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Since 1985, Abilene Ballet Theatre has been providing excellent ballet training and performances in our community. Abilene Ballet Theatre (ABT) is a 501(c) 3 non profit organization and a performing company under the artistic direction of Nancy Gore and Lisa Gore. Company dancers are selected by audition each fall for ABT membership.

Each November, ABT’s magical production of “The Nutcracker” at the historic Paramount Theatre marks the start of the holiday season. In addition to the four live public performances, ABT treats all AISD and surrounding area fourth graders to their own very special performance as our gift to the community. Over the years ABT has entertained over 60,000 school children. Our large cast of local dancers, professional guest artists, custom designed sets and costumes create a beautiful production that has been featured on Good Morning America and in Southern Living Magazine.

Through the years, ABT has presented a wide repertoire including “The Sleeping Beauty”, “Cinderella”, “Coppelia”, “Graduation Ball”, “Fairy Tales and Fables”, and collaborated with Abilene Opera Association, Community Band and Classical Chorus. Recently, in an effort to encourage new choreography, ABT has presented “Spring Showcase” featuring original works from both seasoned as well as student choreographers. In addition, ABT has partnered with Ballet Folklorico de Alvaro Munoz during Spring Showcase at the Paramount Theatre during the month of March.

Help keep the magic alive with a gift to Abilene Ballet Theatre! Gifts at all levels help to fund our live performances, bring in master teachers and guest artists to Abilene, and provide scholarships to our dancers selected by national auditions to attend prestigious summer intensives.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

• Provides access to summer intensive programs through scholarships that cover fees, supplies, and travel. This summer ABT is providing over $13,000 in scholarships.

• Supplies pointe shoes for company dancers. A new pair of pointe shoes has an average cost of $120.

Guest Artists and Master Classes 

• Brings professional dancers to Abilene to perform in live productions. ABT builds partnerships with regional dance companies to bring professional dancers to the local stage. Cost for professional dancers can be $500 per rehearsal.

• Supports master classes from professional instructors outside the community including special training opportunities like pas de deux (partnering).

Performance Venue and Production Costs 

• Maintains the costumes and props for annual productions like The Nutcracker. Custom made tutus start at $1,500.

• Continues long standing partnerships with the Historic Paramount Theatre, home of Abilene Ballet Theatre productions, and Abilene’s own Ballet Folklorico de Alvaro Muñoz. Venue rentals for live performances cost ABT $8,000+.

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