Ballet Academy in Portland

Our mission is to:

• Share meaningful, high-quality dance experiences with students, families, and communities.
• Inspire children and adults to use their bodies in new and different ways through dance.
• Connect with the community by removing the physical and cultural barriers and providing greater access to dance.

Katarina Svetlova

School Director Katarina Svetlova received her classical ballet training primarily from Haydee Gutierrez in Miami, Florida, and continued studying with Gutierrez at the OBT School, where Katarina was herself the recipient of a scholarship. She also studied at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart and the Princess Grace Academy in Monte Carlo.

She began her professional career at age 15 as a principal dancer with OBT from 1995 to 2002, performing in a wide range of repertoire, including works by James Canfield, Peter Martins, Trey McIntyre, and Sarah Slipper. She went on to an international dance career as a principal dancer with Deutsche Oper Am Rhein Ballett from 2002 to 2007.

Fueled by a keen passion for dance education and a laser focus on fostering a welcoming environment, Katarina Svetlova’s extensive professional ballet experience helps each dance student grow artistically, technically, and personally at our ballet academy in Portland.

Class Levels

Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement

Students from ages 3 to 5 are taught to connect imagery with movement and begin to develop coordination, listening skills, and musicality. Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement classes introduce basic ballet vocabulary and class etiquette through a nurturing process for a love of dance.

Primary Ballet

As part of our Pre-Ballet program, Primary Ballet serves as a bridge between Pre-Ballet and Level 1. For ages 7 and above, Primary Ballet students are introduced to the most fundamental elements of ballet.

Level 1

Level 1 provides the critical foundation, emphasizing proper body placement, aligned limbs, and musicality. The curriculum at Level 1 is designed around helping students gain vital tools to then build upon as they progress as dancers.

Level 2

Material taught in Level 1 is repeated and developed in Level 2. Speed and ballet vocabulary increase. Students develop strength and range in their basic technique. Students begin to concentrate on coordination and phrasing in music and movement. Pirouettes are introduced at this level.

Level 3

Level 3 students continue to develop the material learned in Level 2, while also learning more complex exercises at the barre. They expand balletic vocabulary, including all five types of jumps, and various forms of pirouettes. Students begin pointe work at this level.

Level 3P – Professional & Demi

Level 3P Professional & Demi intensifies training, blending classical technique with contemporary elements. Students strengthen turns, grand pirouettes, batterie, and incorporate NIQUE, character, and improvisation, broadening their overall artistic range.

Levels 4 & 5 – Professional & Demi

Levels 4 & 5 Professional & Demi heightens rigor by increasing the number of classes students must attend, incorporating pas de deux, variations, and advanced contemporary work. Dancers focus on placement, musicality, and versatility, establishing a foundation for professional opportunities that demand adaptive awareness of industry trends.

Level 6 – Professional & Demi

Level 6 Professional & Demi helps students meet national standards, challenging dancers with partnering, variations, NIQUE, and improvisation. One-on-one mentorship opportunities support artistry, technical mastery, and adaptability, preparing them for company-level repertoire and performances.