The Academy
A non-profit cultural association that believes dance should be accessible to everyone.
DANCE IS FOR EVERYONE Since 2014, ODEIRAS – Oeiras Dance Association has promoted dance education and practice in Oeiras. As a non-profit cultural association, it runs Oeiras Dance Academy and develops dance as an artistic, educational and social form of expression.
Our work brings together training, creation, inclusion and community. We seek to make dance accessible to people of different ages and backgrounds while providing rigorous, supportive and inclusive training.
Dance styles
From first steps to advanced training.
Weekly classes
For babies, children, teenagers and adults.
Studios
In the historic centre of Oeiras.
Awards won
In national and international competitions.
A schools with a strong identity
Oeiras Dance Academy was founded to bring dance closer to the community. Over the years, it has grown in space, training opportunities and recognition, without losing sight of its founding principle: creating opportunities for everyone to discover and develop their own relationship with dance.
Our training combines artistic rigour, personal guidance and stage experience. ODA’s competitive programme has earned more than 300 national and international awards, including Best School, Best Dancer and Student Grand Corybant distinctions.
A cultural organization in motion
ODEIRAS’ work goes far beyond regular classes. Training, creation, performance, inclusion and international outreach are all part of the same cultural project.
Training
Technical and progressive teaching that combines artistic rigour, creativity and personal guidance for different ages and ability levels.
Creation and performance
Choreographic projects, shows and stage experiences that transform learning into artistic practice.
Inclusion and Community
Dance as a tool for expression, confidence, participation and connection between people and organisations.
National and International Outreach
Competitions, festivals and exchanges that bring the work developed in Oeiras to national and international stages.
ODA Youth Company
The Youth Company grew out of the Academy’s competition programme to become an artistic, educational and performance platform. It brings together young dancers on a multidisciplinary creative journey with resident teachers and choreographers, workshops, festivals, competitions and public performances.
It is a space for technical and artistic growth, as well as responsibility, collaboration and the discovery of new dance languages.
Artistic Residencies and Support for Creation
ODEIRAS makes its studios available for artistic residencies, choreographic research and the development of independent projects, supporting creators and new work.
Training and Knowledge
Training is enriched by masterclasses with professionals linked to the Portuguese National Ballet, national and international teachers, and our connection with the Faculty of Human Kinetics.
Dance is for everyone
At ODA, this principle is put into institutional practice: creating access, working in partnership and bringing dance to people and communities that do not always have access to an arts school.
Dance for all scholarships
These scholarships aim to give children and young people access to dance training when they might not otherwise have that opportunity. Awards depend on the circumstances and resources available. To find out more, contact us.
Community Network
Our work is developed with organisations such as ARIA, the Oeiras Social and Parish Centre, Oeiras Town Council and Farmácia Holon, as well as through our participation in the Parish Social Commission, the Local Social Action Council and Oeiras Valley Community.
Inclusive Projects
Over the years, ODEIRAS has worked with the Nuno Belmar da Costa Centre/APCL, mental health organisations, municipal neighbourhoods, senior centres and the São Francisco de Assis Residential Care Home, as well as on dance, video, heritage and municipal projects.
Our story
And this is only the beginning
More than 300 awards, thousands of classes and hundreds of performances later, we remain driven by the same ambition: to get people dancing, support artistic creation and make dance a vibrant part of the community.