Dance Matters
As part of Oregon Ballet Theatre’s ongoing commitment to serve as many communities as possible, we seek to offer programs and services to historically marginalized communities and to agencies that meet the needs of those who may have experienced compromising circumstances. Dance Matters supports the idea that one may discover a sense of wholeness when they connect their mind, body, spirit during dance exploration. The program promotes sustained, long-term impact by partnering with groups year after year. Check out a few of the amazing community partners we work with!

Albina Head Start
30 years dancing with beautiful preschoolers in their classrooms and providing field trips to Nutcracker and OBT studios.
https://www.albinahs.org/

PHAME
Dance instruction and choreography at PHAME Acedemy. PHAME provides a wide range of arts classes empowering adults with disabilities.
https://www.phamepdx.org/

SEI/SUN
Dance instruction, workshops, and dress rehearsal invitations for dance students in after school programming. SEI/SUN provides comprehensive support and enrichment to students to help them be successful.
https://www.selfenhancement.org/approach

Guide Dogs for the Blind
Guide dogs and their handlers attend our Dress Rehearsals! GDB empowers blind and visually impaired clients with comprehensive, empowering Guide Dog services at no cost.
https://www.guidedogs.com/
Contact
If you are interested in bringing a Dance Matters program to your organization or school please contactcommunity@obt.org
OBT After School
OBT After School offers classes in partnership with after school programs (ex. SUN) at school sites. These classes are full of creativity, joyful movement, and of course BALLET!
OBT After School introduces dancers to:
- Fundamental elements of ballet
- Dance vocabulary
- Creative movement
- Musicality
- Class etiquette
If you are interested in bringing OBT After School to your after school program please contact community@obt.org
2022-23 partners include schools in Centennial School District, David Douglas School District, and Portland Public Schools.