Q: What is the difference between Ballet Abilene and Abilene Ballet Theatre? Aren't they the same thing?

A: No. They are two separate organizations. Ballet Abilene is the studio or school where we teach students from age 3 and up to dance. We offer ballet, jazz and tap classes. Our classes are in session from September through May. Anyone may sign up to take classes. All students are invited to perform in our end of year recital in May, which showcases what all our dancers have learned over the year of instruction.

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Abilene Ballet Theatre (ABT) is our performing company. ABT was founded in 1985 and is a 501C3 non-profit organization. The company is under the artistic direction of Nancy Gore and Lisa Gore. ABT holds open auditions each Fall to dancers ages nine and up for the upcoming season. All company members sign a contract to uphold company requirements. Our performing season includes the Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Fairy Tea in the Fall and ABT's Spring Showcase in the Spring.  ABT is governed by a board of directors and is supported by proceeds from our performances and donations. In 1987 ABT was selected by audition for membership in the prestigious Regional Dance America/Southwest, a six-state organization of 22 select dance companies. ABT has been a performing member of RDA for 34 years. 

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Q: When do I pay for my child's classes?

A: Once you've created an account and registered, you will be invoiced each month via email on the first and can pay your tuition online. It's super quick and easy. 

 

Q: I need to pay for my child's classes and also pay my ABT company audition fee or for my Nutcracker t-shirt. Can I just include it in my online payment or write one check?

A: No. Again, they are separate. Registration fees, monthly tuition, recital fees, and recital costume fees go to Ballet Abilene. 

ABT company audition fee, costume cleaning fees for company performances, and Nutcracker tickets or t-shirts go to ABT. 

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Q: When is the best time to start my child in dance lessons?

A: Whenever your child expresses an interest in dance. Three is a good age to start but we've had students start dancing when they were a little older and decided on their own that they really wanted to dance.

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Q: When can I sign up my child for lessons?

A: Ballet Abilene accepts new students two times a year: during our online registration period in August and for summer camps. Enrollment for summer camps begins in late February or March.

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Q: Where can I purchase my child's class color-specific leotard and other supplies for class?

A: We have a NEW dancewear shop! We have listed all dancewear by class and according to the dress code in order to make your dancewear shopping much easier and more efficient. CLICK HERE to buy any and all dance class needs! Also, you can The Dance Shop in Ft Worth at 1-800-22-DANCE, www.22dance.com or Discount Dance at discountdance.com or Suffolk Dance Boutique at suffolkdance.com.

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Q: What is a summer intensive?

A:  A summer intensive is a summer dance training "camp" that dancers from all over the world can audition to attend. Many prestigious ballet companies offer summer intensive programs for serious dancers. Students are selected for inclusion in summer intensive programs by audition. Auditions occur all over the world, usually in January through March, and we are fortunate to have many auditions available in the Metroplex. Summer intensive programs range from one week to the entire summer, with most lasting two weeks to a month. After acceptance into a summer program, our dancers may apply for scholarships from our company for assistance with summer intensive tuition. The scholarship application is available on this website by March/April and is reviewed by our scholarship committee. We have information at the studio about summer intensive programs and audition sites/dates. 

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Summer intensive programs are optional for students but highly recommended for additional dance training. It can help prepare dancers for more challenging roles in company performances. It is essential for company dancers to continue training in the summer, whether at Ballet Abilene or at summer intensives to be prepared for the upcoming performing season.

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Q: It's a government holiday (President's Day, Columbus Day, etc.) My kids don't have school. Do we have dance?

A: Yes, we will have dance class! The only holidays we take are Thanksgiving week (Nutcracker recovery week), Christmas Break, and Spring Break. See the calendar tab for full calendar. We take inclement weather days according to the AISD cancellation/delay schedule. Cancellations will also be posted on this website.

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