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Texas Ballet Theater Schools

Dallas School at Preston Center

Texas Ballet Theater's newest school is now open! Scroll below for the schedule, tuition information, and more.

The Embodiment of Artistry

Classes range from caregiver-and-me classes to advanced and pre-professional training. Our level-based curriculums are designed to advance technique in a wide range of dance styles and grow each student’s confidence on and off the stage. Classes are available year-round.

If you have any questions, contact us at DallasSchool@TexasBallet.org.

Registration & Schedule

Enrollment is now open! Class sizes are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

If your dancer is under 8 years old, you can register for classes below. For dancers aged 8-18, placement classes will be held. Sign up for a placement class below.

2024-2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS >
2024-2025 LOWER SCHOOL CLASS SCHEDULE >
2024-2025 UPPER SCHOOL CLASS SCHEDULE >

TUITION & FEES >

New Students Welcome

Students ages 8 and older are required to attend a placement class for placement into the appropriate class level. Placement is based on age, technique, physique, personal strength and maturity.

Programs and Curriculum

Early Learners

These classes introduce young dancers to movement and musicality in a happy and supportive environment. Students ages 3-7 will learn the fundamentals of dance and make a few new friends too!

Creative Ballet 3 & 4

Classes for ages 3 and 4 meet once a week.

Pre-primary & primary level

Students ages 5-7 may take one or two classes per week.

Levels 1, 2, 3

Students become more familiar with the foundations of ballet during these leveled classes. Classes take on a more formal approach to classical ballet. Students in select levels become eligible to audition for supporting student roles in the company’s annual production of The Nutcracker.

Level 1

Students ages 7 and 8 may take one or two classes per week.

Levels 2 & 3

Students are placed into levels 2 and 3 by teacher recommendation and take two classes per week.

Jazz and Tap: Levels 1, 2, 3

These fun classes offer students a way to broaden their skills in diverse dance techniques and do not require enrollment in a ballet level.

Levels 4, 5, 6

In these intermediate classes, students are introduced to a more rigorous level of study, incorporating training elements and influences from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum. Classes continue to build on strength and coordination in modern and jazz dance. Pre-pointe work begins in Level 6 and continues with beginning pointe work in Level 6B.

Flexible Track available for those unable to attend all classes each week.

Level 7 and Advanced 1, 2, 3

Our most intensive levels build upon the curriculum learned in Levels 4-6. Classes meet five to six days per week, emphasizing posture, placement, style, quality, artistic expression, strength, technique and musicality.

Flexible Track available for those unable to attend all classes each week.

Men's Classes

Along with regular leveled classes, Texas Ballet Theater School offers an additional boys-only class, recommended for students ages 7-I4. This class helps provide important focused training and introduces young men to the specific strengths required for male ballet dancers.

Adult Classes

We offer dance and fitness classes for adults with varying levels of experience (or none at all). Intended to bridge the gap between fitness and fun, adult classes focus on strength, flexibility and rhythm.

Summer Programs

These classes combine the highest quality instruction with fun summer themes for an engaging experience. Classes range from ballet basics to advanced level training.

Meet the Staff

Kyle Seguin
Dallas School Principal

Kyle Seguin

Tim O’Keefe
Artistic Director

Tim O’Keefe

Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.
Artistic Director Laureate

Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.

Yvonne Leffel
Administrative Director of Schools

Yvonne Leffel

Dallas School Principal

Kyle Seguin

Kyle Seguin danced with the Alabama Ballet under the leadership of Wes Chapman and Roger VanFleteren, where performed many principal roles, including Count Albrecht in Giselle, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Prince Desire in The Sleeping Beauty, Franz in Coppelia, El Capitan in George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes, the title roles in Dracula and Romeo and Juliet, and works by Robert Battle and Teri Weksler. Concurrently, he earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, where he graduated with honors after developing an assessment tool for eating disorder risk in professional ballet dancers.

Before founding West Suburban Ballet Conservatory (WSBC), an elite classical ballet training program in the Chicagoland suburbs, Seguin severed as both Pre-Professional Division Liaison and Academy Ballet Master at the Joffrey Ballet, and was on faculty at Columbia College Chicago (Anatomy, Kinesiology) and the Chicago High School for the Arts (Men’s Technique, Pas de Deux). His choreography has been featured at the Universal Ballet Competition (UBC) Finals Gala, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Finals, the Alabama Ballet, and the Arova Contemporary Ballet, among others. Seguin consistently coaches students to place at international ballet competitions and was a scholarship presenter for YAGP for four seasons. In 2022, he received both the Best Choreographer Award at UBC in Chicago, and the Outstanding Teacher Award at YAGP in Indianapolis. In 2024, Seguin and the WSBC Faculty received the Outstanding Teacher Award at YAGP in Chicago and the Outstanding Classical Coach Award at UBC in Chicago. During the 2023/2024 season, Seguin served as both Education Director of The Florida Ballet and Founding Director of WSBC. Seguin’s former students are dancing in
professional companies throughout the US and abroad.

