In a town known for supporting the arts, Portland’s Oregon Ballet Theatre is experiencing tough times. Last month the Oregonian newspaper made public the financial difficulties being faced by the 20 year old organization. They need $750,000 to survive. Donations from individuals are down 50% in the past year. Bills are piling up and dancers need to be paid.

So what is a struggling ballet company to do? They shall dance! On Friday June 12th, the Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) will put on what is being billed as a performance to save it’s life. The OBT won’t be alone at this event, some of the most famous ballet companies in the US will join this week’s performance, including the New York City Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet. The performance will be held at the Keller Auditorium this Friday, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $50 per person and can be purchased by phone, in person at the box office or online via TicketMaster. If you would like to do even more to guarantee the survival of the OBT, a VIP soirée with appearances by the performers will be held directly afterward with tickets selling for $500.

The Oregon Ballet Theatre is close to its $750,000 goal for survival but still needs your help. Through June 9th supporters had raised $486,000 towards the goal. They have until June 30th to close the gap by raising an additional $264,000.