Ballet Austin Academy – Premier Dance Education in Austin
Dancers Grow Here
Endowed in part by Sarah & Ernest Butler through the Ballet Austin Foundation
Founded in 1956 by Barbara Carson, the Ballet Austin Academy is the official ballet school of Ballet Austin, and one of the largest in the United States. We are deeply committed to providing the highest quality dance instruction to our more than 700 students.
Each area has a codified syllabus designed to facilitate the maximum physical, mental and emotional development appropriate to the age and physical ability of each student. Once a student enters the Elementary Division, rigorous ballet technique training begins. While the benefits of this training are all-inclusive, the Academy’s focus is to provide what is necessary for a professional career in dance.
Students develop skills associated with academic success including self-discipline, self-confidence and the ability to concentrate and collaborate. Our students recognize the importance of the process and the quality of work, at the same time setting high standards for themselves in all areas.
Throughout the year, students may be selected by Ballet Austin’s artistic staff to perform with the company in full-length productions. Only Academy students are eligible to audition for roles in these productions, including Ballet Austin’s annual production of The Nutcracker. In this main stage production over 150 Academy students compliment Ballet Austin’s 20 professional dancers and 10 apprentices.
Why Choose Ballet Austin Academy?
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Expert Faculty: Our instructors are experienced professionals, many of whom are Ballet Austin Company dancers.
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State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train in the same studios as Ballet Austin’s professional company.
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Live Accompaniment: Experience live music in many classes, enhancing musicality and expression.
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Comprehensive Curriculum: Our structured program guides students from the Young Children’s Division (ages 15 months–5 years) to the Advanced Division (ages 12–18).
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Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform in our annual Academy Spring Presentation and may audition for Ballet Austin’s production of The Nutcracker.
Explore Our Programs
The Louis and Mary Kay Smith Family Foundation
