Ballet Academy Of Texas

From BAT to the Professional Stage

What can exceptional ballet training lead to?

For Yuki Takahashi, it led to a professional career and a place on the stage as a Soloist with Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Yuki is a Ballet Academy of Texas PROFESSIONAL PREP PROGRAM alumna who began her ballet journey at BAT. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, she continued her studies at Mejia Ballet International, Ballet Academy East, and Pacific Northwest Ballet School.

She has performed leading roles with Ballet Ensemble of Texas and other renowned organizations and was a 2014 recipient of the Kittie La Pointe Memorial Scholarship from the Dance Council of North Texas.

Reflecting on her time at BAT, Yuki says:
“Ballet Academy is where I found my love for ballet and felt so inspired as a student aspiring to become a professional.”

Yuki’s journey is an inspiring example of where focused training, dedication, and opportunity can lead.

The Ballet Academy of Texas PROFESSIONAL PREP PROGRAM begins September 8 and is designed for serious dancers who aspire to pursue ballet at the highest level.

Your professional journey could begin here.

Photo credits:
Yuki Takahashi in George Balanchine’s Emeralds, choreography by George Balanchine © photo © Angela Sterling.
George Balanchine’s Coppélia, photo © Angela Sterling.
Jessica Lang’s Her Door to the Sky, photo © Angela Sterling.
Kent Stowell’s Cinderella, photo © Angela Sterling.
With PNB Company dancers in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, photo © Angela Sterling.
Headshot by Lindsay Thomas

Ballet Ensemble of Texas Spirit Night!
Join us for our first Spirit Night of the season at Chipotle!

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 5:00–9:00 PM
📍 Chipotle – 104 S Denton Tap Rd, Coppell

25% of sales will be donated to Ballet Ensemble of Texas!

Bring your family and friends, grab dinner, and support our dancers and their performances. Every order makes a difference!

Thank you for supporting Ballet Ensemble of Texas!

JAZZ. MODERN. TAP. SEPTEMBER. NO COST.

Current Ballet Academy of Texas students can try Jazz, Modern, or Tap for the entire month of September at NO COST!

Why try another dance style? Because well-rounded dancers are stronger ballet dancers. Jazz, Modern, and Tap can help develop musicality, coordination, rhythm, strength, movement quality, and performance skills — all of which can enhance your ballet technique.

Step outside your usual training. Explore a new style. Discover something new about your dancing.

Take Jazz, Modern, or Tap in the same level as your ballet class. No need to make a reservation, just check the schedule below and come to class.

Photo by Abby Thurgood

WIN THE BEST PARKING SPOT AT BAT!

Want to make studio drop-offs and pickups a little easier? Enter our Parking Spot Raffle for your chance to have the designated front parking space at Ballet Academy of Texas for the entire September–December 2026 session!

Raffle Dates: August 17–31
Drawing: Evening of August 31
Tickets:
• 1 ticket — $5
• 5 tickets — $20

Purchase at the front desk. Payment accepted by cash, check payable to BET, or Zelle.

Profits benefit Ballet Ensemble of Texas, our nonprofit dance company.

Celebrating Our 2026 DCNT Scholarship Recipients!

Ballet Academy of Texas is proud to congratulate:

Audrey Yoes Gillings — Glenda Brown Scholarship
Audrey attended the Berkley Ballet Summer Intensive.

Jane Thurgood — Dallas Ballet Memorial Scholarship
Jane attended the University of Oklahoma School of Dance Summer Intensive.

DCNT Scholarships recognize exceptional dancers who demonstrate ability, artistry, and passion and provide opportunities for supplemental training outside their home studios.

A scholarship is not solely an award, but a challenge to excellence!

We are so proud of Audrey and Jane for representing BAT and making the most of these incredible opportunities!

SHOW YOUR BAT & BET PRIDE!

Make your dancer’s accomplishments visible throughout the neighborhood with a personalized Ballet Academy of Texas or Ballet Ensemble of Texas yard sign!

Each sign features your dancer’s name alongside the BAT or BET logo—a fun way to celebrate their hard work and show your support.

$20 each | Personalized

ORDER BY: Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM

ORDER HERE: https://ballet-ensemble-of-texas-1535.kustomimprints.com/

Save these important dates for the 2026–2027 Ballet Academy of Texas Season!

September 7 – Studio Closed for Labor Day
September 8 – Professional Prep Program Classes Begin
September 12 – Mandatory Parent Meeting for dancers wishing to audition for The Nutcracker
September 19 – The Nutcracker Auditions
October 30–31 – Dracula Performances
November 23–28 – Studio Closed for Thanksgiving Break
December 5–6 – The Nutcracker Performances
December 21–January 2 – Studio Closed for Christmas Break
March 15–20 – Studio Closed for Spring Break
April 24–25 – Celebration of Dance Performances
May 14 – Last Day of Classes
May 15 – Spring Gala Performances

Mark your calendars—we have an exciting season of classes, performances, and unforgettable memories ahead!

Photo by Abby Thurgood

Ballet Academy of Texas is now enrolling beginner dancers!

Our experienced faculty teaches proper classical ballet technique in a fun, encouraging environment where students build confidence, coordination, and a strong foundation for the future.

Contact us today to schedule a FREE trial class and discover the Ballet Academy of Texas difference.

Photo by Abby Thurgood

CALLING ALL DANCERS!
The Ballet Ensemble of Texas is excited to announce auditions for our 2026 production of The Nutcracker!

MANDATORY PARENT MEETING
Saturday, September 12
All parents of students in Primary Ballet through Level 8 (Non-Company) MUST attend.
A parent must attend this meeting for your dancer to audition and participate!

AUDITIONS – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
📍 Ballet Academy of Texas
Primary Ballet - 12:30-1:45
Ballet 1 - 1:30-2:45
Ballet 2 – 2:30-3:45
Ballet 3 – 3:30-4:45
Ballet 4 – 4:30-6:00
Ballet 5 – 5:30-7:00
Ballet 6, 7, 8, and Company members will be cast by staff — no audition required. Parent attendance is still mandatory unless your student is a member of the Ensemble.

MANDATORY REHEARSAL DATES
9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21
🎭 Theater Week: 11/30 – 12/4

PERFORMANCES
🗓 December 5-6, 2026
📍 Irving Arts Center

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this magical holiday tradition!

Photo by John Johnson

Ballet Ensemble of Texas is seeking passionate, disciplined dancers to join our 2026–2027 Season. As a member of the Ensemble, dancers have the opportunity to perform a diverse repertoire, work with accomplished choreographers and faculty, and gain invaluable stage experience in a pre-professional environment.

Our exciting season includes:
• Arts Sip & Stroll
• Dracula: A Ballet with a Bite
• The Nutcracker
• Celebration of Dance 2027
• Ballet Academy of Texas Spring Gala

Audition Date: August 16 from 2:00-4:00 PM at Ballet Academy of Texas

Eligible dancers should be at least 12 years old, be evaluated for Level 6 or above at Ballet Academy of Texas, and be committed to the rehearsal and performance schedule throughout the season.

Photo by Click Studios