2025 Summer Programming
June 16–August 15, 2025
Student & Parent Handbook
Welcome!
Oregon Ballet Theatre School is one of the country’s preeminent dance schools and the official school of Oregon Ballet Theatre. We strive to give each student the highest caliber dance education in a supportive, challenging, and nurturing environment.
OBT School’s philosophy is one of a professionally minded school, while at the same time our doors are open to all students. Whether students seek to pursue a career in ballet or study out of a love for dance, all students are afforded the same excellence in training. Dedication, confidence, and self-motivation are core traits we seek to instill in all of our students - qualities they will carry forth on whatever path they choose in life.
Our goal is not only to train the next generation of dancers, but also the next generation of dance enthusiasts, administrators, and artists.
We look forward to working with you and further developing your love for dance.
Regards,
Katarina Svetlova
School Director
Oregon Ballet Theatre School Staff
Katarina Svetlova - School Director
James Holstad – School Manager
Alessandro Angelini – School Registrar
Emme Cordero - School Receptionist
Dominic Walsh - OBT2 Program Director & Principal School Instructor
Colleen Hildestad – School Production & OBT2 Coordinator
OBT School Contact and Location Information
720 S Bancroft St.
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 227-6890
School Line: (503) 227-6890
General E-mail: schoolofobt@obt.org
The general email address is to be used for: absence reporting, absence requests, late pick-up, changes in pick-up/carpool, and for general information and questions.
OBT School Website: http://school.obt.org
OBT School Blog: http://schooloforegonballettheatre.blogspot.com
OBT School office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. If you call outside of these hours, please leave a voice message and we will return your call as soon as possible. When contacting OBT School, please use the school phone number listed above for the most direct connection.
Non-Discrimination Policy
OBT School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, color, national/ethnic origin, disability, size, socioeconomic background, or any other local, state, or federal protected class in the administration of its admission criteria, education policies, scholarship programs, or any other school-administered programs or activities. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on any legally protected status will not be tolerated.
Right to Refuse Service
OBT School reserves the right to deny service or enrollment, and/or revoke previously awarded privileges at the discretion of the School Director.
Health and Safety
OBT School is dedicated to providing a healthy, nurturing, and safe environment for all of our students. From the state-of-the-art sprung floors in our studios to injury prevention workshops, we are continually working to find ways to support our students’ health and well-being. We strongly believe that a healthy student in mind and body makes for a successful student, and we are committed to this goal.
No Observation Policy
OBT School maintains a no observation policy throughout its studios. This is done to provide a secure environment for the student’s full concentration, and ensures that they gain the most from our classes, without distraction.
Family Observation Periods
Family members are invited into our studios for Family Observation periods during summer programs. During these periods, each level will be assigned specific days and times for observation. To accommodate observation during this period, class schedules and times may change, and some classes may be combined.
Due to studio space please limit the number of those attending observation so
there is space for all students’ families. Due to limited parking availability
guests are asked to utilize street parking. Please arrive on time or wait until
instructed by staff. Photography and videography during class is prohibited
and mobile phones must be switched off. Please remember, you are attending a
live class.
Pre-Ballet and Primary Summer Term & Themed Camps,
and Junior Intensive
See schedules on OBT School blog for designated observation classes at the end
of each session or term.
Senior Intensive Observation
For students attending the four-week session Family Observation will take place the last two days of the fourth week of the program. For students attending the two and six-week sessions Family Observation will take place during the sixth week of the program. Some classes such as conditioning, seminars, etc. are not be available for observation. See schedule on OBT School blog for designated observation classes.
Placement / Level Advancement
Students progress in their training by developing work ethic, discipline, strength, and technique. Students also progress at their own, individual pace. Most importantly, technique milestones must be reached before progression can occur. Placement and progression to the next level is by the recommendation of OBT School’s faculty. Students are not placed or advanced based on their age or on their level at another ballet school. Students are encouraged to schedule appointments with school staff if they have questions or concerns with regard to injuries by e-mail to schoolofobt@obt.org.
