Portland, ME… On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Senator Justin Alfond stood before the Maine Legislature and formally recognized and thanked Eugenia “Genie” O’Brien, Founder and Artistic Director of Portland Ballet, for her dedication to bringing professional ballet to Maine. O’Brien recently announced her retirement from Portland Ballet after 35 years of service.

An excerpt from Senator Alfond’s speech:

“It’s 1980. Jimmy Carter is President. Ted Turner launches CNN and the US breaks diplomatic ties with Iran.

In Portland, Maine, Genie O’Brien established a focused school in classic ballet. Yes in 1980, in the small community of Portland, Ms. O’Brien opened the doors to follow her dream to teach dance. 

For a small city like Portland to have a company of professional dancers, who have been recruited from all around the country, to live and work in the arts is unique. This distinction is usually one for only the biggest cities of our country. Secondly, Portland Ballet also presents its own original work by resident choreographers. Finally, her students have danced on the biggest stages in this country.

 What has not been mentioned is Genie's vision of giving area high school students who are passionate in dance the opportunity to earn high school credits through the Portland Ballet CORPS program. I could go on and on and truly Genie is worth every accolade.

I will end by just sharing how proud I am to recognize Genie for all that she has done for dance, for the arts and culture scene in Portland, for her students and professional troupe and for the thousands of audience members who were treated to the finest performances.”

About Portland Ballet:

Portland Ballet is the ballet company. The Company performs throughout the year in southern Maine, presenting full-length classics as well as highly-regarded contemporary choreography under the direction of Artistic Director Eugenia L. O'Brien and Associate Artistic Director Nell Shipman. For more information about Portland Ballet Company, its school and programs, visit www.portlandballet.org or call 207-772-9671.

About Portland School of Ballet:

Portland School of Ballet offers many choices for students with differing levels of commitments. We have ballet classes for children and adults, beginner to advanced, recreational to professional. PSB offers small classes and individual attention. All of our classes are taught by adults with extensive teaching and performing experience. For more information about Portland School of Ballet visit www.portlandballet.org or call 207-772-9671.