Oregon Ballet Theatre is celebrating record-breaking performances, welcoming new dancers, expanding our trainee program, and featuring more students than ever in Nutcracker. Discover the highlights shaping this thrilling season!
As we step into a new season, Oregon Ballet Theatre is energized by a wave of artistic achievement, community engagement, and organizational growth. From record-breaking performances to expanded training opportunities for young dancers, there is so much to celebrate—and even more to look forward to.
Dance Workshops Return This Winter
This winter, OBT welcomes dancers of all levels to join our popular workshop series. Whether you’re exploring ballet for the first time or deepening your contemporary technique, our workshops offer a fun, supportive environment led by OBT teaching artists and company dancers.
Registration opens soon—stay tuned!
Dracula Breaks Records
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for Dracula! Your enthusiasm made it the highest-grossing fall production in OBT history. This bold and atmospheric ballet drew thousands of audience members and set a powerful tone for the season ahead.
Welcoming OBT’s New Company Dancers
We are thrilled to introduce the newest artists joining OBT this season—each bringing unique experience, artistry, and passion to our studios and stages.
Swane Messaoudi — Company Artist
Trained in France and at San Francisco Ballet School, Swane spent eight seasons with San Francisco Ballet before joining OBT. He was inspired by Dani Rowe’s artistic vision and OBT’s dynamic repertoire.
Sophia Guasco — Apprentice
A local talent from Vancouver, WA, Sophia trained in the OBT School and danced with OBT2 for the past three years. Her promotion to Apprentice marks an exciting new chapter in her rising career.
“The training, atmosphere, and environment OBT fosters was the driving force in my desire to become a professional dancer.” — Sophia Guasco
Giovanny Garibay — Company Artist
Born in Centralia, WA, Giovanny has trained and performed with companies across the country—including Joffrey Studio Company, Cincinnati Ballet, and Grand Rapids Ballet. Returning to the Pacific Northwest feels like coming home.
Hart Isaacoff — Company Artist
Hart trained at Richmond Ballet School and Houston Ballet Academy before dancing with Charlotte Ballet 2. His enthusiasm for OBT’s blend of classical and contemporary work makes him a wonderful addition to the company.
OBT School Reaches New Heights
This year brought extraordinary momentum for OBT School:
- Record-breaking enrollment in our 2024 summer programs
- An expanded Trainee Program, offering deeper pre-professional training
- More OBT School students than ever performing in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® this season
We’re incredibly proud of the dedication, talent, and growth within our school community—and can’t wait to see these dancers shine onstage.
OBT on the International Stage
This summer, OBT artists traveled to Mexico to take part in the PAAX GNP Festival, performing alongside dancers from The Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Martha Graham Company.
Highlights included:
- Jessica Lind and John-Paul Simoens delivered standout performances
- Artistic Director Dani Rowe premiered a new work, Common
- OBT dancers shared the stage with world-renowned artists and received enthusiastic international acclaim
Celebrating 35 Years with Albina Head Start
In 2025, OBT proudly celebrates 35 years of partnership with Albina Head Start, offering preschool students transformative arts experiences. Through classroom sessions, studio visits, and complimentary Nutcracker tickets, young dancers gain early access to ballet in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
“I am a dancer, I saw dancers, and I can be a dancer.”
Explore Our New Website
We’re excited to share the launch of the redesigned OBT.org—built for easier navigation, greater accessibility, and a more intuitive experience for audiences, families, and students.
Fred Meyer Joins as Nutcracker Sponsor
We are delighted to welcome Fred Meyer as the new welcoming sponsor of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Their partnership helps OBT bring this cherished holiday tradition to more families throughout the region.
Stay Connected
It’s an inspiring time at Oregon Ballet Theatre, and we’re grateful to share this journey with you. Follow along on our blog and social channels for dancer spotlights, behind-the-scenes features, and updates throughout the season.
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