Directors and Studio

Center for Movement Arts was established in 1997 by the husband and wife team of Tim Ryan and Sherie Blankenship Ryan.

CMA is located in inner southeast Portland adjacent to historic Ladd's Addition. The physical space of CMA encompasses two dance studios totaling over 2,000 square feet. Our facility includes three dressing areas, four restrooms (ADA compliant), a comfortable waiting area for parents, and a play area for siblings of students.

Teaching Approach

CMA was created with the philosophy that constructive learning is a product of positive self-esteem. This basic concept guides our interaction with our students and their families.

Discipline and respect for others are crucial to a positive learning environment and is expected from students, teachers and guests.

All classes are taught in an encouraging atmosphere that enables students of all ages to achieve, grow, and always to have fun.

Students at CMA dance for the love of dance and we work to make that love a life-long one. However, some students with above average passion and skill are often curious about performing as a career. For these students we have developed an intensive pre-professional track where additional classes and private lessons augment their regular class schedule.

Students in our pre-professional track have gone on to several prestigious programs including Whitman Summer Dance Lab, Interlochen School of Performing Arts, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Alonso King's Lines Ballet and Joffrey Ballet (NYC). For more information about this program, please speak to the Director.