The Portland Ballet, Portland

Since its inception more than 10 years ago, The Portland Ballet has already sent students off to successful careers at prestigious ballet companies, including American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, and Miami City Ballet. Artistic director Nancy Davis helms an expert staff that follows a specialized curriculum designed to guide students with classes and additional programs with guest instructors that have included Evelyn Cisneros (the former principal ballerina with the San Francisco Ballet) and Marianna Tcherkassky (the former principal ballerina with American Ballet Theatre).

The Portland Ballet accepts students as young as 3 and nurtures their talents through a program that includes creative ballet, curriculum ballet, and a men’s ballet program taught by all-male instructors. Teachers also lead classes for adults and teach alternate dance styles such as jazz and modern. Students get the chance to perform twice a year and can audition for The Portland Ballet’s youth company, which performs repertory pieces and workshops with guest instructors.