Dance enthusiasts are invited to take a Dance Appreciation course at Dance Wire in Portland, instructed by Eric Nordstrom. This course explores different artistic and cultural contexts to develop a deeper understanding of dance. Students will see live dance performances, view acclaimed films, and read scholarly articles. Classes will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 3, 17, 24 and Nov. 7 at the Old Moody Building at Zidell, 3121 S. Moody Ave., Portland. The cost is $50 to $80 per person, plus dance performance tickets. Live dance performances include Camille A. Brown & Dancers at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Portland’s Newmark Theatre and Ephrat Asherie Dance at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Portland State University’s Lincoln Hall. This course, which is offered in partnership with Dance Wire and White Bird, is open to everyone. Registration is required at www.eric-nordstrom.com/workshops.