Full Season Packages Now Available
A native Houstonian, Tim O’Keefe was awarded a scholarship to Houston Ballet Academy in 1981, joined the company one year later, was promoted to Soloist in 1985, and was named Principal Dancer in 1995.
In 1997, Houston Ballet Artistic Director Ben Stevenson created the title role of Dracula for Tim. He has choreographed works for Houston Ballet’s Cullen Contemporary Series and for Houston Ballet Academy, as well as Love Thing, Ragtime Dance, and Violin Concerto in D for Texas Ballet Theater. Tim joined Texas Ballet Theater in 2002 and was named Acting Artistic Director in 2022. He was named Artistic Director in 2023.
Executive Director Vanessa Logan brings over 20 years of experience in arts administration to Texas Ballet Theater. Before joining TBT, she was the Executive Director of American Repertory Ballet and the Chief of Staff at Boston Ballet, where she supported operations, budgeting, staff management, and event planning.
She is a lifelong advocate for community and education arts programs and is especially committed to building youth engagement in the arts. Vanessa has presented arts administration workshops at the University of Connecticut and Simmons College. She is a proud member of DanceUSA Constituency Committee. Vanessa is an executive volunteer for the Prison Entrepreneurship Program based out of Dallas. She is also a volunteer for EDGE – Empowering Dignity in Girls Everywhere. Vanessa attended The Juilliard School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Movement Therapy from Goucher College, Maryland.
World-renowned choreographer Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. served as the Artistic Director for Texas Ballet Theater from 2003-2022, and was named Artistic Director Laureate in 2022. His extraordinary skill and tireless effort have elevated Texas Ballet Theater to international acclaim. A true visionary, Ben’s contributions to the company inspire every performance.
Mr. Li was born in Nanjing, China. At age 13, he began training with the Beijing Dance Academy and graduated to the Young Dancers Company where Mr. Li first met and worked with Mr. Stevenson. In 1982, he joined the National Ballet of China as a soloist. In 1985, Mr. Li was invited by Ivan Nagy to join Ballet de Santiago in Chile as a Principal dancer. In 1989, Mr. Stevenson invited Mr. Li to join Houston Ballet as a soloist.
During his 21-year career, Mr. Li performed classical and contemporary pieces all around the world working with many notable figures of the dance world. Mr. Li retired from the stage in 2000 and became Ballet Master at Houston Ballet before coming to Texas Ballet Theater in 2003. Mr. Li has been Assistant Artistic Director of Texas Ballet Theater since 2005.
A native of Ireland, Anna Donovan won a scholarship to train at the Royal Ballet School in England when she was ten years old. From there she joined the Elmhurst Ballet School. After performing in Kaiserslautern, Germany she joined the Irish National Ballet in 1973 and was rapidly promoted to Principal Dancer.
After 17 years with INB, she joined the staff of Ballet Dallas in 1991, serving as Principal Ballet Mistress/Repetiteur and instructor for the Dallas Conservatory of Ballet. She is included in The Who’s Who of Teachers in America 2000, 2001, and 2005. Anna joined the artistic staff at TBT as Principal Ballet Master in 2000.
After 14 years of banking and for profit experience in Accounting and Treasury Management, Linda began her nonprofit career with a volunteer accounting position with the American Women’s Club of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Upon returning to the states she joined the staff of The Junior League of Fort Worth as the Finance Director and subsequently joined Fort Worth Academy School the Business Manager. Linda has been the Director of Finance at Texas Ballet Theater since February 2016.
In her early career, Ms. Hinebaugh worked as an artist, singing in operas as a mezzo-soprano on stages from Carnegie Hall to Bass Hall. Over the years, she worked and volunteered with stage crew, executive, and development offices with organizations such as The Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Philharmonic, The Palm Beach Opera, and Fort Worth Opera and continued to be a passionate supporter of the fine arts.
Ms. Hinebaugh’s natural talents evolved and developed her into a seasoned leader in the luxury Hospitality industry where she gained extensive experience in CRM, business development, event design, event management/production, experiential marketing, and art direction. Her career has been primarily focused on working with high net worth clients to create and celebrate memorable and remarkable experiences. She has been fortunate to have unique personal and professional opportunities which have made her a worldly, knowledgeable, and engaging leader who has been at the helm of many successful creative projects.
At Texas Ballet Theater, it is Ms. Hinebaugh’s mission to combine her professional experience with her passion for the high art of classical ballet to ensure that the integral contribution of the fine arts and the cultural experience is made accessible to communities throughout the Metroplex.
Scott Dunagan has more than 20 years of experience in marketing. His experience ranges from global advertising agencies, media companies, and corporations to start-ups. He received his MBA from University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merge School of Business in 2000. While at Young & Rubicam Advertising, he was part of the digital team which handled the Lincoln-Mercury, Land Rover, Jaguar, XBOX, and SONY accounts. After starting his own marketing company, in 2008, he worked with clients like Roy’s Hawaiian Cuisine, Benepath, Invisalign, and Botox.
In 2015 Scott entered the non-profit space by joining the Bowers Museum, in Orange County, California, as their Vice President of External Affairs. While with the Bowers he developed a passion for helping non-profits expand their reach and in 2017, with his tenure at the Bowers over, he founded a consultancy focused on helping non-profits do a better job communicating with their communities.
A native of Kansas, Boyd began his theatrical career as a performer in Chicago. He joined Houston Ballet in 1976, becoming its Production Director in 1986. He comes to Texas Ballet Theater with experience producing and directing productions for Houston Ballet and Queensland Ballet.
Boyd’s scenic designs have been presented by companies around the world, including Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of China, Estonia National Ballet and National Ballet of Santiago. Boyd joined Texas Ballet Theater in 2019.
Administrative Director of Schools Yvonne Leffel has a long history with Texas Ballet Theater leading up to her current role. As Administrative Director she oversees programs, operations, and activities for both Texas Ballet Theater School campuses. She joined TBT in 2012 as Texas Ballet Theater School’s Dallas Campus administrator where she managed daily operations. Prior to becoming Administrative Director of Schools, Yvonne was an integral part of the TBTS transition team for the opening of TBT’s new Dallas campus location.
Her previous roles in restaurant management and as a small business owner provide unique insight to her current position. Both of Yvonne’s daughters trained in classical ballet and are TBTS alumnae.
From the company’s grand vision to the minor details, our Executive Leadership ensures Texas Ballet Theater operates with the same grace in office as we do on stage.
Texas Ballet Theater boasts a repertoire of creative individuals that lend their talent to our company. Their collaboration allows us to present exceptional pieces, each and every season.
Every contribution, no matter how small, is impactful. Our Development Team engages with donors to raise funds that further our three priority areas: art, access and education.
Our team of number crunchers and people people not only bring balance to the TBT organization, but help shape the future for the entire company as an elite center for performing arts.
With the help of the marketing team, TBT is able to promote our productions, bring people together and inspire an appreciation for ballet.
Producing ballet at TBT is no small feat, which is what makes our production department vital to each show. Our production team works all the magic backstage and is responsible for load-in and strike, venue coordination, managing stage operations and much more.
Texas Ballet Theater School trains aspiring students and pre-professionals. Our team of teachers and administrators educate, delight and inspire the next generation of dancers.
