Ballet Austin Academy

The Butler Dance Education Center

Where to Park at Ballet Austin

Founded in 1956 by Barbara Carson, Ballet Austin Academy is the official ballet school of Ballet Austin and is committed to providing the highest quality dance instruction to its students. Currently, the Academy has more than 800 students, making it one of the largest ballet schools in the United States.

The Academy is divided into 5 areas of study; Creative Ballet, Pre-Ballet, the Lower School, the Upper School and the Trainee Program. Each area has, at its core, a codified syllabus designed to facilitate the maximum physical, mental and emotional development appropriate to the age and physical ability of each student. Once a student enters the Lower School, the strenuous training of ballet technique starts. While the benefits of this training are all inclusive, the Academy's focus is to provide what is necessary for a professional career in dance.

Throughout the year, students may be selected by the artistic staff to perform with Ballet Austin or Ballet Austin II in full-length productions. Only Academy students are eligible to audition for roles in these productions, including Ballet Austin's annual production of The Nutcracker. Over 150 Academy students augment Ballet Austin's 20 Professional dancers and 10 apprentices in this main stage production.

The Ballet Austin Academy has as its mission the provision of quality dance education with the word "education" viewed in its broadest sense.   Students develop skills associated with academic success including self-discipline, self-confidence and the ability to concentrate and collaborate. Our students recognize the importance of process and quality of work at the same time setting high standards for themselves in all areas.

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