Elementary Division (Ages 8-12)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Formal ballet training begins in the Elementary Division, a rigorous and comprehensive program of the highest caliber.
The Elementary Division syllabus progresses at a rate that allows the student to learn exercises correctly and with full physicality. Repetition and slow careful work is emphasized, so students can learn discipline and control of their bodies.
Elementary Division students are required to attend all scheduled classes for their level. Students progress to the next level once they master the material and physical understanding of the syllabus in their current level of study. Students will receive a written progress report at the end of each School Year.
BALLET AUSTIN ACADEMY BENEFITS
There are many benefits to training at Ballet Austin Academy, for both the student and family.
- At the end of the year, Elementary Division students participate in the Academy Spring Presentation.
- All Academy students 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 is an important aspect of a professional ballet training program and is provided for all Elementary Division classes.
- Academy students 9 years of age and older who are registered in Level 2 or 3 are given the opportunity to audition for the professional production of The Nutcracker.
- Level 1 students and their parents have the opportunity for an exclusive backstage tour of The Nutcracker during production week at The Long Center.
- 20% discount on all single tickets for Ballet Austin’s five annual productions at The Long Center, including The Nutcracker.
- Discounts for parents for Butler Center for Dance & Fitness classes and workshops.
- Complimentary BeWell Talks for Academy parents and students, featuring relevant topics for families.
- FREE or reduced-rate parking, on-site or nearby.
The Nutcracker: All students registered in the Elementary Division Level 2 or higher, and age 9 by October 1, 2023, are once again eligible to audition for Ballet Austin’s 61st annual production of The Nutcracker! Auditions for student performers will be held at Ballet Austin in September 2023.
Health and Safety Protocols
- All student performers are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.
- Face masks may be worn during rehearsal and performances at the Long Center if deemed necessary. Performers will not be masked while on-stage performing.
Meet Your Instructors
Jennifer Hart
Curriculum Supervisor Levels 1-9
Alexa Capareda
Ballet Master-Ballet Austin II and Butler Fellows and Level 1, 2, and 3 Instructor
Danielle Cortier
Level 1 Instructor
Lisa del Rosario
Level 1 Instructor
Aisling DiRico
Level 3 Instructor
Sahel Pascuel
Level 3 Instructor
Level 1 (A)
Monday & Wednesday
4:45 – 5:45 pm
D. Cortier
Level 1 (B)
Monday & Wednesday
4:30 – 5:30 pm
K. Rustagi
Level 1 (C)
Tuesday & Thursday
4:30 – 5:30 pm
A. Capareda
Level 1 (D)
Wednesday & Saturday
5:45 – 6:45 pm & 9:00 – 10:00 am
L. del Rosario
Level 2 (A)
Monday & Wednesday
4:15 – 5:30 pm
A. Capareda
Level 2 (B)
Monday & Wednesday
5:30 – 6:45 pm
K. Rustagi
Level 2 (C)
Tuesday & Thursday
5:30 – 6:45 pm
A. Capareda
Level 3 (A)
Monday
Technique
5:30 – 7:00 pm
A. Capareda
Wednesday
Technique
5:30 – 7:00 pm
A. Capareda
Friday
Extended Technique
5:15 – 7:15 pm
S. Pascuel
Level 3 (B)
Tuesday
Technique
5:30 – 7:00 pm
K. Rustagi
Thursday
Technique
5:30 – 7:00 pm
K. Rustagi
Saturday
Extended Technique
11:45 – 1:45 pm
A. DiRico
Monday
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Staff TBD
Elementary Division Placement & Registration for New and Returning Students
Siobhan O’Donnell,
Academy Registrar
FOR CURRENT ACADEMY STUDENTS
Students should enroll based upon their 2022/23 end of year evaluation. Former Pre-Ballet 7 students, who are 8 years of age by September 1, 2023, may enroll in Level 1
FOR NEW STUDENTS
Previous Ballet Experience, Ages 8+
Students 8 years of age and older, with previous ballet experience, who are new to Ballet Austin, are required to attend a Placement Audition on August 6 or submit a Digital Audition to determine their acceptance and level placement.
No Previous Ballet Experience, Ages 8–10
Students 8 years of age to 10 years of age, as of September 1, 2023, with no previous dance experience, are automatically placed in Level 1.
If you have questions or need help registering your student, contact our Academy Registrar at 512.501.8703 or via email.
No previous dance experience is required to join the Greg Easley Bryant Boys’ Scholarship Class. The student’s first four classes are considered the probationary period and will be used to assess the student’s ability to focus and work in a collaborative environment. The student should also demonstrate appropriate social, cognitive, and physical development. Boys age 8–12, upon successful completion of the probationary period, receive a full tuition scholarship ($1,100 value), and may enroll at any time. Although it is recommended that this class be taken in conjunction with a corresponding Elementary Division Ballet Technique Class, it is not required.
Ballet Austin is humbled to have the name of this class honor an individual who made a positive impact on the ballet community in Austin. To learn more about how you can help ensure that future generations of young, male dancers have the support and encouragement to pursue their dreams of a professional dance career, click here.
