OBT must be ranked as a world-class ballet school! I'm a former Rhythmic Gymnast/ Dancer and have had more ballet teachers than I can name. However, I had yet to experience this level of professionalism and love imbued in the Director/ Teacher Damara Bennet. She is the most wonderful ballet teacher I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Fortunately, my four-year old daughter is in her Pre-ballet class and had never before been to another school of any kind. So, my daughter was very nervous about being out of my sight for even 45 minutes, but Damara's engaging personality along with her synchronized pianist made for such a nurturing first experience! The self-confidence, love of dance, and music appreciation my daughter now enjoys really impresses me. Damara embodies the warmth and imagination of an Early-Childhood Waldorf Teacher, coupled with her principle technique- IT DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN THIS FOLKS! OBT is the crown jewel of Portland; Lucky us ;-)
Pros: Staff members, cheerful ambience, beautiful studios and clean facilities ;-)
Cons: last-minute parking; get there @ 10 minutes early.
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