Tuition
Junior & Senior Intensives
Tuition is payable either in full or four monthly auto-payments. The monthly
auto-payments are only available for Senior Intensive students. To use the
auto-payment plan, a credit or debit card must be provided, which will be
securely stored in the electronic payment system. Please note that
auto-payments will be charged any time after midnight on the date
due. First payments or 1/4 of tuition and registration fees are
considered deposits and are non-refundable. Please contact the school as soon
as possible with any questions or concerns regarding your auto-payment.
A 5% discount off tuition may be offered to families with multiple students enrolled in the Summer Intensive. Tuition discounts will be applied to the lower tuition amount. Tuition discounts do not apply to Summer Intensive housing. Please contact schoolofobt@obt.org before processing payment if believe this discount applies to you.
By registering for classes at OBT School, the student and/or student’s family agrees to pay the entirety of the tuition balance. If a student is voluntarily withdrawn, regardless of reason, the balance of their tuition is due prior to their last day of class. Tuition balances will not be forgiven, and any unpaid balances will be sent to OBT’s Finance department for collection.
All Summer Programs
OBT School grants tuition refunds only in the event of a student’s prolonged physical injury which prevents them from participating in classes in any capacity. No tuition refunds will be issued due to early withdrawal. The official date used to determine the refund amount is the onset of illness or injury and will be calculated based on the number of weeks the student cannot participate. All tuition refunds require proper medical documentation, which is to be submitted to OBT School in writing from a certified medical doctor within 30 days of the injury. OBT shall consider all refund requests in accordance with this policy, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of Oregon Ballet Theatre. All refunds are issued by check within 30 days less a $45 administrative fee and processing fees incurred if the tuition payment was made by credit card. Registration fees, tuition deposits, and housing payments are non-refundable.
OBT School refunds 100 percent of tuition fees for classes, workshops, masterclasses, and other fee-based instruction, canceled due to low enrollment. In the event of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, earthquakes, fires, floods, inclement weather, civil disturbances, epidemics, and riots OBT School will do its best, if possible, to offer make up class options. Make up class schedules are at the sole discretion of OBT School and may not accommodate each student’s specific scheduling requirements. In the event OBT is not able to offer make up classes, the organization will consider all refund requests, though approval of a refund shall be at the discretion of OBT. Refunds exclude, but do not solely exclude, registration, finance, NSF, and audition fees.
Scholarships
By accepting a scholarship award students and family members agree to act as OBT School ambassadors. Additionally, the student and/or family may be required to volunteer for OBT School and/or OBT programs as directed by OBT School staff. If a student or family member violates OBT School rules or policies, scholarships may be reduced or revoked at OBT School’s discretion. If a scholarship is reduced or revoked, the family is responsible for paying the balance of the recalculated tuition.
Any student receiving a 100% tuition scholarship is required to pay a refundable $250 deposit at the time of registration. The deposit will be refunded to the original payment method upon completion of the full session the student chooses to attend.
Daily Schedules
Junior Intensive:
Students in Levels 1, 2, and 3 Junior should be dropped off at the front door of OBT at 8:45 AM and proceed directly to change at the cubbies or locker is in level 3 and then to the lobby/stretching area. All students will have a ballet class from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM followed by a class in another dance form. Lunch will take place for 30 minutes in the lobby/stretching area of the OBT studios and dance videos will be shown. The remainder of the day will include a class, or classes, in another dance form. Students may be picked up beginning shortly after the program's scheduled end time, though no later than 15 minutes after the scheduled end time.
Junior Intensive Lunch:
Students will need to bring a bagged lunch with them every day. Please note there are no refrigerators for students to use, so please pack easy to store, non-perishable items. We also ask that due to allergies students not bring lunches that include peanut butter. It is necessary that students bring a lunch with them when they arrive as staff will not be able to accept parents dropping off lunches to their children once classes begin. Students may also bring a small snack to eat between classes. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle. OBT School has no food or drink available for purchase and students cannot be permitted to leave the OBT building, so please plan accordingly.