Seguin is trained on all Stott Pilates apparatus and in 2009, founded One Hundred, a boutique-style Pilates and dance studio in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. He developed and branded Pilates, dance, and fitness programs that allowed the studio to see thousands of clients of all ages. He oversaw all operations and developed a work-study scholarship program for high-school and college students, as well as a mentorship program for Pilates instructors in training.


Artistic Director

Tim O’Keefe

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.


Artistic Director Laureate

Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.

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.

 

His Story


Administrative Director of Schools

Yvonne Leffel

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.


Instructors

Stephanie Burgard
School Coordinator
Ela O'Connor
School Coordinator
Gina Baker
Bomin Kang
Alexis Leffel
Viviana Lubertino
Aia McInnes
Anna Rotllant
Angel Warden-Palmer

Student Scholarship Fund

Texas Ballet Theater School trains the next generation of dancers and arts patrons. Our Scholarship Fund helps keep the program growing by offering tuition subsidy and scholarships for students in need.

Tuition

Tuition is based on the class level in which the student is enrolled. Tuition and registration fees are non-refundable. Students are responsible for tuition for the entire year. Full tuition is due for students who choose not to participate in the Spring Performances. Students with outstanding account balances are not eligible for re-enrollment until outstanding payments are paid.

Students who enroll after the beginning of the regular year may receive a prorated tuition rate. There are no credits for classes missed and no make-up classes offered. Reimbursements are not given for classes missed for vacations or school functions. Students are obligated for a full semesters tuition even if they withdraw before the end of the session.

Tuition credits may be applied to the following semester in the event students withdraw from classes due to a prolonged illness or injury verified by a doctor’s written confirmation. Texas Ballet Theater School must be informed in writing if a student decides to discontinue classes.

Payment Options & Discounts

Payments may be made by check, credit card (preferably through the online Parent Portal), or automatic credit card charges. Cash is not accepted for tuition payments.

MONTHLY PAYMENTS

Due on the first weekday of each month, August 1, 2023, through May 1, 2024. The annual tuition is divided into 10 equal payments, so no discount is given for partial months.

SEMESTER PAYMENTS

Due in two equal payments on August 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024. Includes 3% discount.

FAMILY DISCOUNT

Additional children in the same family will receive a 10% discount. For discount purposes, the student with the greatest class schedule is considered the “first student”. The family discount does not apply to drop-in or special classes and cannot be combined with any other discount, including annual payment or semester payment.

Payment Policies

REGISTRATION FEES

A $45 (by June 30) or $70 (July 1 and after) registration fee is due for each student at the time of enrollment. This fee is non-refundable and must be received to hold a student’s spot in class. This fee will be charged to the credit card on file when registration is processed.

PERFORMANCE AND COSTUME FEES

Lower School (Creative Ballet—Level 4): $160 includes one costume and participation fee. $85 is due on October 14, 2024 and remaining balance is due February 1, 2025.

 

Level 4+: $160-$180 includes one costume rental and participation fee. $85 is due on October 14, 2024 and remaining balance is due February 1, 2025.

 

Students that require additional costumes will pay up to an additional $65-85 per costume if needed.

LATE FEES

All payments are due on the first weekday of each month. Accounts that have not been paid by the 7th of the month will incur a $10 late fee. Tuition payments not received by the 15th of the month will be automatically charged to your card on file, along with the late fee.

WITHDRAWALS

In the event that a student withdraws during the year, the parent/guardian is responsible for all payments until written notification is submitted. Past payments are still due and will not be refunded or prorated. If a student must withdraw due to prolonged illness or injury, paid tuition may be credited to a future enrollment if proper medical documentation is provided. Parent/Guardian is also responsible for any costume balances on costumes that were purchased for the student.

NO REFUND POLICY

Texas Ballet Theater School will not refund tuition payments or registration fees for any reason. Refunds will not be given for missed or cancelled classes.

Ballerina Birthday Party

A Party En Pointe

Kids all ages love our Ballerina Birthday Parties. The package includes: 45 minutes in the dance studio with a real ballerina, a brief dance lesson and, of course, a pair of commemorative pointe shoes. Guests will be treated to a ballet-themed storybook reading, a dance lesson and photo opportunities with a TBT ballerina.

To book a Ballerina Birthday Party, please email us at DallasSchool@TexasBallet.org.