The Portland Ballet

New Class Alert!
K-Pop with Caitlin Bui ✨
Ages 10-14 | Tuesdays 7-8 pm

Want to release you inner K-pop idol? The K-pop dance style is not a style in itself, but a combination of HipHop/Jazz. This class will mainly focus not only on learning iconic K-pop choreography, but will also include training drills on stage presence, sharp movements, and synchronization in groups

Sign up with the link in our bio! Classes begin September 8, 2026

We are so excited to be offering two elective classes this year! Both classes will have the option to perform in The Portland Ballet’s Academy Showcase on May 8, 2027

Photo by Fritz Liedtke | Artist & Photographer

🧑🏻‍🩰 Free Beginning Ballet Series

The Free Beginning Ballet Series introduces young dancers, ages 6-11, to the fundamentals of ballet. These free classes help children decide if ballet is right for them. TPB welcomes all new dancers to this commitment-free, three-class series, intending to give students a solid foundation and an appreciation of dance.

When:
September 12, 19, 26

Class Schedule:
Boys: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Girls: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

For students who attend all three classes, the final class acts as a placement audition for the year-round Curriculum Ballet program. Register early, as class size is limited.

Can’t make it this time? Stay tuned for our next Free Beginning Ballet Series.

Reserve your spot below!

https://classbug.com/businesses/1493/offerings

September 12, 19, 26

Discover Strength, Athleticism, & Artistry 💪🏼

🆓 Young Men’s Intro to Ballet

Tuesdays, September 8–October 13
4:45–5:45 p.m. | Ages 12–18

Ballet is demanding, athletic, and powerful—and this free introductory series is a great way to experience it firsthand.

Young men ages 12–18 are invited to explore ballet in a welcoming and supportive environment at The Portland Ballet. Students will develop strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, body awareness, and confidence while learning the fundamentals of classical ballet.

For students coming from soccer, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, or other athletic activities, ballet offers a new challenge that can improve agility, precision, control, and overall performance. As dancers progress, ballet training includes dynamic jumps, turns, partnering, and lifts.

Follow the link below to reserve your spot now!

https://classbug.com/businesses/1493/events/2748355

That's a wrap on our 4 week Summer Ballet Intensive

What an incredible 4 weeks that has been filled with Ballet, Musical Theater, cross training from , dance history with and a fabulous demonstration at the end.

Thank you to all the wonderful teachers, staff and students for another successful SBI!

Announcing the 2026-27 Career Track faculty 🧑🏻‍🩰

We are delighted to introduce Lauren Lane as our newly appointed Artistic Director, who will lead the 2026-27 Career Track program alongside esteemed colleagues LeeWei Chao and Haley Blaise.

The Portland Ballet’s Career Track program offers well-trained, advanced dancers with professional intent in a setting that simulates a professional company experience. Students aged 14-22 who wish to pursue a performance career are eligible to audition for the program. An intense and personal learning environment is fostered, culminating each academic year with a performance comprised exclusively of Career Track dancers.

TPB’s active performance schedule provides Career Track dancers the experience they need to be “company ready” when auditioning for professional companies. TPB’s incomparable staff, spacious facility, and industry connections—including the George Balanchine Trust, John Clifford, Tom Gold, Trey McIntyre, Alonzo King, and more—give promising dancers the edge needed to go professional.

The in-person audition for the upcoming season of Career Track is on August 2 at The Portland Ballet. The submission deadline for audition videos is August 15, 2026.

For more information visit https://theportlandballet.org/classes/career-track/

🍬🥂 We are seeking food and beverage sponsors for our upcoming 25th Anniversary celebration on September 20th, which is expected to draw 200-400 guests. 🍬🥂

As a respected local business, this event presents a unique opportunity to connect with the community, increase brand visibility, and commemorate this milestone occasion. We are interested in partnering with vendors who can provide easy-to-consume food options, sweet treats, and beverages for toasting.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact [email protected] or direct message us. We look forward to celebrating with you! 🥂

‼️ Fall Auditions Announced ‼️

Join us on Sunday, August 2 for auditions for The Portland Ballet's 2026–27 Curriculum and Career Track programs! Our Curriculum Program offers a structured progression for dancers ages 6+, while our Career Track Program provides career support, additional performance opportunities and technique training during the day for dedicated dancers pursuing pre-professional goals.

✳️ Audition Schedule

Ages 8–11
Check-in: Noon
Audition: 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Ages 12+
If you dance en pointe, please bring your pointe shoes.
Check-in: 1:15 p.m.
Audition: 1:45–3:30 p.m.

✳️ Registration Information

Please create a Dance Apply account before completing the registration form using the button below. All applicants (current and new) must complete the Dance Apply registration, as this is how you will receive your audition results and level placement.

Dancers ages 6–7 do not attend the audition but must complete the Dance Apply registration. Level placement for this age group will be determined based on age and previous ballet training.

Current students are encouraged to attend the audition for the most accurate level placement. If you plan to enroll but cannot attend the audition, please complete the Dance Apply Registration Form and email TPB.

Register HERE⤵️
https://www.danceapply.com/organization/the-portland-ballet

Please note that Dance Apply charges a $20 application processing fee.

Dear TPB Community,

It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since Jim and I opened the doors to The Portland Ballet. What began as a dream has grown into a community that has shaped the lives of so many students, families, and artists. Watching generations of dancers grow in confidence, discover their love of ballet, and carry those lessons into their lives has been one of the greatest privileges I could have imagined.

Today, I’m happy to share that, beginning September 1, 2026, Lauren Lane will become The Portland Ballet’s next Artistic Director.

Many of you know Lauren as our Associate Artistic Director, but she's been part of The Portland Ballet from the beginning. One of our earliest students, she went on to a distinguished career as a principal dancer with St. Louis Ballet before returning to Portland in 2020. Over the past six years, I've had the privilege of mentoring her for this role, and I couldn't be more confident in her vision for the future of The Portland Ballet.

As both my daughter and colleague, I've watched Lauren grow into an exceptional artist, teacher, and leader. She understands what makes this community so special, and I know she'll build on that foundation in wonderful ways.

As for me, I'll be stepping into the role of Artistic Director Emeritus. I'll continue teaching, coaching, mentoring, and cheering on the incredible students, faculty, and community that have meant so much to me over the years.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you've danced with us, trusted us with your children, volunteered, attended performances, or simply encouraged us along the way, you've helped make The Portland Ballet what it is today.

I'm excited for this next chapter and can't wait to celebrate our 25th anniversary season with all of you.

With gratitude,

Nancy Davis
Founder & Artistic Director
The Portland Ballet

We're thrilled to have reached the halfway mark of our Summer Ballet Intensive and we're going strong 🧑🏻‍🩰! The past two weeks have been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and self-improvement for our dancers.

We can't wait to see what the second half of the intensive has in store for us! 💪🏻

Our last Adult Ballet Intensive was so popular, that we created a second session! 🩰

Join us August 31 - September 4 for an inspiring week of ballet technique, artistry, and choreography with Davida Haas-Oglesbee, accompanied by live piano music throughout the week. Whether you're looking to refine your technique, challenge yourself artistically, or simply enjoy dancing with fellow adult ballet enthusiasts, this intensive is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your training and reconnect with the joy of movement.

🩰 Ballet Class and Rehearsal: 6:00 - 8:15 p.m.
🩰 Learn and rehearse an excerpt of the Waltz section from Act I of Giselle
🩰 Optional informal performance on Friday, September 4
🩰 Tuition is $195—secure your spot today!

Learn more and register for the Adult Ballet Intensive at the link below ⤵️
https://classbug.com/businesses/1493/offerings