Summer Intensive
TRAIN WITH THE BEST THIS SUMMER!
Endowed in part by Sarah and Ernest Butler through the Ballet Austin Foundation
Under the personal instruction of an outstanding faculty, including Ballet Austin’s Associate Artistic Director Michelle Martin and Company Rehearsal Director Christopher Swaim, you will learn what it takes to excel in your career through this classical yet innovative program.
AUDITIONS
Registration for Summer Intensive 2024 is now closed. Please check back in November for audition information for Summer Intensive 2025.
In-Person Auditions / Ages 11-18
Requirements for in-person auditions:
Pre-registration –
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Pre-registration is recommended.
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Pre-registration will close on the Thursday prior to the in-person audition.
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If registering in-person, please bring a first arabesque photo, and $40 audition fee in cash or check.
- All audition times posted are in local time zones.
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Saturday, January 6th, 2024.
Online registration for January 6th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Chicago, IL. Audition at Joffrey Ballet from 1:30-3:30pm.
- Coppell, TX. Audition at Ballet Academy of Texas Studios from 4:00-6:00pm.
- Orlando, FL. Audition at Orlando Ballet from 4:30-6:30pm.
Sunday, January 7th, 2024.
Online registration for January 7th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Denver, CO. Audition at Colorado Ballet 1:00-3:00pm
- Indianapolis, IN. Audition at Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy Studios 3:00-5:00pm
- Atlanta, GA. Audition at Atlanta Ballet from 5:30-7:30pm.
Saturday, January 13th, 2024.
Online registration for January 13th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Houston, TX. Audition at Vitacca School for Dance, Houston from 1:00-3:00pm.
- Washington, DC. Audition at The Washington Ballet at The Main Building location from 3:00-5:00pm
- Kansas City, MO. Audition at Kansas City Ballet from 6:00-8:00pm.
Monday, January 15th, 2024.
Online registration for January 15th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Austin, TX. Audition at Ballet Austin from 10:00-11:30am for ages 9-12, 11:30am-1:15pm for ages 13-14 and 1:15-3:00pm for ages 15-18.
- Philadelphia, PA. Audition at Philadelphia Ballet from 12:30-2:30pm.
- San Francisco, CA. Audition at San Francisco Ballet from 3:00-5:00pm.
Saturday, January 20th, 2024
Online registration for January 20th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Phoenix, AZ. Audition at Ballet Arizona from 2:30-4:30pm
- New York City, NY. Audition at School of American Ballet from 4:30-6:30pm
Sunday, January 21st, 2024.
Online registration for January 21st is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Seattle, WA. Audition at Pacific Northwest Ballet 1:00-2:45pm for ages 11-14 and 2:45-4:30pm for ages 15-18.
- Norman, OK. Audition at University of Oklahoma School of Dance from 1:00-3:00pm for ages 11-23.
- Los Angeles, CA. Audition at Colburn School and Trudl Zipper Dance Institute from 2:00-4:00pm.
Saturday, January 27th, 2024.
Online registration for January 27th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Cincinnati, OH. Audition at Cincinnati Ballet from 2:00-4:00pm.
- Tulsa, OK. Audition at Tulsa Dance Co. from 2:00-4:00pm
Sunday, January 28th, 2024.
Online registration for January 28th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Plano, TX. Audition at Chamberlain School of Ballet from 2:00-4:00pm.
- Portland, OR. Audition at Oregon Ballet Theatre from 3:00-5:00pm.
- Winston- Salem, NC. Audition at University of North Carolina School of the Arts from 2:00-4:00pm
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024.
Online registration for February 3rd is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Grand Rapids, MI. Audition at Grand Rapids Ballet from 5:30-7:30pm.
Sunday, February 4th, 2024.
Online registration for February 4th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Natick, MA. Audition at Walnut Hill School for the Arts from 1:00-3:00pm.
- Fort Wayne, IN. Audition at Ft. Wayne Ballet from 3:00-5:00pm.
- Minneapolis, MN. Audition at Minnesota Dance Theatre from 3:00-5:00pm.
Saturday, February 10th. 2024.
Online registration for February 10th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Salt Lake City, UT. Audition at Ballet West from 5:00-7:00pm.
Sunday, February 11th. 2024.
Online registration for February 11th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- San Diego/Poway, CA. Audition at Lynch Dance Institute from 2:00- 3:45pm for ages 11-14 and from 4:15-6:00pm for ages 15-18.
Monday, February 19th. 2024.
Online registration for February 19th is now closed. You may still register at the audition site on the day of the audition. Please bring your audition fee in cash or check (made out to Ballet Austin) and your full-body dance photo. We hope to see you there!
- Houston, TX. Audition at Bayou City Ballet from 1:00-3:00pm.
Digital (pre-recorded video) Audition Submissions / Ages 9-20
- To audition with a pre-recorded video take the following steps:
- Register for the audition
- Pay the audition fee
- Complete the audition application
- Upload your video and photos
Your 15-minute digital audition should include a sampling of barre work and center practice, including adagio, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro, as well as pointe work, if applicable. Men should include double tour en l’air and tours á la seconde.