Senior Intensive Students:
For level 3 Senior-Level 6, the day will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Saturday classes start at 9:00 AM and end 1:00 PM. Students should arrive no earlier than 8:30 AM except on the first day of their session. Orientation will take place on the first day of each session (6 and 4 week or 2 week) at 9:00 AM. Students will receive a schedule via e-mail for the first two weeks of classes before the start of the Summer Intensive. Students will need to check the schedule daily, however, as each day will have a different schedule and the schedule is always subject to change. The schedule will always be posted on the OBT School blog and inside the OBT building. All students will be finished by 4:30 PM and should be picked-up at 720 S Bancroft Street no later than 4:45 PM.
Senior Intensive Student Lunch and Breaks:
For level 3 Senior-Level 6 will have a minimum of 30 minutes for lunch every day. They will also have other breaks for snacks and stretching throughout the day. Students may bring their own lunches and we encourage them to bring snacks and bottled water to stay hydrated and fortified throughout the day. Please note, OBT School does not have a refrigerator or kitchen facilities that may be used by students so please plan accordingly. There are a number of establishments within walking distance of OBT’s studios where students can buy lunch and snacks. In order to leave the premises for lunch, students must have a signed “Permission to Leave” form on file. Students should never venture out alone, and it is strongly suggested they always go in pairs or groups. Lunch periods are different from day to day; some days may allow 90 minutes for lunch and the next day only 30 minutes. Due to the time constraints students are encouraged not to go out for lunch if they only have 30 minutes.
Pre-Ballet and Primary:
All Pre-Ballet and Primary classes begin promptly at the scheduled time. Students are to arrive through the front door 5 minutes before class. Pre-Ballet students will leave their outer clothing with their parent/guardian or in lobby cubbies, and Primary students will store their belongings in the lobby cubbies. Students will be escorted to class by their teacher at the scheduled time. Parents are required to be at the OBT building at the scheduled end time to collect their children at the conclusion of the class. Pre-Ballet students will be led by their teacher to the lobby where they will meet their parents, or appointed guardian, and collect their belongings. Primary Ballet students should redress and collect their belongings from the cubbies or changing room, and proceed to the lobby to be dismissed to their parent or guardian.
Attendance / Absences
Exemplary attendance is expected of all students and all absences are monitored. Excessive absences will result in a meeting with the School Director or School Manager and possible loss and/or reduction of the student’s scholarship.
Absence notification must be submitted via our absence form. Please do not send daily absence notifications to the School Director, School Manager or School Registrar, as these may not be seen in a timely manner. The absence should include the sender/caller’s name, student’s name, student’s level, date of absence, and the reason for the absence. The absence will be relayed to the School Director and teacher. Students under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian report absences.
Notification of one-week prior is required for a pre-approved excused absence. The request will be communicated to the School Director. Examples of absences requiring pre-approval include medical appointments, auditions, college-related visits/interviews, family vacations, academic school related activities, etc.
If a student is ill or injured, the absence will be excused if notification is received before the beginning of the student’s class time. Notification and a progress update is expected daily for a continuing illness or injury. All other same-day absences are considered unexcused.
School staff will contact the student or student’s family if the student misses class and the absence is not reported.
All students are expected to attend the entire duration of the Summer Intensive in which they are enrolled, except for reasons of documented illness, injury, or emergency. Barring documented injury, should a student become absent long-term or depart without notification/authorization before the end of the program, any and all tuition balances will be due immediately. If the student is a scholarship recipient, their family will forfeit the remainder of the scholarship received and owe the balance of the recalculated tuition. No pro-rating or credit toward future classes will be issued.
OBT School does not provide make-up classes for missed classes.
Injury / Illness
If a student sustains an injury, whether during a OBT School class or outside OBT, it is expected that the student’s parents will keep OBT School apprised of the student’s progress for their own safety and well-being. Students who are unable to fully participate in class due to an injury, whether major, minor, chronic, or acute, must observe daily classes and take notes until recovered.
If a student has a contagious illness (upper respiratory infection, influenza, conjunctivitis, COVID-19 etc.) or symptoms that include fever, nausea, diarrhea, and/or vomiting, please report an absence due to illness. It is required that you keep the student home for 24 hours after the last sign of symptoms to avoid the spread of disease.
Students are prohibited from obtaining OBT ice packs without permission from an OBT school staff member.
All injuries occurring on the premises, requiring ice or not, must be reported to OBT School staff immediately.
