Bringing the beauty of ballet to the Portland community
Welcome to the Oregon Ballet Theatre, a vibrant and renowned ballet company based in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Since its inception in 1989, the Oregon Ballet Theatre has been dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest by providing exceptional performances, rigorous training programs, and community engagement initiatives. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, our theatre is proud to be an integral part of the region's rich artistic tapestry.
At the Oregon Ballet Theatre, we believe that ballet is a powerful and timeless art form that can inspire, challenge, and captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to presenting a diverse range of repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, contemporary innovation, and cutting-edge works that showcase the versatility and virtuosity of our talented dancers.
Performances & Tickets
Our upcoming 2023/24 Season offers an exhilarating and varied lineup of performances that cater to all tastes and interests. The season commences with Christopher Stowell's Swan Lake, a classic favorite that features a compelling narrative, exquisite choreography, and stunning visuals. Following this timeless masterpiece, we are excited to present George Balanchine's The Nutcracker during the festive holiday season, a delightful and enchanting production that is perfect for the whole family.
In early 2024, we celebrate the world premiere of Trey McIntyre's Peter Pan, a highly anticipated production that recounts the classic tale of the eternal boy who never grows up. The season continues with the OBT premiere of Wooden Dimes, a riveting 1920s-era romantic drama choreographed by our very own Artistic Director, Danielle Rowe. Rounding out the season is our annual community-focused production, Made In Portland, an impressive showcase of emerging choreographic talents and up-and-coming dancers from our training programs. Additionally, we are hosting our Annual School Performance, a delightful presentation of our students' hard work and dedication throughout the year.
Community Engagement & Education
At the Oregon Ballet Theatre, we are deeply committed to enriching the lives of individuals and communities through the power of dance. We believe that dance is a universal language that transcends boundaries and fosters connections, understanding, and empathy. As such, we are dedicated to providing diverse and accessible dance experiences that cater to a wide range of audiences, from seasoned ballet aficionados to newcomers who are excited to discover the magic of dance.
In addition to our captivating performances, we offer a wide array of community engagement and education initiatives, including dance workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions that delve into the rich history and techniques of ballet. We also proudly support local artists and organizations by providing performance opportunities and collaborations, fostering a thriving and interconnected arts ecosystem.
Education & Training
Our commitment to nurturing the talents of aspiring dancers has led us to establish robust training programs, designed to provide comprehensive and holistic education in classical ballet and contemporary dance techniques. We offer a range of classes and workshops for dancers of all ages and skill levels, from our renowned School of Oregon Ballet Theatre to our acclaimed summer intensives that attract talented students from around the world. Many of our alumni have gone on to grace the stages of prestigious ballet companies, both nationally and internationally.
Support Us
The Oregon Ballet Theatre is deeply grateful for the support of our generous donors, sponsors, and patrons, who play a vital role in enabling us to continue our mission of sharing, inspiring, and connecting through the art of ballet. There are many ways to contribute to our efforts, whether by making a financial donation, volunteering your time and skills, or simply by attending our performances and sharing your love for dance with others.
In conclusion, the Oregon Ballet Theatre is a dynamic and vital organization that strives to enrich, inspire, and transform the lives of individuals through the power of dance. With your support and engagement, we are confident that we can continue to flourish and make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Overall Experience
The Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from customers. While some reviewers have praised the company's performances and teaching, others have criticized the organization's marketing practices and summer intensive program.
Marketing and Performances
Some reviewers have described the OBT's performances as "wonderful, " "exciting, " and "beautiful." They have also praised the company's dancers, saying they are "expressive" and "dance to perfection." However, one reviewer was disappointed to find that a production featured recordings instead of live music, calling this "deceptive marketing."
Summer Intensive Program
A small number of reviewers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the OBT's summer intensive program. One reviewer's daughter attended the program and reported feeling unchallenged and frustrated by the instruction, which she described as "overly rudimentary." The reviewer criticized the program's lack of movement of students to more appropriate levels and suggested that the teachers were "phoning it in."
Teaching and Atmosphere
In contrast, some reviewers have praised the OBT's teaching and atmosphere. One reviewer described the teaching as "wonderful" and the atmosphere as "great." Another reviewer has commended the new Children's director for being "friendly" and "warm."
Confusion and Noise
Two reviewers have expressed concerns about the noise levels at OBT performances. One reviewer found the sound effects during a show to be "ear-blaringly loud, " while another reviewer has recommended that the volume be turned down.
Recommendation
Despite some negative reviews, the OBT has received some overwhelmingly positive feedback. Reviewers who have attended performances have praised the company's dancers and productions. However, potential attendees should be aware of the issues with the summer intensive program and the potential for deceptive marketing practices.

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