Workshops for All Ages
Upcoming Workshops
OBT School offers unique workshops throughout the year designed to help dancers at different levels refine their training and explore the ballet cannon. Workshops are open to OBT School Students, as well as other dance students throughout the Portland area.
2026 Free Dance Day
May 3, 2026
Experience a free ballet class at OBT School! Open to all dancers in the Portland area, ages 3 – Adult.
Ages 3-5 – 1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Ages 6-8 – 1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Ages 9-11 – 2:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Ages 12-14 – 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
Ages 15+* – 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
You can view the classes scheduled for Free Dance Day and register at the link below. If you’re interested, we recommend registering soon, as spots for this event can fill up quickly.
Students are asked to wear a leotard or t-shirt, with tights and ballet shoes. Hair needs to be safely secured and jewelry removed.
*Advanced Ballet Students (Ages 15–18) can sign up to take a sample class during our annual session classes.
2026 Audition Seminar
November 1: Audition Seminar Session 1
November 8: Audition Seminar Session 2
November 15: Audition Seminar Session 3
Ages 11–14 | 90 minutes | Price TBD
Ages 15–22 | 90 minutes | Price TBD
Registration opening soon
Seminar Includes:
• Practice Audition Class (1.5 hours): Experience a realistic audition environment.
• Individual Feedback Session (15 minutes): Receive personalized notes from OBT faculty.
• Performance Mindset Workshop (30 minutes): Build mental strength and focus under pressure.
• Audition Etiquette Discussion (15 minutes): Learn professional standards for success.
Schedule (subject to change):
10:00 AM–11:30 AM: Class
11:35 AM–12:35 PM: Audition Etiquette & Performance Mindset
12:35 PM–4:00 PM: Individual Feedback Sessions
Optional Add-On: Private Picture Pose Prep Session – November 2
Tuition: TBD | 45-minute private session | Limited availability
Work one-on-one with an OBT faculty coach to refine your headshot and dance poses for your audition portfolio.
Schedule (subject to change):
Sessions will take place between 12:30 PM–6:00 PM
Photography by Jingzi Zhao
Audition Seminar participants receive a special discounted rate for exclusive Spotlight Photo Sessions with award-winning dance photographer Jingzi Zhao.
Date: TBD
Exclusive Rate: TBD
Sessions are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
To book, visit jingziphotography.com/spotlight and mention OBT School Audition Workshop to receive the participant rate.
Private Variation Coaching – TBD – Class: 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Private Sessions: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (1 hr. increments)
Tuition: $135 | 1-hour private session | Includes 1-hour warm-up class
Refine artistry, clarity, and stage presence through personalized coaching on your chosen variation with OBT faculty.
Video Content Coaching Session #1 – TBD – Class: 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Private Sessions: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (2 hr. increments)
Tuition: $260 | 2-hour session | Includes 1-hour warm-up class
Prepare your choreography for video submission with focused coaching on performance quality, technique, and presence.
Video Content Filming Session #2 – TBD – Class: 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Private Sessions: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (2 hr. increments)
Tuition: $260 | 2-hour session | Includes 1-hour warm-up class
Film your polished audition video under professional direction. Footage will be suitable for submission to schools and summer programs.
Need to Know: How to Prepare
1. Core Audition Seminar – TBD
• Arrive on time in your appropriate audition dance attire, shoes and hair.
• Bring a water bottle and any personal dance equipment (bands, resistance, etc.).
• Be prepared for a full-length class followed by individual feedback.
• Mindset & Etiquette Workshops: come ready to engage and take notes.
2. Private Picture Pose Prep Add-On
• Arrive with audition-specific poses prepared to practice. Dancer must research their desired school’s audition photo requirements.
• Bring a device (phone or tablet) so your instructor can take sample practice photos.
• Professional photos will not be taken, however practice images will be beneficial to bring to the dancers professional photo shoot.
3. Private Variation Coaching Add-On – TBD
• Prepare a fully learned and memorized variation that features your strengths.
• Bring a device if you’d like to record your run-through for feedback.
• Wear attire appropriate for both warm-up and private coaching. Optional practice tutu for pointe dancers.
4. Video Preparation & Filming Sessions Add-On – TBD
• Bring video requirements or audition instructions. Dancer must research their desired school’s audition video requirements.
• A device is needed for practice recordings or playback.
• For filming (Session 2), a support person is required to operate your camera or phone. Instructor will help with music and coaching.
• Wear attire that allows a clear view of lines and technique on camera.
5. General Tips for Success
• Come well-rested and nourished.
• Arrive early to check in and warm up. The studios will be open 20 minutes prior to the first class of the day.
• Be prepared to focus and engage fully in each session—this is your time to grow and shine!
• Listen carefully to your instructors and take notes during feedback.
• Bring snacks for potential wait times between one-on-one sessions.
• Bring quiet activities like books or homework to stay engaged during downtime.
Why Participate:
• Build confidence and composure for both live and video auditions
• Learn proven mental strategies for high-performance situations
• Receive individual feedback from OBT School faculty
• Develop audition-ready materials (photos, videos, and variation coaching)
Space is limited for all sessions. Early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure participation in this focused and high-impact series.
Become a Student
Photo Credit:
OBT School students | Photo by Jingzi Zhao
