Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Dance Education & Performances in Austin, TX
Ballet Austin has been a leader in dance education and performance since 1956, serving as a beacon of innovation and community engagement. Our organization combines rigorous classical training with contemporary creativity, offering programs for students aged 15 months to professional dancers. With a faculty of experienced instructors and company dancers, we provide unparalleled access to live accompaniment, state-of-the-art facilities, and unique performance opportunities. Recognized internationally for our artistic excellence, we've participated in prestigious festivals across three continents and received acclaim from The New York Times and The Washington Post.Our commitment to community impact is demonstrated through outreach initiatives benefiting 31 school districts and over 10,000 annual participants in fitness programs. As stewards of classical ballet traditions and pioneers of modern choreography, we maintain partnerships with organizations like the Texas Commission on the Arts while developing the next generation of dance professionals through our Butler Fellowship Program. Our holistic approach to wellness includes one of Austin's top-ranked Pilates centers, reflecting our belief that dance strengthens both body and spirit.
Services
Ballet Classes
Pilates Reformer
Summer Intensive
Community Programs
Professional Performances
Youth Training
Academy Programs
Fitness Classes
Workshops
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We offer expert faculty with professional ballet experience from companies like American Dance Machine and Harkness Ballet.
- Our students train in the same studios as our professional company dancers.
- We provide live musical accompaniment in many dance classes for enhanced artistic development.
- Our comprehensive curriculum spans from toddler classes to professional training programs.
- We offer unique performance opportunities with our professional company in productions like The Nutcracker.
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet classes provide comprehensive training from beginner to professional levels. Students develop classical technique while exploring contemporary interpretations. Programs include toddler classes, youth divisions, and advanced training for aspiring professionals. With live accompaniment and expert faculty, we cultivate technical mastery and artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Pilates Reformer
Our award-winning Pilates Reformer studios offer group classes and private sessions for all fitness levels. Using state-of-the-art equipment, our certified instructors help clients improve strength, flexibility, and posture. Located in two convenient Austin locations, these sessions complement dance training and enhance overall physical wellness through Joseph Pilates' original method.
Summer Intensive
This immersive summer program provides advanced dance training under professional company leadership. Participants receive personalized instruction in classical and contemporary techniques while preparing for professional careers. The program includes master classes, choreography workshops, and performance opportunities with industry professionals in Austin's premier dance facility.
Community Programs
Our community engagement programs bring dance to diverse audiences through school performances, teacher training, and public workshops. We serve 31 Central Texas school districts and offer accessible programming for all ages and abilities. These initiatives include active aging classes, adaptive dance programs, and educational partnerships that promote dance as a lifelong pursuit.
Professional Performances
Our professional company presents innovative ballet productions that blend classical tradition with contemporary vision. Annual highlights include our acclaimed Nutcracker production and world premieres like Grimm Tales and Marie Antoinette. With international touring experience and critical acclaim, our performances showcase 22 professional dancers in both classical and groundbreaking new works.
People
Stephen Mills
Artistic Director
Internationally recognized choreographer with over 60 premieres, Stephen has led Ballet Austin since 2000. His works have been performed at the Kennedy Center and Joyce Theater, earning critical acclaim and awards for innovation in dance. He brings global perspective to our artistic vision.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet training with contemporary influences, plus modern dance, jazz, hip hop, tap, and cultural dance forms in our community programs.
Are classes available for adults?
Yes! We offer drop-in adult classes starting at $5, Pilates Reformer sessions, and fitness programs for all ages at our downtown Austin studios.
How can I attend performances?
Season tickets and single tickets are available for our mainstage productions at the Long Center in downtown Austin. Digital ticket options provide contactless entry.
Do you offer children's programs?
Our Ballet Austin Academy provides training for ages 15 months to 18 years, including pre-ballet through advanced divisions with a structured curriculum.
What community programs are available?
We offer school performances, teacher training, active aging programs, and outreach initiatives serving 31 Central Texas school districts and 200+ community organizations.
How can I support Ballet Austin?
Support options include donations, season ticket purchases, corporate partnerships, and volunteer opportunities through our Ballet Austin Guild.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Alyssa Duran
Dec 03, 2020
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I just took my first class at ballet austin. The dance teachers are so incredibly nice and welcoming, and they give such positive feedback! the class also felt super safe, and i can tell they are taking all the safety/health precautions they need so that we can dance in a safe environment! I really love this place and i will definitely be back dancing here more!
Cj W.
Nov 05, 2019
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I sent both of my daughters to ballet austin to participate in the Creative Movement program. Joan Wolfe is an incredibly kind and thoughtful teacher. Joan is patient and fun and notices how your child learns best. She was understanding of my child's reluctance to participate and allowed her to join the group in her own way. My kids learned more than just dance, they learned about their bodies, and concepts of space and movement. I would highly recommend the creative movement program.
Aga Webb
Sep 28, 2019
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Whether you are an absolute beginner or want to brush up on technique, or you want to introduce your offspring to artistic form that will teach them expressive movement to last a lifetime, check out the drop-in and workshop schedule. The classes are encouraging, inclusive, as challenging as you want to make them. Staff and instructors are wonderful and, after ClassPassing my way through many of Austins dance schools, this feels like home.
Dana Malone
Feb 06, 2019
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I love working out at Ballet Austin! The instructors are the best and the classes are so good! We walk from downtown during our lunch hour and are very disappointed if we have a conflict. Highly recommend you try drop in classes.
