Founded in 1956 by Barbara Carson, the Ballet Austin Academy is the official ballet school of Ballet Austin, and one of the largest in the U.S. We're committed to providing the highest quality dance instruction to students, and currently the Academy has more than 800 students.
Each area has 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 rigorous training of ballet technique begins. 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.
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 the process and the quality of work, at the same time setting high standards for themselves in all areas.
Throughout the year, students may be selected by Ballet Austin's artistic staff to perform with the company 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. In this main stage production over 150 Academy students compliment Ballet Austin's 20 professional dancers and 10 apprentices.
There are 23 FREE parking spaces surrounding our building which are accessed on a first-come first-served basis and turn over frequently throughout the day. We ask that you limit your use of these spaces to the time(s) you are in our building in order to ensure that as many people as possible have access to these spaces.
We've also partnered with Hospitality Parking, which operates the Silicon Labs Parking Garage located at 400 W. Cesar Chavez, to provide Ballet Austin clients with parking spots for only $3 per visit with a pre-paid pass. $3 parking passes for the Silicon Labs Garage are available for sale in our main lobby during normal business hours. Silicon Labs Parking Garage access is Monday through Friday from 4:30pm–8:45pm. $3 parking passes do not expire.
Take a look at the additional parking options available below. Meter's also reside around the building (allow for 3 hours of parking at the rate of $1.00 per hour via credit/debit cards or coins).
Bring your garage parking ticket with you for validation at the front desk of The Butler Dance Education Center.