Summer Programs Senior Intensive (12-22) and Junior Intensive (8-15)

Summer Senior Intensive

The Summer Senior Intensive is a full-day program for students ages 12 and older by audition only. It features classes in ballet technique, men’s technique, pointe, variations, repertory, character, modern/contemporary, and related dance styles. Classes such as Pilates, yoga, and strength training are also a part of the summer curriculum as are seminars such as makeup, health, mental strength and nutrition and dance history.

The faculty includes OBT School’s year-round professional faculty, members of Oregon Ballet Theatre’s artistic staff, dancers from Oregon Ballet Theatre, as well as various guest teachers.

OBT School also offers a Junior Intensive for students ages 8 – 15.

2026 Summer Senior Intensive Program Dates & Tuition

• June 22-July 31 – 6-Week Session – $3,530.00
• June 22-July 18 – 4-Week Session – $2,378.32
• July 20-July 31 – 2-Week Session – $1,226.66

Summer Faculty

• Dani Rowe – OBT Artistic Director
• Katarina Svetlova – School Director
• Lisa Kipp – OBT Executive Rehearsal Director
• Dominic Walsh – OBT2 Program Director
• Grace Shibley – OBT School Principal Faculty and OBT2 Rehearsal Assistant
• Elise Legere – OBT School Principal Faculty
• Jason Davis – OBT School Principal Faculty
• Joseph Wyatt – OBT School Principal Faculty and founding School Director
• Eva Burton – OBT School Principal Faculty and Company Principal Dancer
• Leonora Lima – OBT School Principal Faculty
• Lauren Flower – OBT School Principal Faculty and OBT Company Dancer and choreographer
• Charlotte Nash – OBT School Principal Faculty and OBT Company Dancer
• Bailey Shaw – OBT School Principal Faculty and OBT Soloist Dancer
• Melissa St. Clair – OBT School Composition & Improvisation Faculty
• Josie Moseley – OBT School Modern & Limón Faculty
• Jeff George – Hip-hop Instructor
• Kate Robbins  – OBT Curriculum Consultant & Faculty
• Nela Mcquire – Flamenco Instructor
• Brenna McDonald – Flamenco Instructor
• Lauren Reins – Wellness Coach
• Lucy Wild – Registered Dietitian, MS, LDN
• OBT Company Members and distinguished guests

Guest Faculty

Sofiane Sylve – Current Artist-in-Residence with National Ballet of Canada, and former principal dancer with Dutch National Ballet, New York City Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet

Harper Watters – Principal dancer with Houston Ballet

OBT2

Students placed in Level 6 for OBT School’s Summer Intensive will be considered for OBT2. The OBT2 program is a select group of dancers at the top level of the school who may also work with OBT’s professional company. OBT2 marked its first official year with the 2016/17 season. Dancers who aspire to join this program must attend the Summer Intensive for a minimum of the first 4 weeks of the 2026 program, though 6 weeks is recommended. Admission is based solely on invitation from the Artistic Director and School Director.

Housing

Supervised Student Housing on the campus of Portland State University:

Students ages 12 and older requiring housing in Portland will be housed in fully chaperoned dormitories on the campus of Portland State University, Oregon’s only urban university.

Housing on PSU’s campus will be at the Broadway Residence Hall, 625 SW Jackson St. PSU is located in beautiful downtown Portland and under two miles from OBT’s studios. PSU is centrally located with direct TriMet, Portland’s public transportation system, access to OBT and all other parts of the city. Students will utilize TriMet’s streetcar to and from our studios in Portland’s South Waterfront.

Broadway Residence Hall

This building comes with all the latest contemporary accommodations. The two-person studio units feature loft-like cement floors and other distinctive amenities. Amenities include: fee operated laundry facilities, dedicated high speed wireless internet, stove top (no oven), small refrigerator, computer lab onsite and lounge areas. There are 353 Units – 325 sq. ft., double occupancy, with an unfurnished kitchenette and bath. The Broadway features an eco-roof, one of the largest in the city of Portland.

