Annual Session: Ages 6 - 22

OBT School’s Primary Level - Ages 6 - 7

OBT School’s Primary ballet classes are part of our Annual Session, a 36-week school year. OBT School is the official training ground of Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Students receive exemplary training from our world-class faculty, emphasizing pure classical technique and providing the necessary skills for young dancers to launch a professional career and their love of dance.

Our 2025/26 school year begins in the studio on September 2, 2025.

Rolling Admission | No audition required for the Primary ballet level.

Students must be 6 years old by September 2, 2025.

OBT School is in it’s second year of our curriculum implementation. Students are introduced to the most fundamental elements of ballet. You can learn more about the school year and curriculum here.

Tuition/Price per Primary section: $1,004 (36 Weeks)

Students may enroll in more than one section to accelerate their training. Click/tap here to enroll.

• Monday | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Thursday | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

OBT School’s Preparatory Division - Ages 8 - 22

OBT School’s Preparatory Division ballet classes make up our Annual Session, a 36-week school year. OBT School is the official training ground of Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Students receive exemplary training from our world-class faculty, emphasizing pure classical technique and providing the necessary skills for young dancers to launch a professional career and their love of dance.

Our 2025/26 school year begins in the studio on September 2, 2025.

Rolling Admission | No audition required

Students must be 8 years old by September 2, 2025.

OBT School is in it’s second year of our curriculum implementation. Students are introduced to the most fundamental elements of ballet. Students can now choose between two programs: Demi and Professional. You can learn more about the school year and curriculum here.

Demi

Our Demi Program students have a less demanding schedule and financial commitment to better support a student who loves to study ballet and is also pursuing other interests. These students will have an in-studio demonstration during the spring term and will be assessed by the school director for advancement. Advancement for this program may take more time due to less attendance and curriculum participation. There is much to be gained by participating in this program, such as discipline, work ethic, body awareness, self-confidence, personal growth, mental strength, and establishing a solid classical ballet foundation to aid in the continuation of ballet studies or other forms of dance. Students may transfer into the professional program if their priorities change.

Performance participation with OBT’s professional company and OBT School is by invitation only and not guaranteed with this program.

Professional

Our Professional Program is designed to complement our improved curriculum with the ideal number of training hours, with each class thoughtfully planned to best support the students’ progress and advancement. This program is best suited for students that wish to prioritize ballet training in their schedule. The Professional Program students will be invited to participate in our Annual School Performance and may audition for professional company performance opportunities like George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. They will also participate in our end of the year curriculum demonstrations, for Levels 3 – 6, both Professional and Demi, to receive feedback and better assess advancement by a panel of supportive OBT and guest instructors.

Registering for Classes

Primary Ballet students can register online. All other students new to OBT School can inquire about registration by contacting OBT School. Please include your child’s name, age, years of ballet/dance training, years on pointe, and current dance school.

Admissions

For ages 8 – 22

Rolling admission throughout the year. Prospective students, age 8 and above, are required to attend an audition or take a placement class to determine acceptance and level. Students must be 8 years old by September 2, 2025. Level placement is based on the student’s skill and strength.

Throughout the year, students receive exclusive opportunities to observe and train alongside OBT’s professional company members and may be selected to perform with OBT’s professional company in full-length productions at the Keller Auditorium and Newmark Theater. Only OBT School students are eligible to be considered for roles in these productions, including OBT’s annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.

*Please note that in order to audition for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® students must be enrolled in OBT School’s Professional program by September 5, 2025. To participate in the 2026 Annual School Performance production, students must be enrolled in the School’s Professional program by January 5, 2026. Students enrolled in the Demi program by January 5, 2026 may be invited to participate in the 2026 Annual School Performance at the School Director’s discretion.*

Helpful Resources

• Dress Code: Dress Code