Tardy
We expect students to arrive at least 5 to 10 minutes before class. Students may be required to sit out of class and take notes if they are more than 5 minutes late. Excessive tardiness will result in a parent conference with the School Director or School Manager.
Wellness Services and Referrals
OBT is dedicated to the health, welfare, and safety of all its artists and students. We strive to provide an environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and work habits so each person can become the strongest artist possible. We also understand that, from time to time, families may seek resources to help their children achieve those goals. OBT School staff are happy to provide contact information for providers who routinely work closely with those involved in the art of dance.
OBT’s Allegro Society is a group of medical providers dedicated to supporting our values and artists. OBT does not provide diagnostic, medical, nutritional, or sports psychology services to its students. Our referral is for informational purposes only and families are responsible for the cost associated with these services.
School Communication
In an effort to conserve resources, all information, such as class schedules, schedule changes, important announcements, etc., will be posted directly to the OBT School Blog. It is recommended that students and families
check the blog routinely for last-minute changes. Important information and announcements made through OBT School Blog postings will also be communicated by e-mail and posted inside the building on the bulletin board.
OBT School Blog Address: www.schooloforegonballettheatre.blogspot.com
Once you are comfortable accessing the OBT School Blog, consider signing up for notification of blog posts by e-mail as a back-up. The e-mail notifies you that a posting has recently occurred. The e-mail opt-in field is at both the top and bottom of the blog.
Note: The e-mail is only a device to aid in communication. Do not depend on it for timely notice of all postings. Sometimes e-mails are immediate and sometimes delayed by a number of hours or a day. Always check the OBT School Blog on a daily basis and use the e-mail as a back-up.
SchoolStatus: This year OBT School adopted SchoolStatus as a tool to strengthen communication with students and their families. We continue to learn and optimize using the system and some changes may occur. After your student is fully registered for summer programming you will receive an invitation by e-mail to setup a SchoolStatus account. We will cover SchoolStatus in depth as we approach the start of summer programming.
Parking
At our Portland location, the parking lot is reserved for OBT and OBT School employees, and short term transactions at our front desk. Additional street parking and street car access is available nearby. Students residing at the PSU dormitory will be provided with a TriMet pass.
Drop-off and Pick-up Pre-Ballet and Primary students
- Parking-Please park along Bancroft or another nearby street.
- Arrival - Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class, though no earlier than 10 minutes and accompany your student to the door to be received by an OBT staff member. Due to injury concerns, students arriving 5 minutes or later will be admitted to class only at the discretion of the teacher. Please keep in mind, arriving late can lead to disrupting the class and the student missing valuable class instruction. Students will be supervised by a staff member.
- To support a focused learning environment and safety, we ask that all Pre-Ballet and Primary parents and guardians drop their student at the front door, and are welcome to quickly wait for their student(s) in the front lobby area.
- Preparation for Class - Upon arrival please report to the front door. Students should arrive already dressed in OBT School dress code, with street clothes on top. Students will prepare for class and leave their belongings in the lobby. OBT School’s dressing rooms are off- limits to Pre-Ballet and Primary students. Please be sure to read all Dress Code details, available on OBT School’s blog.
- Pre-Ballet and Primary students will be assembled and led by the teacher or student assistant from the lobby to class at the appropriate time. Any late arrivals should report to OBT School staff to determine if participation is still an option.
- During Class – Families can enjoy the local shops, eateries, and waterfront or quietly wait in the front lobby. Families are not permitted observe class except for schedule observation times.
- After Class - At the conclusion of class, the teacher will return students to the main lobby. After preparing to leave, Pre-Ballet and Primary students will leave the building via the front door when their parent or guardian is present. Please be present and available to pick up your child at the end of the scheduled class time.
Please remember that the OBT parking lot is for employees and faculty only.
Drop-off and Pick-up Levels 1–6 Students
- Parents and guardians should drop-off their child at the front door. If there is a traffic line, please stop your car at the front door and then allow the student to exit the vehicle. The student must walk in front of the vehicle to the door, not behind the vehicle. Please use care and drive slowly while in the lot. No driver should ever allow the student to exit the vehicle before arriving at the door and then bypass the traffic line. Please note that drop-off is not monitored. If you are uncomfortable dropping off the student in this manner, you will need to find off-site street parking and accompany your student to the door.
