Good afternoon,
This greeting and update comes to you in good health, hoping that you are all adjusting to our new circumstances, and remaining healthy and positive for what lies ahead.
By now you may be aware that Portland Public Schools District has extended the school closure per the Governor’s mandate to the end of the academic year. Oregon Ballet Theatre School continues to maintain its alignment with PPS and health authorities, and therefore with heavy hearts must inform you that we do not plan any further in-studio classes through the end of our spring session.
Unlike OBT, many of our cohort of professional ballet schools have furloughed staff for the foreseeable future and do not have the ability to offer as comprehensive an online learning program as OBT School. To say I am amazed at how quickly everyone has jumped in from our staff would be an understatement! School staff continues to breathe new life into our distance learning, and you will see it continue to develop in mysterious and wondrous ways.
Yesterday I found myself in my apartment joining in on a couple of classes (exercises rather), and realizing that for so many years I have demonstrated only with my right leg and now have little control over what the left leg wants to do. I enjoyed the challenge and the anonymity of making a complete mess of my practice at home. My thanks go to our teachers and pianists for the inspiration they are providing via Zoom in less than ideal conditions, and to our OBT School administrative staff and leadership for their continued work behind the scenes.
So, we continue into week three of our adventure. My heart goes out to you all. I have enjoyed reading your feedback in emails, so keep them coming – I especially love hearing from our students. Please continue to keep up discipline by practicing wearing ballet appropriate dance wear and tending to grooming while at home. It seems so easy to relax on those issues, but I feel it is important for the day we return.
Our ‘ON STAGE’ | OBT Annual School Performance in its original form is sadly no longer viable. Many other scenarios are in discussion, but again it is a day by day pivot.
For the present, all OBT School summer programming remains as planned including Summer Intensive, Junior Intensive, Pre-Pointe Intensive, Boys’ Intensive, Pre-Ballet, and Adult class sessions until further notice.
Thanks to all for your support, patience, and understanding as we navigate through these weeks. I will be so happy when we can return to regular life, classes and rehearsals.
Missing everyone!
Fond regards,
Marion Tonner
School Director
