Ballet has been part of Portland's cultural heritage since the 1930s. In 1989, two ballet companies merged to form Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) under Artistic Director James Canfield. Over 25 years, OBT has grown to become a prominent part of Portland's arts scene through performances, outreach programs, and adapting to economic changes while maintaining high artistic standards. Interviewees discuss OBT's role in the community, efforts to make ballet accessible to the public, and the company's evolution under Canfield and subsequent Artistic Director Christopher Stowell.