The Portland Ballet trains professional ballet artists in a rigorous, supportive, and performance-centered environment. Established in 2001 by retired dancers Nancy Davis and Jim Lane, TPB has dedicated itself to excellence in dance education. The Portland Ballet approaches youth dance differently: it focuses professional-quality instruction, choreography, music, and performance design on young dancers. High expectations help our dancers thrive. This disciplined approach prepares young dancers for a career in ballet, but allows for the flexibility and creativity to explore other aesthetics. Instruction with top teachers, access to professional choreographers and musicians, and regular performance opportunities – including the chance to work with The George Balanchine Trust – set TPB apart from other ballet academies. The arts play a major role in the social, physical and educational development of youth. For that reason, we help children develop not only as dancers, but also as people. TPB builds self-confidence, maturity, and self-discipline in its students. Whether or not they pursue a career in ballet, our dancers graduate with the life skills to help them succeed.