Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Premier Ballet Experience in Portland
Oregon Ballet Theatre has been a cornerstone of creativity and community in Oregon since 1989. As the largest dance company in the state, we are dedicated to fostering an enduring appreciation for dance through excellence in performance, training, and community programs. Our mission is to inspire beauty and excellence in the hearts and minds of Oregonians through classical and contemporary ballet. Rooted in tradition yet committed to innovation, we present a dynamic repertoire ranging from timeless classics to new works by acclaimed choreographers. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dani Rowe and Executive Director Shane Jewell, we train over 300 students annually at our Portland-based school while engaging audiences through five mainstage productions and extensive outreach initiatives.Our core values of courage, creativity, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility guide every aspect of our work. We offer rigorous training for aspiring dancers, from age 4 to professional levels, with many graduates pursuing successful careers in prestigious companies worldwide. As a cultural anchor in Portland, we strengthen community ties through inclusive programming, scholarships, and educational partnerships that make ballet accessible to all. Our commitment to transparency and integrity has earned us recognition as a trusted arts organization in the Pacific Northwest. Through performances, classes, and community engagement, we celebrate the transformative power of dance to connect people and elevate the human spirit.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Training
Community Programs
School Classes
Summer Programs
Pre-Professional Division
Scholarships
Inclusive Programming
Ticket Donations
Corporate Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1989 with 35+ years of excellence in ballet
- Train over 300 students annually at our Portland school
- Present five mainstage productions annually in Portland
- Awarded $90,000 in scholarships to talented students in 2024
- Led by internationally renowned Artistic Director Dani Rowe
Services
Ballet Performances
Oregon Ballet Theatre presents five mainstage productions annually featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Our performances showcase world-class dancers in venues like Keller Auditorium and Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, offering audiences immersive experiences in classical and modern ballet.
Dance Training
We provide comprehensive ballet education for ages 3 to adult through structured programs emphasizing classical technique and artistic expression. Our curriculum prepares students for professional careers or recreational enjoyment, with levels from beginner to pre-professional training.
Community Programs
Our inclusive programming includes school residencies, field trips, and after-school classes that make dance accessible to diverse communities. We offer ticket donations and tailored experiences that connect with local audiences across the Pacific Northwest region.
Scholarships
We award need-based scholarships to ensure access to ballet training for talented students regardless of financial means. In 2024 alone, we distributed $90,000 in financial assistance to support aspiring dancers from diverse backgrounds in our Portland-based programs.
Pre-Professional Division
OBT2 and our Trainee Program develop future dance professionals through mentorship with renowned instructors. This intensive training prepares students for company careers with technical mastery, artistic development, and performance opportunities alongside our professional company.
People
Dani Rowe
Artistic Director
Former principal dancer with Australian Ballet and Houston Ballet, Dani Rowe is an acclaimed choreographer and filmmaker. She became OBT's Artistic Director in 2023, bringing international perspective and creative vision to Portland's ballet community.
Shane Jewell
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Shane Jewell leads OBT's strategic growth and operational excellence. He works closely with the artistic team to ensure organizational stability while expanding community impact through innovative programming and partnerships.
Katarina Svetlova
School Director
A former principal dancer with OBT and Deutsche Oper Am Rhein Ballett, Katarina Svetlova directs our school with expertise in classical training and modern pedagogy. She shapes curriculum that develops technically strong, artistically expressive dancers at all levels.
Questions
How can I purchase tickets for Oregon Ballet Theatre performances?
Tickets are available through our website for performances at Keller Auditorium and Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. Phone orders can be placed at 503.222.5538 during regular office hours.
What dance classes do you offer for children?
We provide Pre-Ballet and Creative Movement classes for ages 3-5, focusing on coordination, musicality, and basic ballet vocabulary through engaging, age-appropriate instruction that fosters a love of dance.
Do you offer financial assistance for dance training?
Yes, we award need-based scholarships annually. In 2024, we provided $90,000 in financial aid to support talented students through our TADS application process for ballet education in Portland.
How does your pre-professional program prepare dancers for careers?
