Ballet Forest Grove, a non-profit ballet company in Forest Grove

was born from the hopes and dreams of Patty Petersen. “Miss Patty,” owner and artistic director of Forest Grove Dance Arts, wanted to share her love of ballet with the local community through performances of the beloved Nutcracker Ballet.    Her vision was to share the experience of performing this historic ballet with as many dancers as possible. She worked with a small group of dedicated volunteers to form a non-profit organization in 2006 whose goal was to offset the expense for dancers in presenting a quality pre-professional production.  The first Ballet Forest Grove Nutcracker performance debuted December 2007. The show has grown in size, popularity and complexity; gaining a significant following over the years. The Ballet Forest Grove Board of Directors consists of nine volunteer members who dedicate their time and talents to promote the mission of the Ballet Company:

“To provide quality pre-professional ballet training in a nurturing environment, encouraging personal accomplishment and a life-long appreciation of dance.”

Ballet Forest Grove has expanded to produce a Young Choreographers’ Showcase, provide annual scholarships, and reimburses expenses for dancers performing en pointe.  The Young Choreographers’ Showcase provides a chance for Ballet Company dancers to perform original works for the community.  The Ballet Forest Grove Memorial Dance Scholarship was created to honor the memory of dancers who left us too soon and is intended to further the dance education of its recipients.   Twice each year, performing pointe dancers can apply for reimbursement to cover a portion of the cost of pointe shoes.  Generous donations and fundraising provide the resources needed to fund these efforts.