Oregon Ballet Theatre School

Oregon Ballet Theatre School (OBT School) stands as the official training ground of Oregon Ballet Theatre, one of the Pacific Northwest's leading professional ballet companies. Located in Portland, Oregon, OBT School is recognized for its commitment to providing the highest quality dance training, nurturing students from their very first steps into ballet to those aspiring to professional careers. The school's mission is dedicated to the vitality of, and access to, world-class ballet performance and training in the region, offering an inclusive and special place for all ages to experience the art of dance.

With a curriculum emphasizing pure classical technique, OBT School offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to develop discipline, strength, and artistry in its students. From pre-ballet classes for the youngest dancers to advanced levels and adult programs, the school caters to a diverse community of aspiring and recreational dancers. Their faculty comprises world-class instructors with extensive professional experience, ensuring that students receive exemplary training. Beyond the studio, OBT School provides unique opportunities for students to perform in fully staged productions at the prestigious Keller Auditorium alongside the professional dancers of Oregon Ballet Theatre, offering invaluable real-world experience. The school's dedication extends beyond technical excellence, fostering a supportive community and adapting to challenges, as seen in their proactive response to global events like Covid-19, quickly pivoting to maintain routine and community for their students.

Oregon Ballet Theatre School is conveniently located at 720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239, USA. This address places the school within Portland's South Waterfront district, a dynamic and easily accessible area known for its modern urban development and scenic views along the Willamette River. The location offers a favorable environment for students, providing access to various amenities and a professional setting for dance education.

Accessibility to OBT School is a notable advantage for residents across the Portland metropolitan area. The South Waterfront neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, including Portland's TriMet system. Students attending programs, such as the Summer Intensive, often utilize the streetcar for convenient travel between housing facilities at Portland State University and OBT's studios. While specific parking information for daily attendance might vary, the area generally offers public parking options, although these may require payment. The school's integration into the South Waterfront's infrastructure means it is readily reachable, whether by public transit, ride-sharing, or personal vehicle, making it a practical choice for families and adult students seeking high-caliber ballet training in a central, accessible location.

• Youth Classes (Ages 3-6): Pre-Ballet and Primary Ballet programs introduce young children to music and dance, focusing on developing coordination, listening skills, musicality, and basic ballet vocabulary through nurturing and fun movement.

• Curriculum Ballet (Levels 1-6): A comprehensive program for dancers aged 6-18, building a strong technical foundation in classical ballet. Curriculum includes barre work, center exercises, pointe work (from Level 3 at faculty discretion), pirouettes, allegro, and classical variations, progressing in complexity through the levels.

• Men's Program: Specialized classes offered at each level emphasizing gender-specific training to develop skills relative to the male dancer, focusing on strength, poise, and discipline.

• OBT2 Program: A one-to-two-year pre-professional program for advanced students (typically ages 14-22) that provides intensive training and performance experience, facilitating the transition from student to professional dancer in a nurturing environment.

• Adult Classes (Ages 15+): A wide range of workshops and classes for adults of all experience levels, including Absolute Beginning, Beginning, Advanced Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Ballet. These classes offer flexible options for those looking to start ballet or continue their training.

• Summer Programs: Includes Junior Summer Intensive (ages 8-14) and Senior Summer Intensive (ages 12 and older), offering immersive training in ballet technique, pointe, variations, repertory, character, modern/contemporary, conditioning, and dance history, often with performance opportunities.

• Performance Opportunities: Students in various levels have invaluable opportunities to perform in fully staged productions, including George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®, the Annual School Performance, the Student Performance Series, and other OBT Company Productions, often alongside professional dancers.

• Community Engagement & Outreach: Through programs like "Teaching in Schools," OBT Outreach Teaching Artists empower children and young adults by using dance to build coordination, self-confidence, athleticism, and expressiveness, demonstrating a commitment to making dance accessible.

• Official Training Ground of Oregon Ballet Theatre: This direct affiliation provides students with unparalleled access to the professional world of ballet, including performance opportunities with the main company and training from its world-class faculty.

• World-Class Faculty: Instructors bring extensive experience from prestigious ballet companies globally, ensuring that students receive high-level, current, and comprehensive classical ballet training.

• Emphasis on Pure Classical Technique: The curriculum is rigorously structured to develop strong foundational technique, essential for both recreational dancers and those pursuing professional careers.

• Inclusive and Nurturing Environment: Described by a customer as an "amazing institution of dance education, inclusive and a special place for all ages," the school fosters a supportive atmosphere where students are encouraged to thrive.

• Adaptability and Community Focus: The school demonstrated exceptional responsiveness during challenging times, like Covid-19, by "pivoting quickly and providing a space for the students to maintain a sense of routine and community." This highlights their dedication to student well-being beyond just dance instruction.

• Holistic Development: Beyond technical skills, OBT School aims to develop strong work ethic, discipline, strength, and artistry, contributing to students' overall personal growth.

• Diverse Class Offerings: With programs ranging from pre-ballet for toddlers to advanced pre-professional training and a variety of adult classes, OBT School truly caters to a broad spectrum of ages and skill levels, making ballet accessible to many.

• Address: 720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239, USA

• Phone: (503) 227-0977

For residents of Oregon, particularly those in the greater Portland area, Oregon Ballet Theatre School (OBT School) presents itself as an exceptional and highly suitable choice for anyone interested in dance. Its deep roots within the local community, coupled with its esteemed reputation, make it a premier destination for dance education and engagement.

One of the most compelling reasons for locals to consider OBT School is its direct connection to the professional Oregon Ballet Theatre company. This unique relationship offers students unparalleled opportunities, including the chance to perform alongside professional dancers in major productions at the Keller Auditorium. For young, aspiring dancers in Oregon, this is an invaluable experience that simply cannot be replicated by many other institutions. It provides a tangible pathway for those who dream of a career in dance, right here in their home state.

The school's commitment to high-quality instruction is consistently highlighted. With a world-class faculty dedicated to pure classical technique, OBT School ensures that students receive a rigorous yet nurturing education. As one delighted parent shared, "OBT has always been an amazing institution of dance education, inclusive and a special place for all ages." This inclusive atmosphere means that whether you're enrolling a three-year-old for their very first pre-ballet class or, as an adult, finally pursuing that long-held dream of learning ballet, you'll find a welcoming and supportive environment. The school's agility and dedication to its students were further demonstrated by their "above and beyond" response during Covid-19, swiftly adapting to "maintain a sense of routine and community." This resilience and care for their students' well-being resonate strongly with local families seeking stability and continuity in their children's activities.

While one review mentions a strict refund policy, it's a reminder for prospective students to carefully review enrollment terms. However, this aspect, while important, does not diminish the school's core offering of exemplary training and community support. The vast array of programs, from youth classes structured in progressive levels to comprehensive adult offerings and immersive summer intensives, means that OBT School genuinely caters to a wide demographic within Oregon. Locals seeking a dance institution that combines artistic excellence with a strong sense of community, professional pathways, and a commitment to individual student growth will find OBT School to be an ideal and enriching choice right in their own backyard.

Oregon Ballet Theatre School

720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239, USA