OBT Dancers with the Dosha Creative Team: Eva Burton as Principal Dancer & Passionate Teacher

Eva Burton has been dancing with Oregon Ballet Theatre for over a decade. From company artist to principal dancer—and adding the title of teacher along the way—her journey is shaped by a deep connection with ballet, both onstage and in the studio.

She recently stopped by Dosha Salon Spa for a hair refresh with our creative team, and we caught up with her to talk dancing, teaching, and her Portland gems.

OBT dancer eva burton with dosha creative team photoshoot

What do you love most about dancing?

“My favorite thing about dancing is being able to tell a story. I’m a very shy person, so that’s how I express myself. My goal is always to connect with the people in the audience.”

Tell us about your journey with OBT.

“I joined OBT in 2010—this was my first professional job. I became a principal dancer in 2020. I’ve grown into the dancer I am today over the last 15 years.”

How do you prepare for demanding roles as a principal dancer?

“For Giselle, I tailored my workouts to the role—it’s very intense, with lots of cardio and jumping. I’d play the music score loud and run or dance to it to recreate the feeling.”

“Mentally, I listen to the music over and over. I think about how I want it to look and feel emotionally. The music really becomes part of me.”

image of behind the scenes with OBT dancer Eva Burton with the dosha creative team

“When I share the stage with one of my students, I feel like I really have to bring it!”

Giselle was a highlight for you this season, why does it have such a special place in your heart?

“When I was growing up dancing at a little ballet studio in LA, we did Giselle for our end-of-the-year performance. I was a little willi then, but I remember seeing all the amazing choreography and thinking, when I’m a principal dancer someday, I want to be Giselle. And this year, I was able to dance that role.”

“I danced in OBT’s Giselle back in 2012 when my husband and I first met. It was the first performance he ever saw me in. So seeing me this season in a core role was really special.”

You also teach at OBT School. How has that shaped your artistry?

“It might sound cliché, but I learn so much from teaching. Everyone learns differently, so it pushes me to explain things in new ways and that makes me think more deeply about my own technique.”

What’s been your most rewarding teaching moment?

“This year I’ve focused on one class, and getting to know them has been so rewarding. Ballet can feel serious, so I try to make my classes a relaxed space where kids feel safe to push themselves

image of behind the scenes with OBT dancer Eva Burton with the dosha creative team

Tell us about your hair refresh with Dosha.

“I started going grey at 16, so when I came in, my roots, bangs and bob were all growing out to the point there wasn’t much shape to my hair. My stylist toned the brassiness and gave me these beautiful bouncy layers. I didn’t even recognize myself in the photos—I was like, ‘Who is that??’”

How do you care for your hair as a ballerina?

“It’s always in tight buns with a lot of product, so I try to use hair masks and wear it down when I’m not working.”

We sent her home with the Nutriplenish Treatment Masque to help keep her hair conditioned and healthy!

What’s your favorite Portland hidden gem?

“My husband and I live in SE Portland and love Pizzeria Otto on Foster—amazing Neapolitan pizza. I also love hiking at Powell Butte with my dog. Even from the parking lot, the view of Mt. Hood is spectacular.”

Image of portland hidden gems OBT Dancer Eva Burton's favorites

Experience Oregon Ballet Theatre for yourself!

🎟 Experience Eva live in the world premiere of OBT’s Marilyn, April 4–13. Don't miss this chance to see one of OBT’s most beloved principal dancers on stage. Get your tickets for "Marilyn"!

We hope you enjoyed this month's blog, "OBT Dancers with the Dosha Creative Team: Eva Burton as Principal Dancer & Passionate Teacher"; Stay tuned for more Behind the Curtain stories as we continue to highlight the incredible dancers of OBT. You can learn more about the company on the OBT website here.

Meet the Dosha Creative Team

Kim Botner is a Dosha Master Stylist and our Creative Director. Check out Kim's Instagram @kimbotner.

Master Stylist Kristina Paris. Check out her IG @kristinaparishair.

Master Stylist Hannah Rose. Check out her IG @hairbosshannah

Master Stylist Jessica Watts. Check out her IG @jesswattshair

Master Stylist Doza Barcelona. Check out her IG @dozabarcelona .

Master Stylist and Makeup artist Kayla Jones. Check out her IG @kaylajay_artist

Master Stylist and Makeup artist Juliana Morton. Check out her IG @juliana_pdxartist_stylist