- Register for the audition
SUMMER INTENSIVE LEVELS
Senior Summer Intensive (AGES 11–22)
Dates: June 24-July 12 / July 15-August 2 / June 24-August 2
Ballet Austin’s Senior Summer Intensive program offers two 3-week sessions or one 6-week session of study for serious students ages 11–22.
The Summer Intensive program is an experience that will give students a deeper understanding of ballet technique and how to use it more effectively. Our resident faculty, augmented by guest teachers from the ranks of Ballet Austin’s professional company, offers guidance, encouragement, and a relentless attention to detail. In addition to ballet technique, pointe, variations, men’s class and repertoire, students take classes with well established contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop and theatre dance teachers.
Six weeks: June 24-August 2, 2024.
Session 1: June 24-July 12, 2024.
Session 2: July 15-August 2, 2024.
Required classes for all levels of the Senior Intensive meet Monday through Friday. Students receive about 5 hours of instruction each day. All students receive daily Ballet Technique classes. The daily schedule is posted after level placement is determined. Schedules are posted weekly during the Intensive.
Level Placement
Senior Intensive students will attend a placement class. Each student is evaluated and placed into one of six levels of study within the Senior Intensive. Student assessment continues for the first few days of each session. Level assignment is at the sole discretion of the directors and will be final.
Possible Classes Offered:
- Pointe
- Variations
- Partnering
- Men’s Technique
- Stretch/Conditioning
- Hip-Hop
- Jazz/Theatre Dance
- Contemporary/Modern
- Repertoire
- Seminars
Tuition
$2,200 / three-week session
$3,690 / six-week session
For general program questions, please email registrar@balletaustin.org or call 512.501.8703.
Scholarship & Tuition Assistance
A limited number of scholarships/tuition assistance are granted each year to promising students. After you have auditioned and been accepted, you may email to request a tuition assistance application. Please do not call about tuition assistance. Applications will only be provided through email requests.
Dormitory housing is provided at The Callaway House, 505 W. 22nd St., a private dormitory located adjacent (West Campus) to the University of Texas Campus, about two miles north of the Ballet Austin studios.
$2,395 / three-week session
$4,590 / six-week session
Performances
There will be an informal performance highlighting the accomplishments of each level of our Senior Summer Intensive at the end of each 3-week session. The primary focus of our summer program is for students to gain a deeper understanding of classical ballet technique.
Senior Summer Intensive Program Additional Information
Building Access and Illness Protocols
Ballet Austin will continue to monitor the CDC, federal, state and local guidelines, as well as the guidance of our medical advisor. With the health and safety of our students and staff as a top priority, Ballet Austin’s protocols are cautious and evolving. As new recommendations are announced, we will consider them carefully and will send updates to our protocols if warranted.
Building Access
- Students will enter and exit the building through the main entrance on the corner of 3rd and San Antonio streets.
- Student access to the building is limited to 30 minutes prior to class.
- No early drop-off is available.
- Prompt pick-up at the conclusion of the student’s day is required.
Illness Protocols
- The City of Austin and Travis County have lifted all COVID-19 emergency rules and orders.
- All eligible students are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.
- If a student is feeling ill, regardless of whether they are vaccinated for COVID-19, they should stay home and contact their medical provider.
- Ill students may return to normal activities when they are fever-free for at least 24 hours, without taking fever-reducing medication.
- Once students resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as:
- enhancing hygiene practices.
- wearing a well-fitting mask.
- keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.
Housing
Dormitory housing is optional, but available, for students age 11 and older (must be 11 by June 1, 2024).
Dormitory Chaperones are hired and trained by Ballet Austin and reside in the dormitory with the students. Chaperones hired by Ballet Austin complete a rigorous application procedure, provide references, and pass a criminal background and driving record check. Chaperones are under the direction of Ballet Austin’s Resident Life Manager.
- All meals and transportation are included in the cost of dormitory housing.
Students residing in the dormitory during Ballet Austin’s Summer Intensive Program are required to be up-to-date with, and provide records for the following immunizations:
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Meningococcal,
Hepatitis A.
Junior Summer Intensive (AGES 9–13)
Dates: June 10-21, 2024
Ballet Austin’s Junior Summer Intensive program offers one 2-week session of study for serious students ages 9–13.
The curriculum of the Junior Intensive is specifically designed with the younger student in mind and is presented in an environment that is positive and nurturing. The Junior Intensive is a rigorous and comprehensive program that provides the young dancer a greater grasp of ballet technique and related dance styles.
Two week session June 10-21, 2024
Ballet Austin’s Junior Summer Intensive program offers one, two-week session of study for serious students ages 9–13. The Junior Intensive meets weekdays (M-F) and is a half-day program.
Level Placement
Students accepted into the Junior Intensive receive their placement levels in their letter of acceptance.
