Founded in 2004, Orange County Ballet Theatre (OCBT) seeks to present ballet and other forms of dance to audiences of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. OCBT provides a performing outlet for young talented dancers from Orange County communities while promoting the art of dance to audiences who might not otherwise experience the beauty of a live performance. OCBT accomplishes its mission through outreach programs in local schools, community centers and free outdoor performance and classes.
Our recent accomplishments include performances with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with their Education Departments’ Class Act Youth Concerts featuring Tchaikovsky. Our young dancers also performed as guest artists with the talented young musicians of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra in their performance of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. We have been asked to perform again both of these organizations in the spring.
Our Summer Outreach Program trains Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy high-school students to teach dance. These new teachers work with young children from neighboring Title 1 elementary schools who are invited to participate in free dance classes. Shoes are provided to children in need.
OCBT also provides its dancers who are considering professional careers the opportunity to be mentored by a successful working artist and to observe first hand the professionalism and dedication required of a successful dancer. Twice a year, select students perform with celebrity guest artists from prestigious ballet companies. Our recent guests have been from American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the San Francisco Ballet.
