When Megan Murphy goes to classes at Oregon Ballet Foundation, of which she is executive director, there are usually 20 to 30 people. Multiply that number by about 20 and you’ve got the number of students she’s hoping will show up this weekend.
With 551 participants, the South African Ballet Theatre earned a Guinness World Record in February 2006 for holding the largest ballet class ever. Last year, OBF unsuccessfully attempted to break that record, missing it by just 70 dancers. But just in time for National Dance Week, they’re trying again Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at McArthur Court. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m.
“We wanted to support dance and promote it in our community, and we thought it’d be fun,” Murphy said.
The event, which costs $5, is open to anyone older than 6, regardless of past experience or ballet clothes.

“Ballet is not everyone’s thing; I know that,” Murphy said. “They don’t have to wear tutus or tights – but if they want to, they can.”
Mayor Kitty Piercy, an honorary ballet master, will host the event, which will be led by several local dance studios including The Edge, Oregon Ballet Academy, Dance Theater of Oregon and All That! Dance Company, as well as Traduza Dance Company of Roseburg.
Murphy said that while the goal is to break a world record, the day is more about having fun.
“There’s something about it: everyone bending sideways to stretch. It’s just like, ‘Wow,’” she said. “All ages, all sizes, moms, dads, real dancers. It’s fun.
“I think everyone will be pretty jazzed up. I don’t want to be disappointed if we don’t (break the record) because it’s still really fun.”
[email protected]