summer classes
- Ages 3 through Adult
- 6-week summer session of regular weekly classes
- June 6 – July 21
- Summer Educator Discount:
- $25 discount off summer session for teachers, use promo code “TEACH”
- Classes Offered: Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe, yoga, pilates, adult ballet, adult tap, theater jazz
- No registration fee, tuition due at registration
summer dance
intensive
- One 2-week intensive for intermediate to advanced students ages 10 and older
- July 25 – August 6
- Guest Master Teachers from around the country, including Houston Ballet
- Classes in ballet, pointe, modern, character, conditioning, and more!
summer camps
dance, grow, learn!
- Ages 5 – 10
- Two one-week camps
- June 27th – July 1st, 2022
- July 11th – July 15th, 2022
- 9 am – 12 noon
- $150 for each 1-week camp
- Curriculum developed by certified teacher
- Register early, spots are limited!
register with us today
Whether you’re looking to enroll your child in dance or you want to learn with them, we offer everything from yoga classes to jazz and pointe. All ages are welcome to develop their love for dance and learn new techniques while improving through group instruction. Let your children explore the art of dance with the Ballet Academy of South Texas by registering for classes today.
about the academy
At Ballet Academy of South Texas, your child will learn dance from our experienced faculty and receive the highest quality instruction in ballet and other dance disciplines. Our structured and age-appropriate curriculums are designed to teach discipline, artistry, problem solving, and many more characteristics the mastery of dance demands. Read more about our specific curriculum based on your child’s age.
mission statement
The Ballet Academy of South Texas is your premier source of dance training in Victoria, offering classes in ballet and other dance disciplines for students of all ages. An inspiring and highly qualified faculty share their knowledge and love for the art of dance in a positive and nurturing environment. Academy students will experience a structured and age-appropriate curriculum where, through the study of dance, they will learn discipline, artistry, problem solving, goal setting, cooperation and creative thinking. Developing these skills will benefit students wherever their lives take them. Join us at Ballet Academy of South Texas and experience the JOY of dance!
brenda tally
owner/director
Brenda Tally is a highly experienced arts educator, administrator, and choreographer with a passion for engaging and empowering young artists to develop their own creative voice through the study of dance technique, the craft of choreography, and dance performance. She holds an M.F.A in dance performance from the University of Iowa and a B.F.A. in modern dance from the University of Utah.
Tally began her early training in Victoria, Texas, and continued there as a member of Victoria Ballet Theatre from 1984 to 1993. She has done summer study at the Houston Ballet Academy, Joffrey Workshop TX, and Alvin Ailey American Dancenter. In Utah, Brenda also dabbled in musical theater at Robert Redford’s Sundance Theatre. She served as faculty for the Joffrey Workshop TX for over ten years.
At the University of Iowa, she was a Dean’s Graduate Fellow, danced as a member of Dancers in Company, and her choreographic work “Habitual Ritual” was chosen to represent the university at the American College Dance Festival. She has performed with modern dance companies including Duarte Dance Works, Kayle+Co, and Charlotte Adams & Dancers at the Joyce SOHO and Dance Theatre Workshop in New York City, and taught at VISD and The Vine School for over 12 years. Brenda is the artistic director of Victoria Ballet Theatre, an honor company with Regional Dance America, as well as a Texas Certified Teacher in Early Childhood-4th grade, Special Education & Dance. She has created over 20 original works, twice receiving the Monticello Foundation Scholarship and the Natalie Skelton awards for choreography from Regional Dance America.
After over 20 years as a teacher and administrator, Ms. Tally is thrilled to open her own school, Ballet Academy of South Texas, in January 2022. Brenda is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 for the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She has also completed the teacher training workshop at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, a revolutionary program for ballet teachers and students that aids in training muscle memory to achieve optimal ballet training. Through education, community engagement, and choreography, Ms. Tally helps her students explore self-empowerment, take creative risks, communicate feelings, and enact social change through the art of dance.
classes
Creative Dance – Ages 3 & 4
Early Childhood dance program designed to introduce students to creative movement, ballet and tap through a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Dancers will explore movement, music and rhythm as well as learn introductory vocabulary and skills in ballet and tap. Dance will also be used to explore early literacy, math and other educational concepts.
Kinder Ballet/Tap
Ages 5 and up
Ballet and Tap class for dancers age 5 and up. At this level dancers will begin to develop their skills in concentration, coordination and listening. They will also be introduced to more vocabulary and concepts in ballet and tap technique.
