Business Details
25 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Training in Portland, OR
Founded in 2001, The Portland Ballet was established by artistic directors Nancy Davis and Jim Lane, both alumni of the School of American Ballet and former principal dancers with the Los Angeles Ballet. Our institution combines decades of professional performance experience with a family-centered philosophy to nurture dancers of all ages and skill levels. We offer a comprehensive curriculum from early childhood creative movement to pre-professional training, including one of the region's only dedicated Men's Ballet programs. Our faculty includes internationally recognized artists like John Clifford, a protg of George Balanchine, who brings direct lineage from modern ballet's most influential choreographer.With graduates performing in prestigious companies worldwide, we emphasize technical excellence while fostering personal growth through discipline, confidence, and artistic expression. Our productions mirror professional standards, featuring narrative works, classical excerpts, and contemporary pieces that challenge students to excel. As a member of The George Balanchine Trust, we maintain rigorous artistic standards while making dance accessible through community outreach and scholarship programs. Our commitment to quality instruction and holistic development has made us a regional leader in dance education.
Services
Ballet Training
Dance for Joy
Career Track
Adult Classes
Summer Programs
Community Outreach
Performance Production
Faculty Instruction
Scholarship Programs
Youth Company
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Faculty includes former principal dancers from major international companies
- Official connection to The George Balanchine Trust for authentic technique
- Proven track record placing graduates in top professional ballet companies
- Holistic approach developing technical skill and personal confidence
- Professional-level performance opportunities for all experience levels
Associations and certifications
- The George Balanchine Trust
What people say
Professional instructors
Excellent performances
Strong alumni network
Services
Ballet Training
Our comprehensive ballet curriculum develops technical proficiency from early childhood through pre-professional levels. Students receive structured training in classical technique, pointe work, and performance skills. The program prepares dancers for professional careers while emphasizing artistic growth and physical discipline.
Dance for Joy
Creative movement classes introduce children aged 3-6 to ballet fundamentals through imaginative play and music. Parent observation builds confidence while establishing foundational coordination and classroom etiquette. Free trial classes help determine readiness for structured dance education.
Career Track
Advanced training program for serious dancers aged 6-19 combines technical mastery with performance experience. Students participate in professional-style rehearsals and three major annual productions. The curriculum includes classical repertoire, contemporary works, and specialized coaching for aspiring professionals.
Adult Classes
Drop-in ballet classes accommodate adult learners and professionals with varying experience levels. Sessions focus on maintaining technical skill while promoting physical fitness and artistic expression. Chair-based modifications ensure accessibility for diverse participants.
Summer Programs
Seasonal dance intensives provide concentrated technical development through daily classes and workshops. Programs include performance preparation, guest artist instruction, and specialized training tracks for different experience levels. Auditions ensure appropriate placement for all participants.
People
Nancy Davis
Artistic Director
Co-founder with 30+ years professional ballet experience. Trained at School of American Ballet, performed with major companies nationwide, and brings international perspective to curriculum development.
Jim Lane
Executive Director
Co-founder and former principal dancer with extensive administrative and performance expertise. Oversees operations while maintaining commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.
John Clifford
Artist in Residence
George Balanchine protg with decades of teaching and choreographic experience. Preserves authentic Balanchine technique through master classes and faculty mentorship.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for children starting at age 3 through adult learners, with specialized tracks for different developmental stages.
Do you require auditions for enrollment?
Most programs allow open enrollment, though advanced placements and summer intensives may require placement evaluations.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we provide need-based financial assistance and outreach programs to ensure accessibility for all interested students.
How often do students perform?
Our performance calendar includes three major productions annually plus student showcases, with multiple performance opportunities at different commitment levels.
What makes your program unique?
Our direct connection to The George Balanchine Trust and faculty's professional experience combine with holistic development focus for comprehensive training.
Can adults join classes without prior experience?
Yes, our Adult Beginning Ballet Series accommodates newcomers with progressive instruction from fundamental techniques to performance preparation.
Reviews (5)
Tyrone Foster
Dec 06, 2021
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Im not sure if Ive ever submitted a review before, but after careful consideration, I thought this might be helpful to other parents. If your child is younger than 5 years, I do not recommend The Portland Ballet (TPB). Even though they have Creative Ballet classes for this age group, you should seriously consider if this company might do more harm than good to your young child. We enrolled our daughter in TPBs Creative Ballet this fall. We werent allowed to observe the classes, so we didnt have direct knowledge of our childs performance in class. The instructor never approached
Keeli Grim
Nov 02, 2020
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I took ballet here for 1 1/2 years, i learned so much! i made new friends and even moved up elementary to lvl 2. this ballet studio has made a huge impact act on my life and one that i will never forget.
Leslie Young
Aug 21, 2018
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We came in on a Sunday morning to try out the litte kid class because several of my daughters friends are in that class. The ladies at the front said that we couldnt try the class that day unless we paid for the entire season. With my daughter all ready to go, I didnt want to just walk out and leave. So I paid $90 for the season. Throughout the class, many of the little girls came out crying and asking their parent to leave, which I found so weird. My daughter has never quit something we have registered her for...she loves activities (soccer, dance, gymnastics, etc). The next Sunday when
Neyra Eshalomi
Jun 19, 2018
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Seem good but it makes me uncomfortable that they have windows where the dancers practice because it enables creeps to creep
Tracey T.
Mar 24, 2018
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I have trained here for 8 years, and have done Summer Intensives at San Francisco Ballet, School of American Ballet, Ballet West, and soon to be Miami City Ballet. I know that a lot of my success is because of the amazing training I have gotten here!