Housing Cost

6 Weeks – $4,080.00
4 Weeks – $2,750.00
2 Weeks – $1,380.00

Room and Board includes:

• Triple security (requires a key for building entry, elevator and room)
• Uniformed 24-hour campus security
• Experienced OBT School Resident Assistants on duty at all times
• Air conditioning in room
• Wireless internet access
• Twin beds – mattress, sheets, pillows, blankets, towels all provided. Students bring their own personal supplies including soap, shampoo and laundry detergent
• Breakfast and dinner provided daily. Students are required to provide their own lunches.
• Light snacks are available for purchase from the PSU campus store and Cafes located on the first floor of the Broadway Residence Hall
• Common areas are cleaned by the PSU custodial staff
• TriMet transportation pass and weekend excursions

Please note housing is separate from Summer Intensive program registration – registering for the Summer Intensive does not reserve the student a place in the residence hall. Demand may exceed space available and therefore reservations will be made on a first come basis. In order to reserve a place at the residence hall, payment in full or a non-refundable advance deposit of one-quarter of the total housing price is required, payable online through MINDBODY. The deposit deadline is two weeks after notification of acceptance to the Summer Intensive program.

More information about housing is available by contacting the school. Upon acceptance to the Summer Intensive, students will receive a comprehensive housing packet with their registration forms, including information on student rules and regulations, airport transportation, extracurricular activities, etc.

Scholarships

A limited number of financial and merit scholarships are available. All students accepted through in person or video audition will receive the TADS financial aid scholarship application information in their acceptance notice. TADS applications for the 2026 Senior Summer Intensive are due February 9. Notification of scholarship decisions will be sent March 3.

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

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)
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

AGES 10-11 REGISTRATION (Level 1A OBT School Students)
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

AGES 12-15 REGISTRATION (Level 2 OBT School Students)
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

Registration information coming soon.

Audition Information

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 School 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
• Audition 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.

Register for Auditions

 In-Person Audition Dates & Check-in:

• Weekends: Saturday, Jan 3 – Sunday, Jan 25, 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 on 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

If auditioning students aged 12 – 14 are not accepted into OBT’s Senior Intensive, they may be accepted into OBT’s Junior Intensive

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 registered 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 each session of the Senior Summer Intensive 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:

1. Pliés (demi & grand) in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th positions
2. Tendu (4 en croix, slow & fast, no plié)
3. Rond de jambe (à terre & en l’air)
4. Frappé (4 en croix)
5. Développé (1 en croix)
6. Grand battement (2 en croix)

Center Work (Film from front angle):

1. Battement tendu (croisé: devant, derrière – en face: devant, à la seconde, derrière – effacé: devant, derrière)
2. Adagio: développé devant, à la seconde, and développé to arabesque. Promenade in Arabesque
3. Pirouettes: single or double from 4th & 5th, en dehors & en dedans
4. Petit allegro: Glissade assemblé & glissade jeté (include battu if applicable)
5. Grand allegro: Tour jeté, grand jeté, or cabriole
6. 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:

1. Relevé in 1st, 2nd, 5th positions
2. Échappé to 2nd & 4th
3. Passé relevé from 5th, en dehors & en dedans

Center:

1. Single/double pirouettes from 4th & 5th, en dehors & en dedans
2. Relevé in arabesque (4-8 consecutive on one leg, both sides)

Across the Floor:

1. Piqué turns (single/double)
2. Chaînés en tournant
3. 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
• To be considered for needs-based scholarships, video audition applications must be received by January 25 (TADS applications for needs-based scholarships due February 9)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment

Can I request a deadline extension and be guaranteed a spot in the senior intensive?
Registration for the senior intensive is on a first come basis and will close once classes have filled to capacity. Students wanting to attend the intensive who have missed their registration deadline may be placed on a waiting list.

Registration deposits are nonrefundable. Students who pay their deposit and then withdraw from the program will not receive a refund.

If I have enrolled in and paid for a session (2, 4, or 6 weeks) can I switch to a different session?
This type of request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is subject to availability and our refund policy. Please inquire with OBT School staff by e-mail at schoolofobt@obt.org.

I am a non-US citizen. Am I required to obtain a Visa to attend the summer intensive?
Yes, any non-US citizens who want to attend OBT School’s senior summer intensive are required to obtain a Visa to study at OBT. OBT can enroll students who hold a M-1 Visa naming OBT School as the school of study. M-1 and F-1 Visas issued from other schools are not valid for study at OBT. Please e-mail schoolofobt@obt.org with questions and to begin the process.

OBT2 & Trainee Program

When will OBT2 determinations be made?
Those aged 16 to 22 years old wanting to be considered for the OBT2 program, must audition and receive an official offer, and are encouraged to attend a minimum of the last two weeks of the Summer Intensive, though all six weeks is recommended. Decisions will be made and communicated to the dancers by the end of March.

When will Trainee determinations be made?
Those aged 16 to 22 years old wanting to be considered for the Trainee program, must be admitted to OBT School’s Summer Intensive in Levels 5 or 6, and attend a minimum of the first four weeks, though all six weeks is recommended. Decisions will be made and communicated to the dancers on a rolling basis beginning in March.

