Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Austin, TX
Slavin-Nadal School Of Ballet was formed through the merger of Slavin Nadal School of Ballet and Ballet Arts of Austin, continuing a legacy of excellence in classical ballet training for the Austin community. Our artistic directors, Joseph and Kimberly Cox, lead a dedicated faculty to provide comprehensive instruction rooted in traditional Russian techniques while incorporating elements from French, English, and Danish schools. With over 30 years of combined experience, our team emphasizes technical precision, artistic expression, and a nurturing environment for dancers of all levels. Our curriculum, developed by founders Eugene Slavin and Alexandra Nadal, integrates the Vaganova method and has trained generations of dancers since 1989. We offer programs from pre-ballet through advanced levels, summer intensives, and virtual training resources to accommodate diverse learning needs.Our faculty includes internationally recognized instructors with professional performance backgrounds in major ballet companies worldwide. We maintain a commitment to preserving classical ballet traditions while fostering innovation and accessibility in dance education. Our alumni have pursued successful careers in prestigious ballet companies and academic institutions. The organization continues to honor its founders' vision of creating versatile, technically proficient dancers through rigorous training and mentorship. Our facility in Austin, Texas, serves as a hub for local and regional dance development, community engagement, and artistic collaboration.
Services
Ballet instruction
Summer intensives
Virtual classes
Youth programs
Adult classes
Performance opportunities
Faculty training
Online resources
Master classes
Community outreach
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of continuous ballet instruction excellence in Austin
- Our directors trained directly under legendary Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo artists
- We maintain the original Vaganova-based curriculum developed by our founders
- Our faculty includes former principal dancers from major international ballet companies
- We provide both in-person and virtual training options for flexible learning
What people say
World-class instructors
Rich history
Technical excellence
Professional connections
Comprehensive curriculum
Services
Classical Ballet Training
Our core program offers progressive ballet training from pre-ballet through advanced levels. Students develop technical mastery through daily classes focusing on proper alignment, musicality, and artistic expression. The curriculum combines Vaganova methodology with elements from French, English, and Danish traditions to create versatile dancers.
Summer Intensive Programs
Annual summer programs provide concentrated training with guest instructors from major ballet companies. Participants receive daily technique classes, pointe work, variations, and performance preparation. The program attracts students from across the region and offers housing assistance for out-of-town attendees.
Virtual Dance Classes
Live-streamed and recorded classes maintain technical development during remote learning periods. The program includes barre work, center exercises, and conditioning sessions. Students receive feedback through virtual platforms while maintaining safe training environments at home.
Faculty Development
Certification programs prepare instructors to teach the Slavin-Nadal curriculum. Participants study Vaganova methodology, pedagogy techniques, and injury prevention strategies. The program includes mentorship opportunities with senior faculty members.
Community Performances
Annual productions showcase student progress through classical and contemporary works. Performances include full-length story ballets and contemporary pieces choreographed by faculty and guest artists. The program provides professional stage experience for developing dancers.
People
Joseph Nygren Cox
Artistic Director
Joseph Cox trained under Eugene Slavin for ten years and danced professionally with Ballet Austin. He holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Iowa and has taught at multiple universities. As former principal dancer with Louisville Ballet, he worked with renowned choreographers and now directs the school's training programs.
Kimberly Nygren Cox
Artistic Director
Kimberly Cox performed as a Soloist with Louisville Ballet and has over 20 years teaching experience. She holds certifications in multiple fitness disciplines and received the Kentucky Arts Council's Al Smith Fellowship. She co-directs the school's curriculum development and faculty training programs.
Emily Karnes
Faculty Member
Emily Karnes received her BFA in Dance from the University of Arkansas and studied under Joseph Cox. She teaches youth ballet levels and has performed principal roles in classical productions. As former Arkansas Festival Ballet member, she brings performance expertise to her instruction.
Eugene Slavin
Founder
Eugene Slavin co-founded Ballet Austin after performing with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. He partnered Maria Tallchief in major roles and served as Ballet Master for multiple companies. His teaching legacy continues through the school's curriculum and faculty.
Alexandra Nadal
Founder
Alexandra Nadal co-founded Ballet Austin after dancing with major companies including American Ballet Theatre. She studied under influential teachers and performed works by renowned choreographers. Inducted into the Austin Arts Hall of Fame, her pedagogical approach remains central to the school's training.
Questions
What ballet training methods do you teach?
We primarily teach the Vaganova method with elements from French, English, and Danish traditions.
Do you offer classes for adult dancers?
Yes, we provide classes for adult students at various experience levels.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
We present annual productions featuring classical and contemporary works for student participation.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes former principal dancers and certified instructors with international experience.
Do you offer summer intensive programs?
Yes, our summer program includes guest instructors and advanced training opportunities.
Can I take classes online?
We offer virtual classes with live instruction and technical feedback for remote learning.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Caitlin Parsons
Aug 17, 2020
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I attend the adult beginner classes, and they are a highlight of my week! I did not dance growing up and was nervous about feeling out-of-place and too inexperienced, but the staff (and especially the adult instructor, Ms. Emily) and other students are so kind and encouraging. I have learned so much, and gained such a deep appreciation for ballet.
Mary Mitchell
Sep 03, 2018
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My daughter became a student at Slavin Nadal a few months ago and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her progress from then until now. Ms. Emily is so wonderful and was patient with her even when she started mid-semester. She was able to participate in the Spring recital, which was our first experience at that kind of event and WOW! I was blown away at their performances. What incredible talent! We are moving to Cedar Park next month so we have decided to discontinue due to distance, which makes us sad, but because of this wonderful experience at Slavin Nadal, my daughter plans to continue ballet in
Liz Banner
Jan 15, 2017
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A wonderful ballet studio with terrific new directors. I've enjoyed adult classes here for over twenty years with Eugene Slavin, Alexandra Nadal and other instructors. My daughter also loved her years taking class with Mrs. Nadal. They were exquisite teachers offering fine classical training in an inclusive atmosphere. The Slavins chose new directors to take over the studio and in January, Joseph Cox, who trained and danced with the Slavins, began running the studio with his wife, Kimberly. These talented former professional dancers are carrying on the tradition of providing excellent training
Sandra Ezell
Oct 16, 2016
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There are few dance studios in Austin that are seriously dedicated to teaching the art of classical ballet. Add to that the lack of teachers truly qualified to teach such an art. As another "Yelper" mentioned- this studio is solely ballet. The new directors came to carry on the tradition of the Slavin Nadal studio after they were chosen by Mrs. Slavin Nadal to continue her school. As a parent, I appreciate and honor the choice of bringing such a highly accomplished teacher and equally accomplished his spouse. I want a traditional classical ballet education for my child and this school seems qualified
Sergei Golenkevitch
Sep 16, 2016
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My 4 yrs daughter is studying there. And it's 100% great place and she is so excited each time she goes to class.
