Programs for Schools and Teachers
Ballet Austin acknowledges the arts and arts education as essential elements for the intellectual and social development of all human beings. We are committed to providing educators and students with meaningful experiences in dance through:
- School Shows
- Visits to Ballet Austin for tours, rehearsal viewings, and master classes
- In-School Residency Programs
- Teacher Professional Development
Learn more about our programs below, and please inquire if you would like a specifically customized experience for your students.
School Shows
The Nutcracker School Shows
Open only to elementary schools
Endowed by Edie Rogat & Cotter Cunningham through the Ballet Austin Foundation
From the colorful characters you adore to the dazzling sets and costumes, Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker School Shows is a favorite annual field trip for elementary school students and teachers.
The Ugly Duckling School Shows
Recommended for Pre-K4 and elementary schools
The Ugly Duckling, performed by Ballet Austin II and choreographed by Jimmy Orrante, is a 50-minute retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale in the form of a ballet.
Ballet Austin II/ Butler Fellows School Shows
Recommended for middle and high schools
Book a field trip to Ballet Austin to see Ballet Austin II and the Butler Fellows in a mixed repertory program. The performance includes both classical and contemporary ballets and has something for everyone.
Visit Ballet Austin
Tours of Ballet Austin
Recommended for students of all ages
Gain an insider’s perspective into Ballet Austin by taking a field trip to our Butler Dance Education Center. Observe a dance class or a rehearsal, see real ballet costumes and pointe shoes, learn more about our dance companies and programs, and have all of your questions about ballet and Ballet Austin answered by our knowledgeable Community Education staff. This tour will give you a better understanding of all elements that help bring a ballet to the stage.
Studio Rehearsal Viewings
Recommended for students of all ages
Gain an insider’s perspective into the dance-making process by observing professional dancers in rehearsal. During this program, students will see the process up close, learn more about the creative process of bringing a ballet to the stage, and have their questions answered by our Community Education staff.
Master Classes
Recommended for middle school, high school, and college-aged dance students
Book a dance or fitness class for your students with one of Ballet Austin’s professional Butler Dance Education Center instructors. Classes are available at all levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) in a variety of techniques including ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, Broadway, tap, hula, ballet barre & core, floor barre, Pilates-based mat classes (Cardio, Arms & Abs & Legs, Stretch & Tone), and more! Class availability is based on instructor and studio availability.
In-School Residency Programs
Pre-Ballet Residency
Serves Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
Our Pre-Ballet Residency brings a weekly pre-ballet lesson directly to students on their school campuses or via remote sessions. The pre-ballet curriculum is a prelude to formal ballet instruction and introduces children ages 5–7 to music and movement through a structured progression that stresses creativity and collaboration.
TEKS-Aligned Kinesthetic Learning Program
Serves Pre-K4 through 2nd Grade
Our TEKS-Aligned Kinesthetic Learning Program engages students directly on their school campuses or via remote sessions in learning high priority TEKS during a weekly movement lesson rooted in dance. The curriculum is designed to provide an alternative approach to effectively teach concepts that educators have reported students are not grasping readily in a traditional classroom setting.
Teacher Professional Development
Ballet Austin offers in-person and virtual professional development opportunities for public school dance educators in Central Texas throughout the year and is a Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved provider of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) certification.
Each of our professional development workshops is a customized experience created specifically for your team. Opportunities include master classes in dance and fitness, as well as training in classroom curricula and best practices. We also offer team-building experiences for teachers of all grades and subjects.
Education Programs Underwriter