OBT2 and our Trainee Program offer mentorship with industry professionals, technical training, and performance opportunities. Students receive personalized guidance to develop the skills needed for successful dance careers in prestigious companies.
What community programs do you provide?
We offer school residencies, field trips to performances, after-school programs, and inclusive initiatives that bring ballet to diverse communities across the Pacific Northwest region through educational and outreach activities.
How can I support Oregon Ballet Theatre?
Support comes through individual donations, corporate partnerships, and volunteer opportunities. Contributions fund productions, scholarships, and educational programs that make ballet accessible to Portland communities.
Reviews (7)
Steve H.
Dec 12, 2021
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The method and process to enter the Nutcracker Suite at the Keller Auditorium was SO BROKEN that each family with CHILDREN UNDER 5 had to decide between FULL REFUND or SEE ONLY PART OF THE BALLET!
Crying children, flustered parents trying to explain this Grinch-like choice OBT demanded. Angry grandmothers seeking vengeance but denied by "it's the pandemic" excuses. Why did OBT do this?
Crying children, flustered parents trying to explain this Grinch-like choice OBT demanded. Angry grandmothers seeking vengeance but denied by "it's the pandemic" excuses. Why did OBT do this?
Kim G.
Jun 21, 2021
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No surprise that the creativity of the Oregon Ballet Theatre has expanded into how they will conduct live performances during these Covid-19 days. While always challenged with funding constraints, the pandemic took it to another level. With the warmer weather here and most people vaccinated, they will have performances at the, temporary outdoor theatre on the SE side of OMSI. It's right where the Tilikum Crossing meets the Eastbank Esplanade, on the Max and street car line. Brilliant! This new venue is called the Jordan Schnitzer CARE Summerstage at OMSI museum campus and one of the first
Rose D.
Dec 19, 2019
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We've only seen OBT perform once (so far!) for their performance of The Nutcracker at the Keller Auditorium recently, and it was a 5-star show they all put on. From the amazingly skilled dancers, both children and adults alike, the beautiful sets/backdrops, the gorgeous and fanciful costumes and their wonderful orchestra (we made sure to see a performance with the OBT orchestra there as well), we enjoyed the show immensely. Kudos for a fantastic performance by all!
Kirsten S.
Dec 09, 2019
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A favorite holiday tradition is OBT The Nutcracker at the Keller Auditorium each year. Sat in Orchestra Section D Row U this year, and Very pleased with the view from our seats. As Good as box seats, IMO. We purchased ornaments in the lobby and pre-ordered intermission drinks so we didn't wait in line. Unfortunately, the lines for ALL restrooms are terribly long and disappointing to waste time waiting when you'd rather be taking photos, shopping, and mingling. The 2019 production is my Favorite. Amazing dancing and choreography. The party scene and the sugar plum fairy duo were highlights
Lisa K.
Jun 08, 2019
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Love the innovative choreography and modern take on dance.
It's disappointing to see people knock OBT for the necessary changes to the performing arts due to funding constraints. To have an orchestra at every event, ticket prices would need to be far more expensive keeping many people from seeing a performance. You might look into logistics before giving this Portland treasure a bad review that could impact funding even more.
It's disappointing to see people knock OBT for the necessary changes to the performing arts due to funding constraints. To have an orchestra at every event, ticket prices would need to be far more expensive keeping many people from seeing a performance. You might look into logistics before giving this Portland treasure a bad review that could impact funding even more.
Joanmary G.
Aug 05, 2018
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We really enjoy being part of the OBT community. They strive to meet highest standard. We also are enjoying the new Children's director who is quite friendly and warm not to mention helpful.
Betts Grady
Dec 10, 2017
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Our daughter (advanced level, on point, in the career track an another company) has experienced a summer intensive that was anything but. We had heard rumors that the obt summer program tended to place dancers below their ability level and should have done more research. In the first day the instructor didn't even show up, that should have been warning enough. After three days of overly rudimentary instruction that left her wondering if some kind of joke was being played, she finally heard good news - dancers would be moved to more appropriate levels shortly. Days later and no dancers were moved