- Students will need to check themselves in and out at the front desk, when entering and exiting the building.
- Students in Levels 1 & 2 are not permitted to use the OBT School locker rooms and should come dressed in OBT School dress code underneath their street clothes.
- Students, regardless of age or level, must verbally check out with the OBT School Registrar/Receptionist or staff person upon departure of the premises. Staff will always make visual contact with the authorized pick-up person. Unless the student’s OBT School registration form indicates they may depart the building unescorted, all students must be met in-person or by vehicle by their parent/guardian or authorized driver. For their own safety, unescorted students may not be called across the street, to the public sidewalk, or into the parking lot.
- If a student is departing with a friend or being picked up by someone other than the normal parent/guardian or authorized driver, parents must send a dated and signed note with the student or an email with the details. Please keep this in mind as your daily carpool or pick-up plans change. To make a permanent change to a student’s permission to leave premises or to the adults authorized to pick them up, please send an email to schoolofobt@obt.org. Students will not be released to another driver, no matter how well known the driver is to OBT School staff, without prior notification. This rule is strictly enforced for safety and liability reasons.
Late Pick-up
Students are to be picked up no later than 15 minutes after class ends. Parents or guardians who are late will need to park in an appropriate location and wait at the front door. After 20 minutes, a $25.00 late fee may be assessed per 20-minute increment. If you experience a problem and are unable to pick up your student, please call the school at (503) 227-6890.
Calling will not waive the late pick-up fee, but does alert staff to the situation. It is strongly recommended that this number be programmed into your mobile phone. The Late Pick-up policy applies to all OBT School classes, OBT/OBT School rehearsals, and performances..
Dress Code & Supplies
OBT School has specific dress code requirements. Students are required to conform to the dress code. Students not dressed properly may be asked to sit out of class as a reminder that we take our dress code seriously.
Supplies
- All Junior and Senior Intensive students should bring a journal, pencil or pen, yoga or Pilates mat labeled with their first and last name.
Pre-Ballet
Female Identifying:
- Wear Moi CABRIOLE leotard – Pink or Mint
- Any brand Skin Tone or Pink Tights- Footed, Non-Seamed
- Any brand Skin Tone or Pink Canvas Ballet Slippers – Split-sole
Male Identifying:
- White Leotard – Any Brand, Any Style *No T-shirt
- Black Bike Shorts or Leggings preferred – Tights optional
- White Canvas Ballet Shoes-Any Brand, Split-sole
- Thin White Crew Length Socks (No Tube Socks)
Primary
Female Identifying:
- Wear Moi CABRIOLE leotard – White
- Any brand Skin Tone or Pink Tights – Footed, Non-Seamed
- Any brand Skin Tone or Pink Canvas Ballet Slippers -Split-sole
- Light Pink ¾ inch alignment belt
Male Identifying:
- White Leotard – Any Brand, Any Style *No T-shirt
- Black Bike Shorts or Leggings preferred – Tights optional
- White Canvas Ballet Shoes – Any Brand, Split-sole
- Thin White Crew Length Socks (No Tube Socks)
Junior and Senior Intensive:
Dress Code Details for Female Identifying Students:
- Leotards may consist of any one color or max two colors of your choice. Leotards cannot include any patterns, prints, more than two colors, french cut leg line, or any cut outs, sheer or mesh on the front of the torso.
- Skin-toned or pink tights should be matte (not shiny or Lycra), with no holes.
- Tights must be worn underneath leotard and must cover the whole foot in the shoes.
- Canvas ballet slippers must match the color of the tights (Ex. Skin-toned tights with skin-toned ballet slippers; pink tights matched with pink ballet slippers). Pink tights with skin-toned shoes or skin-toned tights with pink shoes are not permitted. Please replace the shoes when a hole is visible.
- Shoes should be neatly and securely sewn with like colored thread. NO safety pins.
- Levels 3-6:
- Black character shoes and long black character skirt.
