Ballet Austin Academy | Dance Classes for All Ages 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?
- Expert Faculty: Our instructors are experienced professionals, many of whom are current or former Ballet Austin Company dancers.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students at our Butler Center for Dance Education location train in the same state-of-the-art facilities as Ballet Austin’s professional dancers, providing the opportunity/access to view Company rehearsals of upcoming performances.
- Live Accompaniment: Experience live music in many classes, enhancing musicality and expression.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our structured program guides students from the Young Children’s Division (ages 15 months–5 years) to the Advanced Division (ages 14–18).
- 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.
School Year Programs — Ages 15 Months to 18 Years
Ballet Austin Academy Summer Classes & Camps 2026
Now Enrolling: Ages 15 Months – 10 Years
Classes Run June 22 – August 2, 2026
Ballet Austin’s summer ballet programs offer engaging and structured classes designed to nurture young dancers. Students receive age-appropriate instruction in a fun, supportive environment. Our Austin ballet classes for kids are available in two locations.
Enrollment & Placement — 2026/27 School Year
We are excited to announce that classes for new and returning Academy students ages 15 months to 18 years are open for enrollment for the 2026/27 school year.
Current Academy Students
Students previously enrolled in Pre-Ballet 7 and below should register based on their age as of September 1, 2026.
Students previously enrolled in Level 1 and above should register based on their 2025/26 end-of-year evaluations.
New Academy Students
New Students ages 7 and under — will be placed according to their age as of September 1, 2026.
No Previous Ballet Experience, Ages 8 to 10 — are automatically placed in Level 1.
Previous Ballet Experience, Ages 8 to 18 — are required to attend a Placement Audition on June 6 or August 15 or submit a Digital Audition to determine their acceptance and level placement. For assistance, contact the Academy Registrar.
All Academy @ The Dell JCC Students
Members of the Dell Jewish Community Center receive a 20% discount on all Ballet Austin classes offered at the Dell JCC. Being a Dell JCC member is not required to enroll.
- IF you are currently an active Member of the Dell Jewish Community Center, please follow these steps to have the JCC Member ID added to your Ballet Austin MINDBODY account:
- Create a Ballet Austin MINDBODY account (online scheduling system) – Create a Ballet Austin MINDBODY account
- Please email the Registrar your full name to be verified and receive the JCC membership ID on your Ballet Austin MINDBODY account
- Once you are verified as a current JCC member, and the JCC Membership ID is added to your Ballet Austin MINDBODY account, the 20% discount applies automatically when enrolling.
Questions about the Academy?
Please contact Academy Registrar Siobhan O’Donnell at 512.501.8703 or email registrar@balletaustin.org.
Office hours: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Are you a member of Dell Jewish Community Center? Ask about your 20% discount.
Request More Information
The Louis and Mary Kay Smith Family Foundation
