PDX Meet Your New Teacher: Jordan Isadore

Though he’s traveled all over the world — he was once one of those rare, magical creatures: a successful, touring concert dance performer with a stable performance contract in a very VERY cool company — Jordan Isadore (he/him) is a true Pacific Coast kid at heart. Think: thrifting, refinishing vintage furniture, gardening with matcha in hand, chilly river dips, and moody forest wanders. Sitting with Jordan feels like hanging with a childhood friend: chill, easy, grounded and comfy. He’s the kind of guy who can, in one beat, make you feel at ease, relaxed, and also ready to dork out to your favorite middle school jam (awkward moves, enthusiastic sing-along and all). Our newest addition to the Portland Dance Church teaching team, Jordan promises to steal your heart, and make you grin. And he’ll be step-touching and sweaty-swirling right alongside our most dedicated PDX dancers and teachers. We can’t wait for you to meet this gem of an artist-human! 

So we took the liberty of positioning you as a true west-coast babe. Where did you grow up, and what do you love about this region of the country?

Jordan: So, I’m originally from Northern California, born and raised in a small town called Grass Valley. I grew up surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains, so I’ve always felt most grounded in natural, moody landscapes. And I stayed in California to pursue my B.F.A. in Dance from CSU Long Beach and eventually made my way to New York. After nearly a decade there, I moved back to the West Coast to be closer to family — and Portland just felt right. It has the perfect mix of city energy and natural calm, and a deeply creative and weirdly wonderful arts community I’m really happy to be part of.

Can’t argue with the draw of the PNW! We know it’s magic over here. What were you doing — dance, life, art — in the years between college and moving to our stunning city of Portland, OR?

Jordan: Ah, well I spent a few years performing with Shen Wei Dance Arts, BodyTraffic, Gallim Dance, and a few other companies. While working with these companies, I was lucky to perform at venues like the Mariinsky Theater and Park Avenue Armory. While I was living in New York, I was also making my own work, which has been presented at Joe’s Pub, 92nd Street Y, and the American Dance Festival (ADF, if you’re sassy). Beyond my performance and choreographic work, I have explored the intersection of dance and visual art by creating mobiles inspired by Labanotation scores, transforming dance notation into stained glass and metal sculptures. 

Seems like your creative brain knows few bounds! How do you bring all that energy into your movement teaching practice? Like, what kind of metamorphosis or creative generation will we share with you in the room at Dance Church?

Jordan: One thing I love about teaching is witnessing the transformation that happens when people allow themselves to be fully present in their bodies. There’s something powerful about seeing someone let go of their inhibitions and move freely, whether it’s with intensity or ease. In my Dance Church classes, I imagine creating a space where this transformation can happen for everyone — where students feel both challenged and supported, and where movement becomes a joyful release, not just a physical exercise. I want my classes to be a place where people can get out of their heads and into their bodies, reconnecting with their own sense of power and freedom.

“Out of our heads and into our bodies” feels like exactly the kind of craving that we all share when we show up to Dance Church spaces. Of course we also come for the people: for community connection. 

Jordan: Absolutely. I think that dance spaces should be places where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to express themselves fully. I prioritize inclusivity and authenticity in my teaching, encouraging vulnerability and playfulness. 

We’re totally aligned. And we know that you’ll find exactly this kind of playful joy in the Portland Dance Church scene! (We’re obsessed with the absolute stars of humans who have fostered this already: Kenny, Charlie, Emily, Cam 💗). How do you dream of contributing to our Dance Church x PDX community?

Jordan: My goal with Dance Church is to reach a broad range of people — whether they’re seasoned dancers or complete beginners — creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels empowered to connect to themselves and others through movement. I also hope to reach out to the queer community, artists, and those looking for a space to have fun, let go, and celebrate the body in all its forms.

Big YES to celebrating the body in all it’s forms and wiggles! Where else can we do this with you? Like, are you sharing new work any time soon?

Jordan: Yes! I’ll be premiering my first full evening-length solo work, you look good, bud, this November. I recently completed a residency at New Expressive Works, which supported the first seed of this creative process. That time gave me the space to explore themes of masculinity, family, memory, and queerness through movement, storytelling, and design. The next phases of this process are both coming up soon. First up, is an excerpted offering at RISK/REWARD (rad experimental performance art festival that you should definitely know about). And the full-length piece will drop in November: it blends movement, video, text, and theatrical design to explore intimacy, humor, and the queer experience. It’s a big part of my creative focus right now, and I’m excited to continue developing it. 

We love to know that there are so many ways to interact with your artistry! And of course, we really crave to get sweaty and silly with you at Dance Church. When can we dance with you?

Jordan: First class is coming right up on Tuesday, June 3rd! Sign up HERE.

Stunning. In the meantime, share a tune that’s been getting you through the week?

Jordan: Pomplamoose’s You Get What You Give - it’s this joyful, slightly cheeky cover that somehow hits all the right emotional notes. It’s hopeful without being too shiny, and the groove makes me want to dance around my kitchen. It's kind of the perfect “let’s keep going” song.