- For contemporary, modern, and improv and composition. Black fitted clothing may be worn. No exposed midriff, the torso must remain covered while moving. Black socks or bare feet are at the discretion of the teacher.
- Sneakers for hip-hop classes. Baggy clothing is allowed. No exposed midriff, the torso must remain covered while moving. Black t-shirt (same as contemporary) encouraged.
Dress Code Details for Male Identifying Students:
- Black bike shorts or leggings with a white fitted shirt (pre-ballet/ primary)
- Black footed or convertible tights with a white fitted shirt tucked in or leotard worn under the tights (Levels 1-OBT2)
- Thin white crew-length dance socks (no tube socks) – All levels
- White canvas ballet shoes (All levels)
- Black canvas ballet shoes with no socks. black fitted shirt tucked in or black leotard worn under the tights (option for levels 4-OBT2)
- No skin-toned ballet shoes for classes or rehearsals
- Dance belts (undergarment) are required for levels 1 and above.
- Elastic belt or dress belt is required on the outside of tights for all male identifying students.
- Levels 3P-6:
- Character shoes.
- For contemporary, modern, and improv and composition. Black fitted clothing may be worn. No exposed midriff, the torso must remain covered while moving. Black socks or bare feet are at the discretion of the teacher.
- Sneakers for hip-hop classes. Baggy clothing is allowed. No exposed midriff, the torso must remain covered while moving. Black t-shirt (same as contemporary) encouraged.
Non-Binary: Please contact the School Director if an alternative option is needed for the student.
- Black bike shorts or leggings with a white fitted shirt or Level specific leotard. (Pre-Ballet/Primary)
- Black footed or convertible tights with a white fitted shirt tucked in or Level specific leotard (Levels 1-6)
- Thin white crew-length dance socks (no tube socks) – All levels
- White canvas ballet shoes (All levels)
- Black canvas ballet shoes with no socks. black fitted shirt tucked in or black leotard worn under the tights (option for Levels 4-6)
- No skin-toned ballet shoes for classes or rehearsals
- Dance belts (undergarment) as needed.
- An elastic belt or dress belt is required for keeping tights up
- Levels 3-6:
- Black character shoes and optional long black character skirt.
- For contemporary, modern, and improv and composition. Black fitted clothing may be worn . No exposed midriff, the torso must remain covered while moving. Black socks or bare feet are at the discretion of the teacher.
- Sneakers for hip-hop classes. Baggy clothing is allowed. No exposed midriff, the torso must remain covered while moving. Black t-shirt (same as contemporary) encouraged.
Religious or Cultural Accommodations
We are supportive of any religious or cultural dress code preferences. Please contact the School Director to discuss an appropriate option that best suits the needs of the student and family.
Hair
- All hair is required to be pulled back into a neat bun if possible and fastened securely using a rubber band, multiple pins and a hair net that matches the color of the student’s hair.
- Students identifying as male or non-binary with long hair must wear hair in ponytail, single braid, or bun. Bangs must be pinned back away from face.
- Short hair needs to be fastened away from face. Bangs must be pinned back away from face. Head bands must match the student's hair color if needed to secure short hair.
- Students/ parents must be responsible for the necessary supplies to have their hair done before class time. No headbands, bandanas, bows, scrunchies, donuts, or other headwear which interferes with or distracts from class.
- Students in levels 6 may wear hair in French twist.
- Hair may be worn in a ponytail or braid in designed classes at the discretion of the teacher. (Ex. Pilates, Modern, Strength & Conditioning, Improvisation, Contemporary, and Composition). Bangs must still be secure off the face.
- Unnatural hair color is permitted but must be removed prior to theater rehearsals, performances and photo shoots
Warm-ups
Warm-ups are only permitted before and after class and rehearsal. Please remove all warm-ups prior to the rehearsal or the first combination beginning. Fitted warm-ups are allowed for theater warm up classes only or when observing a class. If a warmup item is needed due to helping an injury, prior instructor approval is needed.
Pointe Shoes
- Pointe shoes readiness is determined by the School Director and School Faculty. If this is your first year on pointe, do not buy your shoes without prior instruction from the school Director. Fittings will be scheduled to assist you in your purchase.
