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Oregon Ballet Theatre School
4.7 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Ballet school in Portland, Oregon
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 3–22 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 503-227-0977
- Website & schedule school.obt.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“the staff work the kids hard but care about their mental health too.”
How they train
What families & students say
“They encourage students to return daily to practice their technique and master the arts of ballet.”
“OBT has always been an amazing institution of dance education, inclusive and a special place for all ages.”
From the reviews
One of my family members goes to OBT and they love it there. The way that they encourage their dancers to pull through and dance their hearts out is just stunning. They encourage students to return daily to practice their technique and master the arts of ballet.
OBT has always been an amazing institution of dance education, inclusive and a special place for all ages. The response to Covid-19 has been truly above and beyond, pivoting quickly and providing a space for the students to maintain a sense of routine and community.
easily the best ballet training in all of oregon. the staff work the kids hard but care about their mental health too. i wish they still had live music for the classes.
Adult ballet at Oregon Ballet Theatre School
Oregon Ballet Theatre School runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Oregon Ballet Theatre School
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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