General

What is the schedule for the first day?
Students will have mandatory orientation at 9:00 AM on the first day of their session (6 and 4 week or 2 week). Classes will start at 9:30 AM directly after orientation.

Is there a student performance at the end of the session?
Students who enroll and participate in the six-week session will have a performance opportunity. ⁠

When will family observation take place?
Family observation will take place at the end of each session. For students attending the four week session, family observation will take place the last day of the fourth week of the program. For students attending the two and six week sessions, family observation will take place during the sixth week of the program. Some classes such as the Workshop classes may not be available for observation.

How do I report a student absence?
Student absences should be reported via OBT School absence form.

Housing

When does my student move in to the dorm?
Students in the four or six week program will move in to the dorm on Sunday, June 21 from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. Students in the two week program will move in on Sunday, July 19 from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.

When does my student move out of the dorm?
Students will check out from 7:30 AM–8:30 AM on the final Saturday of their summer session (7/18 or 8/1).

My child has food sensitives/allergies. Can these be accommodated by PSU’s dining services?
Yes, PSU’s dining services accommodates all food sensitivities, allergies, and preferences daily for each meal. No special requests in advance are required.

How does my child request a roommate?
For those who have paid for housing at PSU, we will send an e-mail with a roommate survey in the spring. The survey will allow students to share their preferences for a roommate. This information will be considered, though roommate pairs are first made based off gender, age, and enrolled session. Roommate information will be shared two weeks prior to the student’s enrolled session start date.

What is the address of the dorm?
The Broadway building is located at 625 SW Jackson St., Portland, OR 97207.

How do I send my student packages or mail in the dorm?
Please send packages or mail using this format:

Name / Oregon Ballet Theatre School
C/O University Housing Office
PSU – Summer Housing and Conferencing
625 SW Jackson St., Suite 210
Portland, OR 97201

Am I allowed to sign my student out from the dorm?
Yes. Family and friends may sign a student out for the evening and on the weekend. All adults signing out a minor student for the evening or weekend must be authorized by a parent or guardian on the Authorized Adults Form ahead of time. You must also notify the OBT School Head RA by phone, (971) 300-8139, no later than 24 hours prior to signing the student out.

Are there activities for students on weekends?
Yes. Students who stay in OBT School’s dorms will have weekend activities planned for them by Resident Assistant staff.

Airport Pickup and Drop Off

Will someone be there to pick up and drop off my student?
Students utilizing the housing option at Portland State University may request transportation from and to Portland International Airport (PDX) and will be required to pay for shuttle service. Students using the shuttle will be met by an OBT staff person and will receive more details prior to their arrival.

Transit in Portland

How will my student get from the dorm to the studio?
Students residing in housing at PSU will use public transportation to and from OBT’s studios and the PSU dormitory, and OBT School dormitory RAs will accompany students at all times. Public transportation passes will be provided upon check-in.

Refund Policy

What is OBT’s refund policy for tuition, deposits, housing, and fees paid?
OBT School grants tuition refunds only in the event of a student’s prolonged medical illness or injury which prevents the student from fully participating in OBT School classes. No tuition refunds will be issued due to withdrawal unrelated to prolonged medical illness or injury. The official date used to determine the refund amount is the onset of illness or injury and will be calculated based on the number of weeks the student cannot participate. All tuition refunds require proper medical documentation, which is to be submitted to the school office in writing from a certified medical doctor (Doctor of Medicine) within 30 days of the injury or onset of the prolonged illness, and include the type of injury, date of onset, stating it completely prevents engaging in dance, and anticipated date of return to dance. OBT shall consider all refund requests in accordance with this policy, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Refunds are issued within 30 days less a $45 administrative fee and processing fees incurred if the tuition payment was made by credit card. Registration fees, tuition deposits, and housing payments are non-refundable.

Refunds for Courses Canceled by OBT School
OBT School refunds 100 percent of tuition fees for classes, workshops, masterclasses, and other fee-based instruction, canceled due to low enrollment. In the event of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, earthquakes, fires, floods, inclement weather, civil disturbances, epidemics, and riots OBT School will do its best, if possible, to offer make up class options. Make up class schedules are at the sole discretion of OBT School and may not accommodate each student’s specific scheduling requirements. In the event OBT is not able to offer make up classes, the organization will consider all refund requests, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of OBT. Refunds exclude, but do not solely exclude, registration, finance, NSF, and audition fees.