provide the dances you want to learn at an affordable price and provide a fun place to take the lessons and dance.

July 17, 2007

Central Oregon Dance Company is having our ribbon cutting ceremony sponsored by the Prineville Chamber of Commerce at 9:00 am today. There will be punch and donuts for everyone lucky enough to attend. CODC is very happy to be a member of our local Chamber of Commerce. Prineville is a dynamic and growing community and CODC is happy to be a part of this community. By providing a place where people can learn to dance and then have a place to dance that is both smoke and alcohol free.

July 16, 2007

We can now provide our students with the very best in dance shoes, Very Fine Dance Shoes. We have be accepted as a dealer for this wonderful line of dance shoes. You can order your shoes from our Studio location in Prineville and we will soon be able to offer these shoes for purchase from our web site.

July 14, 2007

Workshop

Robin Robinson is our guest instructor for a workshop this weekend. He is Pam's dance partner from the Portland area. We welcome Robin to the Central Oregon Dance Company family.

July 6, 2007

Our Grand Openning was wonderful. People came from all around the Central Oregon area to enjoy a free night of dancing and having fun. We all had a blast as Pam taught us the Electric Slide. This is one of the most popular line dances in the country. Jack and Rachel taught us the Fox Trot and also did a demonstration of the ChaCha and Waltz. Johanna livened the place up with her teaching of the Merengue and the Salsa. These are Latin dances that really gets you moving.

The dancing contunued until nearly 11:00. People were doing Country Two Step, West Coast Swing, Waltz, and lots of other dances. We would like to thank everyone that came out to made our big night a success.

We have learned that COCC (Central Oregon Community College) is going to profile Pam in the upcoming Fall schedule. Pam teaches West Coast Swing and Line Dance for COCC in Prineville, Redmond and Bend.

Central Oregon Dance Company now has a location to call home. CODC has been able to secure a wonderful location right in the heart of Prineville. 320 NE Main Street Suite 201 will be our new home. The space is well lit with full climate control. We will have a 1628 SF dance floor with possibilities for future expansion. The floor is ordered and expected to arrive this week. CODC will keep this page updated as the work of setting up the studio continues, so be sure to check back often.

Contact Information

Telephone

541-388-9234

Studio Location

1350 S Hwy 97
Redmond, Oregon 97756

At the Ranch Hall next door to the Coyote Ranch Restuarant