Oregon Ballet Theatre School

- 720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239

The **Oregon Ballet Theatre School (OBT School)**, located in the vibrant city of Portland, stands as the official training ground for the celebrated Oregon Ballet Theatre company. Recognized as one of the premier ballet schools in the country, OBT School has served as a pillar of dance education in the Pacific Northwest for over 35 years. The institution’s mission is dedicated to providing the highest quality dance training to students of all ages and backgrounds, fostering not just technical excellence but also artistic depth, self-confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the art of movement.

OBT School offers professional training for everyone, whether a student aspires to a professional career in ballet or simply wishes to pursue dance recreationally. The world-class faculty emphasizes rigorous classical technique while pairing it with modern athleticism and technical versatility—essential for today’s dancers. Beyond the steps and technique, the curriculum is designed to teach the "whole artist," instilling vital life skills such as perseverance, self-care, and kindness toward others, embodying the school’s core values of excellence, sensitivity, and inclusivity.

The school is highly regarded for its adaptability and commitment to the student body, demonstrated by its swift and effective response to global challenges, pivoting quickly to maintain a sense of routine and community through online and creative programming. However, prospective students in Oregon should carefully note the school’s financial policies. At least one customer review indicated significant difficulty in receiving a refund upon course withdrawal for unforeseen reasons. While this is an important point of concern, it is a key factor to verify and understand before enrollment. Oregonians considering an investment in dance education should ensure they are fully committed to the duration of the enrolled course or thoroughly review the official refund policy to mitigate potential financial disappointment.

Location and Accessibility

The Oregon Ballet Theatre School is conveniently situated in Portland, Oregon, serving as a cultural anchor within the region. Its location offers easy access for families and adults across the Portland Metro area and beyond.

• The exact address is: 720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239, USA.

As a modern educational institution committed to broad access, the facility features essential accessibility options:

• The school provides a **wheelchair accessible entrance** to ensure all students and visitors can easily navigate the premises.
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** spaces are available for convenient and safe access for those with mobility challenges.

The school is well-equipped to support its community of students and parents, offering amenities such as wireless internet access. For ease of transaction, the school accepts major **credit cards** and **debit cards** for payments. Furthermore, the environment is specifically noted as being **Good for kids**, reinforcing its identity as a welcoming youth organization and family-friendly dance school.

Services Offered

OBT School provides a comprehensive range of programs that cater to all ages and experience levels, from beginners as young as three up to seasoned adult dancers. This vast offering makes it a true youth organization and dance school for the whole community.

Key training programs and class types include:

• **Pre-Ballet Classes & Creative Movement:** Programs designed for the youngest students (ages 3-6) to develop coordination, musicality, and a foundational love of dance.
• **Classical Ballet Training:** Rigorous, graded programs (Primary through Level 6) for youth focusing on proper body placement, technique, and artistry, often providing a pipeline to professional companies.
• **Adult Ballet Classes:** A wide variety of offerings from **Adult Beginning Ballet** (Absolute Beginning) and **Basic Ballet** up to Intermediate and Advanced levels for ages 15+.
• **Contemporary Dance/Ballet:** Classes in contemporary styles to ensure dancers are well-rounded and versatile in modern artistry.
• **Specialized Techniques:** Includes **Pointe Exercises**, **Repertory Ballet/Dance**, and **Company Classes** for advanced and pre-professional students.
• **Performance Opportunities:** Students in the Preparatory and Professional Divisions have exclusive opportunities to observe and train alongside OBT company members and may be selected to perform with the professional company in full-length productions, including OBT's annual production of *George Balanchine's The Nutcracker*.
• **Intensive Programs:** Dedicated, focused periods of training through the **Ballet Summer Intensive** and **Ballet Summer Program**.
• **Adaptive Dance:** An essential, inclusive program designed to offer the joy and physical benefits of dance to individuals with varying abilities.
• **Trainee and Day Programs:** Pre-professional programs offering high-level, concentrated training for dancers aspiring to a professional career.
• **Flexible Scheduling:** Offers **Weekly Classes**, **Evening Classes**, and **Drop-In Classes** for convenience, especially within the Adult Program.
• **Online Classes:** A crucial service option that allows students to maintain their routine and continue training remotely.
• **Master Classes and Privately Coaches:** Opportunities for focused learning from renowned instructors and personalized one-on-one mentorship.

Features / Highlights

Oregon Ballet Theatre School’s reputation for excellence and commitment to the Oregon community are built on several key features that set it apart as a world-class arts institution.

• **Official Company School:** It is the official training school of the Oregon Ballet Theatre, providing students with direct access to a leading professional ballet company's standards, repertoire, and artists.
• **Professional Career Pipeline:** Students frequently progress to successful professional careers in major companies, including the Joffrey Ballet and the Dutch National Ballet, showcasing the rigorous quality of its training programs.
• **Focus on the Whole Artist:** The school’s philosophy integrates artistic training with critical life skills, preparing students for success both in the arts and beyond, emphasizing self-confidence and perseverance.
• **Inclusivity and Community:** OBT School actively promotes inclusivity and equity, welcoming dancers of all ages, body types, and experience levels, from a child's first class to an adult's advanced training.
• **Diverse Adult Offerings:** The extensive **Adult Program** caters to every level, from absolute beginner to advanced dancer, ensuring that lifelong movement and the joy of dance are accessible to all Oregonians.
• **Commitment to Accessibility:** Offering the **Adaptive Dance** program highlights the school's commitment to removing barriers and connecting with the broader community through the expressive power of dance.
• **World-Class Faculty:** Students receive exemplary training from highly experienced, professional faculty members who are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of artists.

Contact Information

The Oregon Ballet Theatre School welcomes inquiries from prospective students and parents in the Oregon region.

• Address: 720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239, USA
• Phone: (503) 227-0977

What is Worth Choosing

For residents across Oregon seeking an unparalleled dance education, the Oregon Ballet Theatre School is a definitive choice. It’s worth choosing for the unique combination of **world-class, professional-level training** and a genuinely **supportive, community-focused environment**. You are not just enrolling in a local dance class; you are joining the official training ground of a major American ballet company. This connection provides rare opportunities, such as performing alongside professional OBT company dancers, which is an invaluable experience for aspiring young artists.

For the adult learner in Oregon, OBT School is particularly appealing. The comprehensive **Adult Program** acknowledges that it's "never too late to start," offering a non-judgmental space to build strength, grace, and confidence. Whether you’re interested in the disciplined structure of **Classical Ballet Training** or the flexibility of **Drop-In Classes**, OBT School has tailored a program to fit your schedule and goals. The school’s dedication to teaching the "whole artist"—focusing on mental and emotional development alongside physical technique—ensures that the benefits of training extend far beyond the dance floor, inspiring students to live a well-attuned life. The school's quick adaptation to provide **Online classes** and its commitment to **Adaptive Dance** programs demonstrate an institution that is truly dedicated to the vitality and accessibility of dance for all Oregonians.

Oregon Ballet Theatre School

720 S Bancroft St, Portland, OR 97239, USA