Ballet Ensemble's News
Ballet Ensemble of Texas celebrates ballet history with
American Ballet Theatre guest artists and vintage Paris Opera/Harkness Ballet costumes,
and exclusive performances of Confetti.
Cinderella Performance
Ballet Ensemble of Texas’ (BET) presents CINDERELLA, “The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.” BET, one of Dallas’ best-reviewed pre-professional ballet companies, will present this classic folk tale in four sold out performances, on December 4 – 6, 2020, at the Irving Arts Center. Visit balletensembleoftexas.org to purchase tickets for live streamed performances on Saturday December 5th at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
“CINDERELLA is a timeless ballet full of romance, comedy and intrigue,” said Thom Clower, BET Artistic Director. “Whether you are laughing at the silly stepsisters, feeling your heart swell with the building of a magical romance, or simply enjoying the beautiful dancing, there’s something in this production for everyone!”
Clower adapted and re-choreographed this version after that of Anne Burton and has staged it many times across the country. Both he and BET Executive Director Lisa Slagle have performed as guest artists in Burton’s version during their careers.
Sugar Plum Dreams
Review: The Nutcracker | Ballet Ensemble of Texas | Irving Arts Center
The Ballet Ensemble of Texas showcased young talent in its The Nutcracker at Irving Arts Center.
by Emily Sese
published Friday, December 20, 2019 by Theater Jones
Photo: Cathy Vanover
Irving — Classical ballets have a few things in common: pantomime gestures, elaborate sets and costumes, and magical storylines. Not only do these fairytale plots take us to fanciful places with curious characters, but they remind audiences to embrace their childlike wonder.
Dance Party Ballet Ensemble of Texas proves its worth with A Celebration of Dance at Irving Arts Center.
Photo: Cathy Vanover
Theater Jones Review by Katie Dravenstott
published Sunday, April 7, 2019
Peter Anastos\’ Night Crawlers
Irving — The young dancers of Ballet Ensemble of Texas (under the artistic direction of Thom Clower) commanded the expansive main stage of the Irving Arts Center over the weekend with A Celebration of Dance. The mixed repertoire performance delivered four ballets in various styles with a subtle range of emotions, but one thing remained constant. Spirits stayed high, and the energy endured.
Ballet Academy of Texas Dancers Receive Top Awards
February 18, 2019
Dancers and Staff from the Ballet Academy of Texas in Coppell received top honors at the recent Youth America Grand Prix competition in Irving. This international competition held a “Qualifying Semi-Final” for the North Texas area at the Irving Arts Center the first weekend of February, with over 400 dancers performing from throughout the United States. The top honor of “Outstanding Teacher” went to the Academy’s director, Lisa Slagle, seen here on the right. Along with her staff, she began coaching the dancers back in October for these performances. Many dancers received recognition in their respective categories also. Pictured here are Akihiro Yoshimoto, age 17, who received a 1st place in the Senior Men’s Contemporary Division, and a 2nd place in the Senior Men’s Classical Division, and Trevin Ralphs, age 13, who received a 1st place in the Junior Men’s Classical Division. Also pictured on the left is Thom Clower, main teacher for the men at the Academy and Artistic Director of the Academy’s performance company, the Ballet Ensemble of Texas. Not pictured is Audrey King, who placed in the top 12 in the Senior Women’s Classical Division.
Ballet Ensemble of Texas The Nutcracker
by Emily Sese
published Friday, December 7, 2018
Relying mostly on local talent, Ballet Ensemble of Texas presented a Nutcracker that had magical moments.
Irving — For dance-lovers everywhere, the holiday season brings a familiar favorite to audiences across the world—The Nutcracker ballet. There’s something about life-sized dolls, glittering snowflakes, and the dreamy Land of Sweets that draws viewers back to theater year after year. But how does a dance company keep the magic alive for returning audiences? Ballet Ensemble of Texas fills the seats of the Irving Arts Center by delivering a consistently lively and fairly traditional version of the holiday classic.