Originally from Germany, Katarina Svetlova received her classical ballet training primarily from Haydee Gutierrez in Florida, and continued with Haydee at The School of Oregon Ballet Theatre in 1994. She also studied at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart and The Princess Grace Academy in Monte-Carlo. Katarina started her professional career at the age of 15 at Oregon Ballet Theatre, under the direction of James Canfield. During her 7 years at OBT she danced in many works by James Canfield, George Balanchine, Peter Martins, Trey McIntyre, Josie Mosley and others.
In 2002 she accepted a contract as Principal Ballerina in one of Germany’s leading Ballet companies, Deutsche Oper Am Rhein in Dusseldorf, Germany. There she enjoyed success and public and press acclaim dancing principal roles in many classical ballets, including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet. She was privileged to work closely with international choreographers including John Neuemeier (Sylvia), Mats Ek, Hans Von Manen, Youri Vamos, and many others, and had several principal roles/world premieres created on her to international acclaim.
Katarina’s teaching career began early alongside her professional career with Oregon Ballet Theater in 1996 and she has been teaching children of all ages across the Portland/Vancouver area for over 20 years, including Oregon Ballet Theater School and her own studio – Dance From the Heart PDX. She has taught ballet in Portland area Elementary schools for 11 years and was involved with OBT outreach in this capacity as well. Katarina is a desired guest teacher across the Nation and is excited to join OBT as School Director. It is Katarina Svetlova’s mission and passion to amplify OBT School efforts to increase diversity and teach ballet in a supportive, positive and encouraging manner to dancers of all levels, while continuing to maintain the integrity of classical technique.
