After a national search, OBT is pleased to announce the appointment of Katarina Svetlova to school director effective immediately. Svetlova has been serving as interim school director since May.
The school director search committee was comprised of all Board members on OBT’s school committee, Peter Franc and Thomas Bruner. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications were reviewed by every committee member. Four applicants were invited to interview, and two finalists were selected for day-long onsite interviews. Throughout the search process, Svetlova remained the top candidate. When our second finalist took a position elsewhere, the search committee unanimously agreed to continue proceeding with Svetlova’s candidacy. During her day-long interview Svetlova was reviewed positively by parents, school staff, and staff from other OBT departments.
Svetlova brings an impressive resume to OBT, where her professional career began. After seven years as principal dancer with OBT, Katarina began her international career as a principal dancer with Deutsche Oper Am Rhein Ballett in Germany. While touring throughout Europe and Asia, Svetlova performed in a wide range of classical and contemporary works, winning Artist of the Year in Dusseldorf. Katarina returned to the states and began sharing her love of dance through teaching throughout the Pacific Northwest before opening her own school, Dance From the Heart PDX. In her ten years as owner, choreographer and sole teacher, Katarina has served over 900 students. In addition to excellence in training, Svetlova is dedicated to fostering a healthy and inclusive culture that reminds us all that dance is for everyone.
Please join us in congratulating Katarina on her new role.