Elementary 1/2 Ballet/Tap Ages 6 and up
Ballet and Tap class for dancers ages 6 and up. This class continues to build on movement concepts, as dancers develop their technique through the structure of a traditional ballet class. Tap skills continues to develop as dancers explore more complex rhythm patterns and increased speed.
Ballet 1/2 – Ages 8 and up
A full-length classical ballet class following a structured and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students will begin at the barre where they will build strength, technique, and coordination. They will progress to movement in the center and across the floor. Dancers will be introduced to ballet theory, technique, and artistic concepts.
Tap/Jazz 1/2
Ages 8 and up
Combination tap and jazz class for students ages 8 and up. Jazz technique introduces concepts such as body isolation, coordination, flexibility and rhythm. Dancers will enjoy moving to age appropriate pop music as they explore rhythm and coordination. Tap class will continue to introduce new concepts and skills as they progress in their technique.
Ballet 3/4
Ages 10 and up
An intermediate ballet class continuing the school curriculum. Students continue to develop the technique and artistry necessary to advance in their training. Ballet 3/4 students are strongly encouraged to take 2 technique classes weekly and are required to take 2 classes if they take pointe. Mastery of Ballet 1/2 technique is required.
Pre- Pointe and Pointe 4
Ages 10 and up
Students are eligible to be considered for pointe once they have reached the Ballet 3 level, and placement is at the discretion of the school director. A minimum of 2 ballet technique classes weekly is required to enroll in pointe. Permission from school director is required before enrolling in pointe, and faculty should be consulted before purchasing pointe shoes.
Ballet 5/6/7
Ages 12 and up
Intermediate through Advanced ballet technique class. Placement is at the discretion of the school director and students are encouraged to take 3 or more classes weekly to see optimum results from their training. Students will continue to move through advanced skills and concepts while also developing their artistry as performers.
Pointe 5/6/7
Ages 12 and up
Intermediate through Advanced pointe class. Placement is at the discretion of the school director and students are encouraged to take 2 or more pointe classes weekly to see optimum results from their training. Students will continue to develop the strength and skills necessary to perform more advanced ballet choreography.
Tap 3-7
Ages 10 and up
Level placement at the discretion of school director. Dancers will explore basic tap technique, skills and rhythm.
Jazz 3-7
Ages 10 and up
Leveled according to age and ability. Jazz class develops concepts such as body isolation, coordination, flexibility, and rhythm. Dancers will enjoy moving to age-appropriate pop music as they explore diverse rhythm and movement styles.
Contemporary 3-7
Ages 10 and up
Modern class will incorporate many of the foundations of modern dance technique, including suspension and release, fall and recovery, the use of momentum and connecting breath with movement. Dancers will explore new ways of moving in combinations, floor work and partnering, and also in various methods of improvisation.
Adult Ballet
Basic Ballet technique class for adults of all ages and levels. Focus will be on utilizing ballet technique to build strength, flexibility, and stamina. Dancers will also explore artistry of movement.
Adult Tap
Basic tap class for adults of all ages and levels. Dancers will learn basic tap steps and combinations in a fun and stress-free setting.
Strength & Flexibility
A class designed for intermediate to advanced dance students to improve strength and flexibility as a means to facilitate safe and steady progress in their dance training.
Yoga
An alignment-based Hatha yoga that is accessible and challenging to all yogis, from the beginner to the advanced. Focused on safety by emphasizing optimal alignment, yoga class will cultivate strength, flexibility, and stamina. This practice will center around total enrichment of body, mind, spirit, and soul to cultivate a stress free and healthy life.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is suitable for practitioners of all levels. By definition, restorative yoga is a restful practice that holds yoga poses (asanas) for a longer duration using props like yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters. It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga—the union of body and mind. Students will need to provide their own mats, blocks, and are welcome to bring their own pillows, bolsters, and blankets.
Pilates
Mat-based Pilates class focuses on strength, stability, posture, proper breath control, and flexibility. Each class will work to balance all muscle groups’ strength and flexibility, with an emphasis on challenging the core muscles with each movement. Classes will be taught using slow, controlled movements. Modifications are suggested for beginners or for those with physical limitations and is suitable for all levels. Mat Pilates is a challenging yet safe method to lengthen and sculpt your body and to feel increased agility in your everyday movements.
testimonials
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