2026 Summer Junior Intensive (8-15)
Junior intensive is designed for young dancers ages 8 to 15 who are eager to immerse themselves in dance and take their ballet training to the next level. Each day will include ballet technique classes to develop strong foundations and facilitate a deeper understanding of the art form. Students will also participate in supplemental classes that include ballet repertory, pre-pointe, pirouette classes, Nutcracker preparation, stage acting, Irish step, jazz, flamenco, hip hop, contemporary dance, improvisation, conditioning, and more!
Students new to OBT School will be placed in a training track by the faculty on the first day of classes. Assessment is based on the student’s current training matching our curriculum. OBT
School students register based on their current level.
Ages 8-15
- Week 1: June 15 – 20 (No classes held June 19) | $626
- Week 2: August 3 – 7 | $626
- Week 3: August 10 – 14 | $626
FULL DAY program 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
AGES 8-9 REGISTRATION (Level 1 OBT School Students)
Register for Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
AGES 10-11 REGISTRATION (Level 1A OBT School Students)
Register for Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
AGES 12-15 REGISTRATION (Level 2 OBT School Students)
Register for Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
OBT School – 2026 Summer Programs Auditions
Welcome to the OBT School Summer Programs Auditions.
We are delighted to invite you to audition for our distinguished Summer Programs. Our faculty looks forward to observing your artistry, technical skill, and dedication to ballet, and to guiding each student toward their highest potential.
Who is required to audition?
- Currently enrolled OBT Schooled students are not required to audition for Junior or Senior Intensive. Please contact schoolofobt@obt.org for registration information.
- Students interested in Junior Intensive are not required to audition. They may audition if they wish to gain experience auditioning, or if they hope to qualify for Senior Intensive.
- Students interested in Senior Intensive must audition in person or by video audition before March 1.
Audition Overview
- Students may audition once per year.
- Pre-registration is encouraged – walk-ups may be accommodated if space allows. Early registration is strongly encouraged to secure a spot as our auditions reach capacity
- Fees:
- $30 – Pre-registration
- $40 – Same-day registration
- $10 – Video submission
- Class sizes are limited at each location to ensure quality instruction and attention to each dancer.
- Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are considered for all; financial-need scholarships are available for accepted students.
In-Person Audition Dates & Check-in
- Weekends: Saturday, Jan 3 – Sunday, Jan 18, 2026
- Check-in: 15–30 minutes before class, depending on location
- Format:
- Barre on flat and center work begins en pointe for pointe dancers.
- Some dancers will be asked to remove their pointe shoes after a few combinations; others may be asked to continue en pointe for center work.
- Pointe work is not required to attend our summer auditions and programming.
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Pointe shoes if dancer is on pointe
- No photos are required
Attire:
- Pointe technique and Female Identifying dancers: Solid-color traditional leotard (no embellishments, lace, or mesh), full-length skin-tone or pink tights, ballet slippers, pointe shoes if appropriate. Tights should be worn under the leotard and in shoes. No skirts.
- Flat Technique and Male Identifying dancers: Solid-color t-shirt or leotard, full-length black or gray tights, ballet slippers (with or without matching socks).
- Hair secured in a neat bun or safely secured off the face
- Only stud earrings; no other jewelry
- Positive attitude, readiness to work hard and your unique artistry!
Age Requirements
- Junior Intensive auditions (Portland location only): Ages 8–11 (12-14 year-olds at the pre-pointe and beginning pointe level eligible)
- Summer Senior Intensives: Ages 12–22 by June 22, 2026
Health & Safety
- OBT reserves the right to update policies as needed.
- Students must follow studio guidelines and maintain professional behavior.
Registration Notes
- Register for one audition class only
- No exchanges or refunds
- If an audition is cancelled or a student is unable to attend, a video audition may be submitted free of charge. Please contact OBT School with this request
- Spaces are limited – register early!
Audition Results
- Results will be emailed within two weeks of the conclusion of the audition.
- Students may receive:
- Acceptance notifications – congratulations, you are invited to join the program
- Waitlist notifications – you are on the waitlist; we will contact you if a spot becomes available
- Placement suggestions – if a student is not accepted this year, we encourage continued training and future audition opportunities
- Initial level placements will be determined on the first day of the program
- All students will be evaluated for the program which best supports their continued dance training and progress. For some students this means they may be accepted to enroll in either the junior intensive or senior intensive. Program designation is determined by audition adjudicators and will be communicated in acceptance notices.
🌟 Video Audition Guide
Welcome
We welcome dancers who are unable to attend in-person auditions to submit a video audition. While in-person auditions are encouraged, videos allow students to be considered remotely.
How to Film Your Video
- Film using a phone, tablet, or camera.
- Ensure your whole body is visible at all times.
- Dance in a safe, open space with good lighting.
- Background should be simple and free of other people.
- Professional studio or videographer not required.
Video Length & Content
Junior Intensive applicants:
- No video required, students will be registered by age and evaluated during placement class on the first day of the program.
Senior Intensive Applicants:
- Approx. 2–10 minutes, 13 minutes if including variation
- Include short, precise combinations
- Pointe work included only if safely training en pointe with an instructor
- Variation optional
Initial placements will be determined on the first day of the Senior Summer Program in Portland. Students are continually evaluated throughout the program to ensure they receive appropriate training
Barre Work (Film from side angle)
One side only, alternating sides for each combination:
- Pliés (demi & grand) in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th positions
- Tendu (4 en croix, slow & fast, no plié)
- Rond de jambe (à terre & en l’air)
- Frappé (4 en croix)
- Développé (1 en croix)
- Grand battement (2 en croix)
Center Work (Film from front angle)
- Battement tendu (croisé: devant, derrière – en face: devant, à la seconde, derrière – effacé: devant, derrière)
- Adagio: développé devant, à la seconde, and développé to arabesque. Promenade in Arabesque
- Pirouettes: single or double from 4th & 5th, en dehors & en dedans
- Petit allegro: Glissade assemblé & glissade jeté (include battu if applicable)
- Grand allegro: Tour jeté, grand jeté, or cabriole
- Boys / Flat technique dancers: tours en l’air (both sides), entrechat six
Pointe Work (for dancers with experience)
- Include only steps you have been taught in your classes
Barre & Center:
- Relevé in 1st, 2nd, 5th positions
- Échappé to 2nd & 4th
- Passé relevé from 5th, en dehors & en dedans
Center:
- Single/double pirouettes from 4th & 5th, en dehors & en dedans
- Relevé in arabesque (4-8 consecutive on one leg, both sides)
Across the Floor:
- Piqué turns (single/double)
- Chaînés en tournant
- Finish with step-over (single/double)
What to Wear
- Pointe technique and Female Identifying dancers: Solid-color leotard, skin-tone or ballet pink tights under leotard, pointe shoes or flats, no skirts
- Flat Technique and Male Identifying dancers: Solid-color t-shirt or leotard, black/gray tights, ballet shoes
- Hair secured in a neat bun or safely secured off the face
- Natural, minimal makeup
Uploading Your Video
- Upload to YouTube or Vimeo (YouTube “Unlisted” recommended)
- Include the video link in your online application form
- Do not submit DVDs, downloadable files, or temporary links
Deadlines & Details
- Deadline for consideration: March 1, 2026
- Video audition fee: $10 (non-refundable)
- Photos, resumes, and recommendation letters are not required
Questions?
Email: schoolofobt@obt.org
Non-Discrimination Policy
OBT School welcomes all dancers and does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.