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
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.
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All audition times posted are in local time zones.
- Students aged 18-22 who would like to be considered for Ballet Austin TWO or the Butler Fellowship Program may also audition through the Company Audition Portal.
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Friday, January 3rd, 2025
- Chicago, IL. Audition at Joffrey Ballet from 4:00-6:00pm.
Sunday, January 5th, 2025.
- Philadelphia, PA. Audition at Philadelphia Ballet from 1:00-3:00pm.
- Denver, CO. Audition at Colorado Ballet 11:00am-1:00pm
- Atlanta, GA. Audition at Atlanta Ballet from 1:30-3:30pm.
Saturday, January 11th, 2025.
- Houston, TX. Audition at Vitacca School for Dance, Houston from 3:00-5:00pm.
- Washington, DC. Audition at The Washington Ballet at The Cathedral Commons location from 4:30-6:30pm
- New York City, NY. Audition at School of American Ballet from 7:00-9:00pm
Sunday, January 12th, 2025.
- Natick, MA. Audition at Walnut Hill School for the Arts from 2:00-4:00pm.
Saturday, January 18th, 2025
- Indianapolis, IN. Audition at Metropolitan Youth Ballet 3:00-5:00pm
- Cincinnati, OH. Audition at Cincinnati Ballet from 3:00-5:00pm.
Monday, January 20th, 2025.
- 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.
- San Francisco, CA. Audition at San Francisco Ballet from 12:00-1:45pm for ages 11-14, 2:15-4:00pm for ages 15-18.
- Winston- Salem, NC. Audition at University of North Carolina School of the Arts from 11:00am-1:00pm
Saturday, January 25th, 2025.
- Coppell, TX. Audition at Ballet Academy of Texas Studios from 6:00-8:00pm.
- Phoenix, AZ. Audition at Ballet Arizona from 10:30am-12:30pm
Sunday, January 26th, 2025.
- Portland, OR. Audition at Oregon Ballet Theatre from 3:00-5:00pm.
- Seattle, WA. Audition at Pacific Northwest Ballet 9:30-11:15am for ages 11-14 and 11:15am-1:00pm for ages 15-18.
Friday, January 31st, 2025.
- Salt Lake City, UT. Audition at Ballet West from 6:00-8:00pm.
Saturday, February 1st, 2025.
- Oklahoma City, OK. Audition at Oklahoma City Ballet from 2:00-4:00pm.
Sunday, February 2nd, 2025.
- Plano, TX. Audition at Chamberlain School of Ballet from 2:00-4:00pm.
- Los Angeles, CA. Audition at Colburn School and Trudl Zipper Dance Institute from 5:00-7:00pm.
- Minneapolis, MN. Audition at Minnesota Dance Theatre from 2:00-4:00pm.
Saturday, February 8th. 2025.
- Kansas City, MO. Audition at Kansas City Ballet from 6:30-8:30pm.
Sunday, February 9th. 2025.
- Pittsburgh, PA. Audition at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre from 1:00-3:00pm.
- 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.
Saturday, February 15th. 2025.
- Fort Wayne, IN. Audition at Project Ballet from 3:00-5:00pm.
Monday, February 17th. 2025.
- Houston, TX. Audition at Bayou City Ballet from 1:00-3:00pm.
Digital (pre-recorded video) Audition Submissions / Ages 9-22
- 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.
Students aged 18-22 who would like to be considered for Ballet Austin TWO or the Butler Fellowship Program may also audition through the Company Audition Portal.
- Register for the audition
SUMMER INTENSIVE LEVELS
Senior Summer Intensive (AGES 11–22)
Dates: June 23-July 11 / July 14-August 1 / June 23-August 1
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 23-August 1, 2025.
Session 1: June 23-July 11, 2025.
Session 2: July 14-August 1, 2025.
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
$2,285 / three-week session
$3,830 / 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.
$2,490 / three-week session
$4,800 / 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, 2025).
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 9-20, 2025
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 9-20, 2025
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
$1,250 / 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 up to 15 outstanding dancers the opportunity to train at Ballet Austin tuition-free. Currently, 25% of Ballet Austin TWO 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.
Interested Butler Fellows may choose to train as teaching assistants for Ballet Austin Academy or to serve as interns in other departments. Additionally, through a partnership with PeletonU, Butler Fellows 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
The Butler Fellows are recruited through the Ballet Austin Academy, Ballet Austin’s Senior Summer Intensive, and through partnerships with a select group of training institutions across the country. Students age 18 and older may also follow the Company Audition process for consideration.
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. Currently, 40% 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.
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.
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