Ballet Austin

Ballet Austin is a professional ballet company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 1957 by Barbara Carson. The company has a long history of performing classical and contemporary works, including those by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp. Ballet Austin has also collaborated with other prominent companies, including the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. The company's performances have been praised by critics from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Dance Magazine.

● History

Ballet Austin was founded in 1957 by Barbara Carson, a former dancer with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. The company's early years were marked by performances of classical ballets, including Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, at venues such as the University of Texas at Austin and the Palmer Events Center. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company began to expand its repertoire to include contemporary works by choreographers such as Alvin Ailey and Merce Cunningham. Ballet Austin has also performed at festivals such as the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival and the Spoleto Festival USA. The company has been recognized for its contributions to the arts by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

● Artistic Directors

The company's artistic directors have played a significant role in shaping its repertoire and style. Stephen Mills, who served as artistic director from 2000 to 2020, was a former dancer with the Houston Ballet and the Atlanta Ballet. During his tenure, the company premiered numerous new works, including Light: The Holocaust & Humanity Project and Mozart's Requiem. Other notable artistic directors include Lamar Robertson, who danced with the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre, and Nelly van Bommel, who was a principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet. The company's artistic directors have also worked with renowned choreographers such as William Forsythe and Paul Taylor.

● Repertoire

Ballet Austin's repertoire includes a wide range of classical and contemporary works. The company has performed ballets such as Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and The Sleeping Beauty, as well as contemporary pieces by choreographers such as Ohad Naharin and Crystal Pite. The company has also premiered new works by emerging choreographers, including Dwight Rhoden and Jessica Lang. Ballet Austin's repertoire has been influenced by the company's collaborations with other prominent companies, including the San Francisco Ballet and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. The company has also performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

● Education and Community

Ballet Austin is committed to education and community outreach. The company offers a range of classes and workshops for dancers of all ages and levels, from beginner to professional. The company's Butler Center for Dance & Fitness provides a state-of-the-art facility for dance training and education. Ballet Austin also partners with local schools and organizations, such as the Austin Independent School District and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, to provide dance education and outreach programs. The company has also worked with organizations such as the National Dance Education Organization and the Dance/USA to promote dance education and advocacy.

● Performances and Venues

Ballet Austin performs at a variety of venues in Austin, Texas, including the Long Center for the Performing Arts and the Dell Hall. The company has also toured to other cities in the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Ballet Austin has performed at festivals such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Fun Fun Fun Fest. The company has also collaborated with other local arts organizations, including the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Austin Lyric Opera. The company's performances have been praised by critics from The Austin Chronicle and the Austin American-Statesman. Category:Ballet companies in the United States