ABOUT VICTORIA BALLET THEATRE
ORIGINS
Victoria Ballet Theatre (VBT) was founded in 1984 as a non-profit, non-discriminatory organization dedicated to advancing the art of dance for the cultural enrichment of Victoria, Texas, and surrounding communities. Our mission centers on elevating local talent through rigorous training, providing educational experiences for youth via live theater, and achieving performance excellence through collaboration with renowned guest artists, choreographers, and instructors. Our commitment to outreach and education ensures that the art of dance reaches all corners of our community.
Since our founding, VBT has consistently brought high-quality dance experiences to audiences. Our inaugural 1984 production of Swan Lake in Riverside Park marked the beginning of an enduring tradition, including an annual performance of The Nutcracker and seasonal spring and fall showcases. In addition to company dancers and guest artists, the company’s annual sold-out production of The Nutcracker includes over 100 community members gracing the stage in this holiday classic. Each season features a balance of timeless classical works and innovative new pieces by local and international choreographers. In addition, VBT actively fosters emerging choreographers within our own ranks, encouraging the next generation of artists.
OUTREACH
At Victoria Ballet Theatre, we believe that the power of dance can transform lives. In 2001 Victoria Ballet Theatre started the Dance Education and Movement Initiative (DEMI), which provides equitable access to dance instruction and live dance performances to youth from underserved communities in Victoria County and surrounding areas. Victoria Ballet Theatre collaborates with the Victoria Independent School District (VISD), Mid-Coast Family Counseling Services and the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria to provide dance classes, performance opportunities and free admission to live dance performances. By choosing these three organizations as collaborators, Victoria Ballet Theatre can provide arts education to the most underserved youth in our community. In addition, students who are identified by their talent and passion for the art of dance may be awarded scholarships to further their training in a more formal setting. Victoria Ballet Theatre is the only non-profit dance organization in our area working with these organizations to provide access to the art of dance.
VBT TODAY
As we celebrate 40 years of dance, VBT remains committed to artistic growth and community impact. A member of Regional Dance America since 1995, VBT holds the prestigious “Honor Company” status. Each year, over forty pre-professional dancers, ages ten and up, are selected for the company through a competitive audition process. Our dancers have been accepted into some of the most renown summer intensives and college dance departments in the country including:
Our current season includes a fall mixed repertoire, the holiday classic The Nutcracker, and a spring performance that balances classical and contemporary ballet works. These shows feature original choreography by esteemed guest artists, collaborative performances with local musicians and artists, and appearances by professional touring companies.
VBT brings a wealth of talent from leading artists across the globe. Here’s a selection of the esteemed companies, dancers, and choreographers we’ve welcomed to our community in recent years.
Professional Companies
Ailey II - NYC
Ate 9 – San Francisco
Baira Mvmt Phlosphy – NYC/Detroit
Dark Circles Contemporary Dance - Dallas
Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre - Houston
Elisa Monte - NYC
Professional Guest Dancers
Joo Won Ahn - American Ballet Theatre
Simon Ball - Houston Ballet
Ian Casady - Houston Ballet
Chun Wai Chan – Houston Ballet/New York City Ballet
Rupert Edwards- Houston Ballet
Augustina Gallizi - Mexico City Ballet
Karina Gonzales - Houston Ballet
Jasmany Hernandez - Mexico City Ballet
Chelsea Keefer – Ballet West
Nao Kusuzaki - Houston Ballet
Micheal Landez – American Repertory Ballet
Betsy McBride – American Ballet Theatre
Chase O’Connell – Ballet West/Houston Ballet
Amy Potter - Ballet West
Morgan Stillman – Ballet Austin
Mauro Villanueva – Joffrey Ballet
Harper Watters – Houston Ballet
Sara Webb - Houston Ballet
Professional Choreographers
Penny Askew
Shaina & Bryan Baira
Jorge Cano
Lee Wei Chao
Thom Clower
Jill Eathorne-Bahr
Mike Esperanza
Nao Kusuzaki
Nathalie Marrable
Joshua Peugh
Willy Shives
Randall Soileau
Susan Treviño
Dominic Walsh
Mauro Villanueva
THE FUTURE
To mark our 40th anniversary, VBT has established the Victoria Ballet Theatre Endowment, ensuring a lasting foundation for our mission and vision. This endowment allows us to secure the resources needed to support artistic excellence and financial sustainability. While the endowment prioritizes funding for original full-length ballets, it ultimately serves to sustain and grow VBT’s legacy in Victoria and beyond.
