Annual Session: Ages 6 - 22

OBT School’s Primary and Preparatory Division

For ages 6 – 22

OBT School’s Primary and Preparatory Division ballet classes make up our Annual Session, a 36-week school year. OBT School is the official training ground of Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Students receive exemplary training from our world-class faculty, emphasizing pure classical technique and providing the necessary skills for young dancers to launch a professional career and their love of dance.

Our 2024/25 school year begins in the studio on September 3, 2024.

OBT School is introducing a new curriculum this school year. Students are introduced to the most fundamental elements of ballet. Students can now choose between two programs: Demi and Professional.

Rolling Admission | No audition required

Students must be 7 years old by October 1, 2024.

You can learn more about the two programs and the new curriculum here.

Demi

Our Demi Program students have a less demanding schedule and financial commitment to better support a student who loves to study ballet and is also pursuing other interests. These students will have an in-studio demonstration during the spring term and will be assessed by the school director for advancement. Advancement for this program may take more time due to less attendance and curriculum participation. There is much to be gained by participating in this program, such as discipline, work ethic, body awareness, self-confidence, personal growth, mental strength and establishing a solid classical ballet foundation to aid in the continuation of ballet studies or other forms of dance. Students may transfer into the professional program if their priorities change.

Performance participation with the company and OBT School is by invitation only and not guaranteed with this program.

Demi Program

Tuition/Price: $1,004 (36 Weeks)

• Tuesday | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Professional

Our Professional Program is designed to complement our improved curriculum with the ideal number of training hours, with each class thoughtfully planned to best support the students’ progress and advancement. This program is best suited for students that wish to prioritize ballet training in their schedule. The Professional Program students will be invited to participate in our Annual School Performance and may audition for company performance opportunities like George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. They will also participate in our end of the year curriculum demonstrations, for Level Three and Tracks C through A, both Professional and Demi, to receive feedback and better assess advancement by a panel of supportive OBT and guest instructors.

Professional Program

Tuition/Price: $1,958 (36 Weeks)

• Tuesday | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Registering for Classes

Primary Ballet students can register online (see below for instructions). All other students can register by contacting OBT School

Preparatory Division Levels 1–3 and Tracks A, B, and C

Rolling admission throughout the year. Prospective students, age 8 and above, are required to attend an audition or take a placement class to determine acceptance and level. Students must be 8 years old by October 1, 2024. Level placement is based on the student’s skill and strength.

Throughout the year, students receive exclusive opportunities to observe and train alongside OBT company members and may be selected to perform with the professional company in full-length productions at the Keller Auditorium and Newmark Theater. Only OBT School students are eligible to be considered for roles in these productions, including OBT’s annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.

*Please note that in order to participate in the 2025 Annual School Performance production, students must be enrolled in the School’s Professional program by January 5, 2025. Students enrolled in the Demi program by January 5, 2025 may be invited to participate in the 2025 Annual School Performance at the School Director’s discretion.*

Helpful Resources

• Dress Code: Dress Code