- The color of the shoes, elastics and ribbons must match the color of the tights.
- Shoes must be securely and neatly sewn with like color thread.
- Additional instructions will be provided to qualified students during the first month of classes.
- All pointe shoes brands permitted except Gaynor Minden. Pointe shoes must be approved by the School Director or instructor prior to sewing.
- Pointe shoes must be brought to every class ready to wear.
Jewelry, Nails, Tattoos
- No jewelry, watches, necklaces, chokers, anklets, watches, fit bits, bracelets, or rings. Exceptions can be made for health, cultural, and religious purposes but must be approved by the School Director.
- Visible permanent or temporary tattoos are not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances and photo shoots.
- Facial Jewelry (Ex. Nose rings and studs, eyebrow and lip piercing, etc.) is not permitted for any classes, rehearsals, or performances.
- Students are permitted to wear small stud-type earrings in class. Not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances and photo shoots.
- Levels 6 may wear small drop earrings, no longer than ½ inch. Not permitted for theater rehearsals, performances and photo shoots.
- Nails are to be kept short (max length of ¼ inch) for safety purposes. Nail polish is permitted for class, but no nail adornments. (ex. Jewels) No Nail polish for theater rehearsals, performances and photo shoots.)
OBT School equally supports the following dance apparel/footwear stores that carry our dress code items:
Dance Togs The Leotard Portland Dancewear
3835 SW Hall Boulevard 2432 NE MLK Boulevard 9225 SW Hall Blvd.
Beaverton, OR 97005 Portland, OR 97212 Tigard, OR 97223
(503) 644-7545 (503) 284-9244 (503) 292-1539
dancetogs.net theleotard.com portlanddancewear.com
Locker Rooms
For students in Level 3 and higher, separate locker rooms are provided for male and female students. The locker rooms are not supervised and are to be used for changing only. Students should not gather and socialize in this area. Food consumption in the locker room is strictly prohibited. Inappropriate behavior in the locker room will result in loss of locker room privileges and a meeting with the School Director to determine appropriate course of action.
Student will be assigned a locker or cubby. Students assigned a locker must report the locker number and their lock combination to the School Registrar. Only combination locks are to be used, and the basic turn-dial Master lock is preferred. Keyed locks and the lock brand WordLock are prohibited. If the combination changes, the student must provide the new combination to OBT School immediately. Should a lock need to be removed by OBT School staff or a locksmith, the student or their family will be responsible for a cutting/removal fee of $40.
Food and/or drink may not be stored in lockers overnight. Students storing illegal or controlled substances, tobacco or marijuana products, or weapons in their lockers will be immediately expelled with no refund of tuition. Lockers are intended for storage of street clothes/shoes, jackets, purses, jewelry, wallets, electronics, and phones while the student is in the studio. Dance bags with pointe shoes/pointe supplies may be taken into the studio and stored along the wall; do not store belongings under the center barres. There should never be unattended personal belongings left in the locker room or common areas. Please lock up all items of value (mobile phones, wallets, purses, jewelry, money, etc.), or leave them at home or with a family member. OBT School/OBT does not accept responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of personal belongings. Report any locker damage or loss of personal belongings immediately to OBT School staff.
Locker checkout will occur on the last day of the Summer Intensive. The interior of each locker must be emptied, and the interior and exterior must be cleaned.
Storage Cubbies
Storage cubbies are located across from the restrooms. Cubbies will be assigned and are to be used to store dance bags and other personal items during classes, however cubbies are open and unsecured. All valuables, wallets, electronics, etc. must be locked in assigned locker, or left at home or with a family member.
Hygiene
As a courtesy to staff, faculty and fellow students, please use deodorant immediately before class. Offensive personal hygiene will be confidentially addressed.
Dress code items should be laundered on a regular basis. It is suggested that multiples of each dress code item be purchased so that clean items can be worn to each class.
Ballet shoes can become smelly. Canvas ballet shoes should be machine washed on a cold, delicate cycle with liquid detergent. Allow them to air dry in a warm place. Pointe shoes should be hung to air out on a regular basis.