Victoria Ballet Theatre (VBT) was founded in 1984 as a non-profit, non-discriminatory organization dedicated to advancing the art of dance for the cultural enrichment of Victoria, Texas, and surrounding communities. Our mission centers on elevating local talent through rigorous training, providing educational experiences for youth via live theater, and achieving performance excellence through collaboration with renowned guest artists, choreographers, and instructors. Our commitment to outreach and education ensures that the art of dance reaches all corners of our community.
Since our founding, VBT has consistently brought high-quality dance experiences to audiences. Our inaugural 1984 production of Swan Lake in Riverside Park marked the beginning of an enduring tradition, including an annual performance of The Nutcracker and seasonal spring and fall showcases. In addition to company dancers and guest artists, the company’s annual sold-out production of The Nutcracker includes over 100 community members gracing the stage in this holiday classic. Each season features a balance of timeless classical works and innovative new pieces by local and international choreographers. In addition, VBT actively fosters emerging choreographers within our own ranks, encouraging the next generation of artists.
OUTREACH
At Victoria Ballet Theatre, we believe that the power of dance can transform lives. In 2001 Victoria Ballet Theatre started the Dance Education and Movement Initiative (DEMI), which provides equitable access to dance instruction and live dance performances to youth from underserved communities in Victoria County and surrounding areas. Victoria Ballet Theatre collaborates with the Victoria Independent School District (VISD), Mid-Coast Family Counseling Services and the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria to provide dance classes, performance opportunities and free admission to live dance performances. By choosing these three organizations as collaborators, Victoria Ballet Theatre can provide arts education to the most underserved youth in our community. In addition, students who are identified by their talent and passion for the art of dance may be awarded scholarships to further their training in a more formal setting. Victoria Ballet Theatre is the only non-profit dance organization in our area working with these organizations to provide access to the art of dance.
VBT TODAY
As we celebrate 40 years of dance, VBT remains committed to artistic growth and community impact. A member of Regional Dance America since 1995, VBT holds the prestigious “Honor Company” status. Each year, over forty pre-professional dancers, ages ten and up, are selected for the company through a competitive audition process. Our dancers have been accepted into some of the most renown summer intensives and college dance departments in the country including:
- Houston Ballet
- American Ballet Theatre
- Boston Ballet
- Ballet West
- Ballet Austin
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Center
- Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet
- Texas Christian University
- Fordham University
- University of Utah
- University of Indiana
- Butler University
- New York University
- University of Iowa
- Southern Methodist University
- Texas State University
- University of Texas
- Texas A&M
- Sam Houston State University
- And more!
Our current season includes a fall mixed repertoire, the holiday classic The Nutcracker, and a spring performance that balances classical and contemporary ballet works. These shows feature original choreography by esteemed guest artists, collaborative performances with local musicians and artists, and appearances by professional touring companies.
VBT brings a wealth of talent from leading artists across the globe. Here’s a selection of the esteemed companies, dancers, and choreographers we’ve welcomed to our community in recent years.
Professional Companies
Ailey II - NYC
Ate 9 – San Francisco
Baira Mvmt Phlosphy – NYC/Detroit
Dark Circles Contemporary Dance - Dallas
Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre - Houston
Elisa Monte - NYC
Professional Guest Dancers
Joo Won Ahn - American Ballet Theatre
Simon Ball - Houston Ballet
Ian Casady - Houston Ballet
Chun Wai Chan – Houston Ballet/New York City Ballet
Rupert Edwards- Houston Ballet
Augustina Gallizi - Mexico City Ballet
Karina Gonzales - Houston Ballet
Jasmany Hernandez - Mexico City Ballet
Chelsea Keefer – Ballet West
Nao Kusuzaki - Houston Ballet
Micheal Landez – American Repertory Ballet
Betsy McBride – American Ballet Theatre
Chase O’Connell – Ballet West/Houston Ballet
Amy Potter - Ballet West
Morgan Stillman – Ballet Austin
Mauro Villanueva – Joffrey Ballet
Harper Watters – Houston Ballet
Sara Webb - Houston Ballet
Professional Choreographers
Penny Askew
Shaina & Bryan Baira
Jorge Cano
Lee Wei Chao
Thom Clower
Jill Eathorne-Bahr
Mike Esperanza
Nao Kusuzaki
Nathalie Marrable
Joshua Peugh
Willy Shives
Randall Soileau
Susan Treviño
Dominic Walsh
Mauro Villanueva
THE FUTURE
To mark our 40th anniversary, VBT has established the Victoria Ballet Theatre Endowment, ensuring a lasting foundation for our mission and vision. This endowment allows us to secure the resources needed to support artistic excellence and financial sustainability. While the endowment prioritizes funding for original full-length ballets, it ultimately serves to sustain and grow VBT’s legacy in Victoria and beyond.
