Claire Schaefer

Claire Schaefer is originally from Austin, Texas. She started her dance education at age four in Ballet Austin's Academy under the instruction of Ian Bethany, Jennifer Hart, and Libby James. At age sixteen she was invited to join Ballet Chicago's Studio Company where she danced for her remaining two years of high school focusing on the Balanchine style. Upon graduating in 2022, she decided to continue her training in Milwaukee Ballet's Pre-Professional Program under the direction of Tatiana Jouravel-Malinkine. She spent two years in the program focusing on classical ballet technique as well as exploring other dance styles including contemporary and jazz. She has also spent her summers training at Kansas City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and Cincinnati Ballet where she has had the opportunity to learn and perform repertoire by George Balanchine and William Forsythe.

Claire is excited to be joining Portland Ballet as a Trainee for the 24/25 season!