Restrooms
There is to be no changing in any restroom/restroom stall. It is inconsiderate to those waiting to use the facilities.
Common Areas
These areas are for warm-up, preparing for class, quiet socializing, and cooling down. These are also the only areas where food can be consumed and should be disposed of in nearby receptacles. All noise must be kept to a minimum as a courtesy to other students and OBT/OBT School staff. Students who are repeatedly asked to lower their voices will be asked to separate themselves from the group, and may have their family contacted to address the issue.
OBT Box Office and Lobby
To maintain a focused and safe learning and work environment parents and family members are asked to wait to enter OBT's building until the Junior and Senior Intensives have concluded for the day. School business may be conducted via e-mail, phone, and prearranged meetings. Parents and family members can check-in with the front desk to sign-out the restroom pass during Junior and Senior Intensive. Availability of restroom pass may be limited. For later afternoon and evening classes, parents and family members may wait in the lobby during Pre-Ballet, Primary, and Adult Workshop classes.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices, including mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, game systems, computers, etc., should be used only for school or ballet homework or for necessary parent communication. No electronics are allowed for entertainment purposes or social media in the hallways or locker rooms. Inappropriate online content should not be viewed at OBT School and can lead to dismissal from the school. If use of a device becomes an issue, it will be confiscated by OBT School staff and securely stored until the student leaves for the day. If the device becomes a repetitive issue the student’s family will be contacted. OBT provides wireless internet access for its registered students for educational needs. Please see OBT School staff for the current access point and password. Our guest network is not secure, you are responsible for all activity and any sensitive information you send or receive over this network from your personal device.
It is strongly recommended all students have a mobile phone and share this phone number with the school. This number will be used only by staff in emergency situations or in the case of absences. Mobile phones must be turned off or set to silent/vibrate upon entering the building. OBT School staff will turn off phones not set to silent and heard ringing. Please keep phone calls brief and to an absolute necessity.
Students who make frequent and long calls will be asked to refrain from doing so. Use of mobile phones in any of the studios, including texting, is prohibited. Any student caught texting, making a call, or taking photos or video in the studio during class will be reported to the School Director. Out of respect to faculty, staff and fellow classmates, always ask permission before taking photos or video. Students found taking photos or video without permission will be subject to disciplinary action by the School Director..
Student Conduct
Students must show consistent effort and progress, and behave in a disciplined, responsible, and respectful manner to fellow students, teachers, pianists, staff, and company dancers. Any violation of the Student Conduct policy, on or off-site, by the student or the parent/guardian, will result in a meeting with the School Director, and may result in the loss of scholarship and/or suspension or expulsion from OBT School. Any issues with a fellow student or OBT employee must be handled by meeting with the School Director to resolve the issue not through peer to peer communication. All communication between the School and other students is to be kept private and not shared on social media or within the OBT community
Parent & Family Member Conduct
Any concerns with OBT, including the School, are to be resolved in a mutually respectful manner free of verbal abuse, physical violence, or threatening behavior. Failure to do so may lead to a family being dismissed from the school.
Mutual Respect & Zero Tolerance Policy
Oregon Ballet Theatre School is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where all students are valued and respected. To this end, all students, teachers, pianists, staff, and company dancers are to interact with each other in a respectful, supportive, and inclusive manner.
OBT School is a safe and welcoming environment.
OBT School will not tolerate, nor support in any way, acts of bullying behavior or exclusion.
OBT School staff will communicate with students to educate them about mutual respect, bullying behavior, and its prevention.
Students are asked to immediately report instances of bullying or aggressive behavior to a teacher, the School Director, School Administrator, or School Registrar. Any student seen or proven to be in violation of the above will be dismissed immediately from the school without any reimbursement of tuition.
Any of the following actions or behavior will not be tolerated and may be the basis for immediate dismissal from the school without tuition refund.
- Tobacco or marijuana use of any kind on or near the premises.
- Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs or any other illegal substances.
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, commission of any violent act, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health, safety, or emotional well-being of another.
- Harassment of another person, whether physical, sexual, verbal, written, or via Internet.
- Possession, use and/or display of weapons including knives, guns, explosives, etc. or harmful materials.
- Theft of any kind.
