Ballet Austin
Your partner in dance education.
Ballet Austin recognizes that the arts and arts education are essential elements for the physical, creative, intellectual, and social-emotional development of all human beings. We are committed to providing educators and students with meaningful experiences in dance through:
School Shows
School Residency Programs
Master Classes for Schools
Studio Rehearsal Viewings
Teacher Professional Development
Learn more about each of these programs below and please reach out to us by email if you would like to create a custom experience or program for your students or teachers. The listed experiences in dance range from weekly lessons at your campus to one-time field trip opportunities.
SCHOOL SHOWS
Donde van las Mariposas/A Fable from Mexico School Shows (Recommended for Elementary Schools):
Donde van las Mariposas/A Fable from Mexico, translating to “Where the Butterflies Go,” from Mexican-American choreographer Jimmy Orrante is based in Mexican culture and will explore environmental and cultural themes related to the migration of monarch butterflies as well as Día de los Muertos traditions. The production and educational curricula will be designed to grow young audiences’ understandings of diverse cultures and perspectives while providing an engaging introduction to the performing arts.
In-Person at Ballet Austin (501 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701)
Pricing: $6 – $10 per student
Date & Time: October 11 at 10am & 12pm
Length of Show: 45 minutes
Curricular Connections: Fine Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, English & Spanish Language & Reading, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education
More information available here.
The Nutcracker School Shows (Recommended for Elementary Schools):
Sponsored by H-E-B and the Powell Foundation. Endowed in part 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 experience for elementary school students and teachers.
In-Person at The Long Center (701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704)
Pricing: $6 – $10 per student
Dates & Times:
Wed Dec 11 at 10am (Act I)
Wed Dec 11 at 12pm (Act II)
Thurs Dec 12 at 10am (Act I)
Thurs Dec 12 at 12pm (Act II)
Length of Show: 60 minutes
Curricular Connections:
-School Show: Fine Arts, Social-Emotional Learning
-Pre-Show Docent Presentations: Fine Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, ELAR, Social Studies, Math, Science, Physical Education
More information available here.
Ballet Austin TWO & The Butler Fellowship Program Spring Performance School Show (Recommended for 6th-12th Grades):
See Ballet Austin TWO and the Butler Fellows in the final dress rehearsal for their Spring Performance, and during intermission have your questions answered by our Artistic Staff!
In-Person at Ballet Austin (501 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701)
Pricing: $6 – $10 per student
Date & Time: February 28 (Time TBD)
Length of Show: TBD
Curricular Connections: Fine Arts and Social-Emotional Learning
More information available here.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
EduMoves™ (Pre-K4 through 2nd Grade):
Our EduMoves™ program uses kinesthetic learning rooted in dance to provide an effective and engaging approach to teaching curricular concepts that classroom educators have identified as especially challenging for students. The program’s goal is to increase comprehension in core classroom curricula and essential skills in English Language Arts and Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies for each grade level from Pre-K4 through 2nd, as well as to develop problem-solving and critical thinking, increase kinesthetic awareness and physical development, and improve social-emotional skills including mindfulness and collaboration.
EduMoves™ Teaching Artists are currently serving Blackshear Elementary School, Bryker Woods Elementary School, Casey Elementary School, Wooten Elementary School, and Zavala Elementary School for the 2024/25 school year. Ballet Austin is looking for additional partner campuses for residency periods throughout the school year. Weekly sessions take place on school campuses. Residencies can range from 6 to 30 weeks.
EduMoves™ is offered to campuses at a sliding scale fee.
Curricular Connections: Fine Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, Physical Education, ELAR, Math, Science, Social Studies
More information available here.
EduMoves™ VIRTUAL (Pre-K4 through 5th Grade):
EduMoves ™ VIRTUAL is Ballet Austin’s online on-demand program which prioritizes students’ well-being and physical activity. This weekly series of three 10-15 minute video lessons features activities grounded in mindfulness, multiple genres of dance, and themed yoga flows, and is designed to be as flexible as possible for both the campus and home environments. In support of elementary school students, teachers, and families in Austin and the surrounding communities, Ballet Austin is currently offering EduMoves™ VIRTUAL to Austin-area school districts free of charge.
Curricular Connections: Fine Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, Physical Education, ELAR, Math, Social Studies
More information available here.
MASTER CLASSES
Master Classes for Schools (6th-12th & college-aged):
Book an in-person 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.
Curricular Connections: Fine Arts, Social-Emotional Learning, Physical Education
More information available here.
STUDIO REHEARSAL VIEWINGS
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 Education staff.
Curricular Connections: Fine Arts, Social-Emotional Learning
More information available here.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Ballet Austin offers in-person 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.
More information available here.