Parent Observation
Parent watch day is available on the last day of the Jr. Intensive.
Possible Classes Offered:
- Ballet Technique
- Contemporary/Modern
- Hip-Hop
- Stretch/Conditioning
Tuition
$1,190 / two-week session
For general program questions, please email registrar@balletaustin.org or call 512.501.8703.
Scholarship & Tuition Assistance
A limited number of scholarships/tuition assistance are granted each year to promising students. After you have auditioned and been accepted, you may email to request a tuition assistance application. Please do not call about tuition assistance. Applications will only be provided through email requests.
Junior Summer Intensive Program Additional Information
Building Access and Illness Protocols
Ballet Austin will continue to monitor the CDC, federal, state and local guidelines, as well as the guidance of our medical advisor. With the health and safety of our students and staff as a top priority, Ballet Austin’s protocols are cautious and evolving. As new recommendations are announced, we will consider them carefully and will send updates to our protocols if warranted.
Building Access
- Students will enter and exit the building through the main entrance on the corner of 3rd and San Antonio streets.
- Student access to the building is limited to 30 minutes prior to class.
- No early drop-off is available.
- Prompt pick-up at the conclusion of the student’s day is required.
Illness Protocols
- The City of Austin and Travis County have lifted all COVID-19 emergency rules and orders.
- All eligible students are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.
- If a student is feeling ill, regardless of whether they are vaccinated for COVID-19, they should stay home and contact their medical provider.
- Ill students may return to normal activities when they are fever-free for at least 24 hours, without taking fever-reducing medication.
- Once students resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as:
- enhancing hygiene practices.
- wearing a well-fitting mask.
- keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.
OPPORTUNITIES
Butler Fellowship Program
Endowed by Sarah and Ernest Butler through the Ballet Austin Foundation
The Butler Fellowship Program serves as Ballet Austin’s trainee program. All Butler Fellowship positions are fully endowed, allowing these 15 outstanding dancers the opportunity to train at Ballet Austin tuition-free. Currently, 6 of Ballet Austin’s main and second company contracts are filled with graduates of the Butler Fellowship Program.
The Butler Fellows are selected through a nationwide audition process and make Austin their home to participate in this unique training opportunity. Designed for post-high school dancers, the Butler Fellowship Program features an innovative and personal approach to professional-track training. It is linked directly to the artistic “arc” of Ballet Austin, with all daily technique classes taught by Artistic Director Stephen Mills, Associate Artistic Director Michelle Martin, and Rehearsal Directors Christopher Swaim and Alexa Capareda.
Ballet Austin TWO
Endowed by Sarah and Ernest Butler through the Ballet Austin Foundation
Ballet Austin TWO, established in 1999, is Ballet Austin’s second company, with dancers also serving as apprentices to the main company. Currently, more than half of Ballet Austin’s main company positions are filled with Ballet Austin TWO graduates.
Ballet Austin TWO dancers are selected through a nationwide audition process and make Austin their home to participate in this unique training opportunity. With over 40 performances per season, they dance with the main company for larger productions and present their own extensive roster of work in Austin and on tour across the state.
Dancers range in age from 18-23 and are employed for a 32-week season. They are contracted with Ballet Austin TWO for up to two years, during which time they receive artistic guidance, career management counseling, and job placement assistance. Ballet Austin TWO members take company class, augmented by their own classes and rehearsals conducted by Ballet Austin’s artistic staff.
To date, more than 200 graduates of Ballet Austin TWO and the Butler Fellowship Program have secured contracts with more than 74 companies across the nation, including Ballet Austin, Sarasota Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Eugene Ballet, Ballet Idaho, Nashville Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theater, Oklahoma City Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Orlando Ballet, River North Dance Chicago, Charlotte Ballet, Boston Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Alberta Ballet, DanceWorks Chicago, Northwest Dance Project, Kansas City Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Collage Dance Collective, Wideman/Davis Dance, Spectrum/Byrd, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Thang Dao Dance, Grand Rapids Ballet, Nai-Ni Chen, and Big Muddy Dance Company.
Ballet Austin provides rehearsal and performance shoes, onsite physical therapy, as well as the option to participate in a group health insurance plan. Additionally, through a partnership with PeletonU, Ballet Austin TWO dancers may pursue a college degree. The competency-based structure of this online program allows dancers to complete a two-year Associates Degree in as few as nine months and includes access to tutors and advisors at PeletonU’s local campuses.
Recruitment
Ballet Austin TWO dancers are recruited through the Butler Fellowship Program, Ballet Austin’s Summer Intensive Program and partnerships with select training institutions across the country. Dancers age 18 and older may also follow the Company Audition process for consideration.
For more information about Ballet Austin TWO please visit our video gallery. You may also email Eugene Alvarez or call 512-476-9151 with any additional questions.
VIDEO GALLERY
See the Ballet Austin Advantage
From Summer Intensive to Company Dancers
SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM
Overview of the Summer Intensive Program
Residential Life and the Austin Experience