Ballet Austin

The Ballet Austin has been an important part of the art community in Austin for many years. The ballet was established in 1956 as the Austin Ballet Society and has transformed into a professional company over the years. Ballet Austin can be found in downtown Austin.

Over the last decade, Ballet Austin has participated in numerous international festivals included Internationals de Seine-Saint-Denis in Paris. The company has performed in Slovenia, Italy, France, and other countries. The ballet has five main performances that are on the company's selected repertoire. The performances are - Cult of Color, Hamlet, Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project, The Taming of the Shrew, and Romeo and Juliet. Other noteworthy ballets that are performed at Ballet Austin are Cinderella and Don Quixote. Stephen Mills is the artistic director of Ballet Austin and is responsible for all of the ballet's selected repertoires as well as dozens of other performances. Mills first attracted national attention with his world-premier production of Hamlet. Prominent publications like the Washington Post have praised Stephen Mills for his innovative artistic talent. In addition to Stephen's work as a choreographer, he is also a teacher with a mission to develop talent in dancers.

Ballet Austin's seasonal performance of the Nutcracker leaves audiences stunned every year. The Nutcracker is given a refreshed and shimmery look by using subtle motions and shifting moods. Every year, the Nutcracker performance receives rave reviews for the acoustics, costumes, and choreography. Visitors who want to attend the Ballet Austin can purchase either seasonal, single, or group tickets. Ticket prices range from $75 to $343 depending on whether the seat is located in the balcony, mezzanine, parterre, or orchestra row. Groups of ten or more qualify for discounts. Each ballet is about two hours long including intermissions. Those with a special love for dance can contribute to the Ballet Austin by becoming a member in one of the company's donor circles. Non-monetary contributions can be made by volunteering or participating in an internship.

Ballet Austin also has connections with the Butler Dance Education Center and the community school in in the area. The Butler Dance Education Center is a beautiful and modern facility with spacious studios decorated with bright hardwood floors and sleek walls accented with touches of bright color. The Butler Dance Education Center registers new students of all ages. Students at the academy learn about self-discipline and self-confidence. Each student receives strenuous training of ballet techniques. Ballet Austin also has a Butler Community school that was founded in 2007. Fitness, community and dance education are all offered at the school. There are three main class offerings; Dance, pilates, and course offerings. The Dance and Fitness class are open to people of all ages and experience. The class focuses on ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, theatre dance, contemporary, and different types of yoga. The pilates course is held in a 760 square foot facility equipped with special pilates equipment. Cardio, stretching, and specialty classes are all featured at the Pilates Center. Other course offerings include classes like flamenco and musical theatre performance. Butler community school engages, serves, and inspires its students and the local Austin community.