Ballet Ensemble of Texas

Ballet Ensemble of Texas (BET), one of Dallas’ best-reviewed pre-professional ballet companies, will be celebrating their  25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON this upcoming year! The main stage performances will include productions of DRACULA - Ballet with a Bite, THE NUTCRACKER, and CINDERELLA. The company will perform at both the Irving Arts Center (IAC) and the Coppell Arts Center (CAC)

BET will open the season at the Coppell Arts Council Arts Sip and Stroll, performing pieces that will be shared on stages around the world next summer! "Adiemus" and "The Signets" from SWAN LAKE will be featured.

After just two seasons, BET’s DRACULA - Ballet with a Bite has already become an annual tradition. Artistic Director Thom Clower’s portrayal of the classic vampire story features unique twists to the traditional story. Patrons may also participate in “The Vein Drain” (a blood drive in collaboration with the Carter BloodCare – which will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. October 25th, 2025 at the rehearsal studios). “Drinks with Dracula” (prior to the performance) and a “Fiendish Frock Fashion Fantasy” (a costume parade for the audience at the performance) will round out the event. The family friendly production will be presented at the CAC on November 1, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The Saturday performance date is perfect to allow our patrons (and our dancers!) to enjoy the evening of Tricks or Treats on Halloween, and extend the celebration into the weekend.

This year’s production of the classic holiday celebration THE NUTCRACKER will be presented in four performances at the Irving Arts Center, on December 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., and December 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. Completely updated in 2022, the production rings in the holiday season with humor, tradition, and splendor. Guest Artists will include alumni Breanne Granlund and Carlos Gonzalez, soloists with American Ballet Theatre. More than 200 young dancers from the Ballet Academy of Texas will join BET for this production.

In honor of our 25th Anniversary in Coppell, BET is moving its annual CELEBRATION OF DANCE to the Coppell Arts Center! The performance will feature CINDERELLA April 25, 2026 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm, and April 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Two student outreach performances will be presented to the CISD student population on April 24, 2026. There will be a special CINDERELLA BALL at 8:30 pm on April 25, with a Silent Auction and a Champagne Toast!  Come meet the dancers, and help us celebrate the Anniversary! It's ALL ABOUT THE SHOES!

BET will complete the season traveling abroad with the Stars of Tomorrow International, visiting Hungary, Germany, Austria and Italy. The dancers will perform for approximately 8000 people during the two-week tour! This will be the third time the company has been invited to participate in this international tour!

BET is the official performing company of the Ballet Academy of Texas and trains dancers who are recognized by prestigious pre-professional training programs across the country. In addition to performing on Broadway, our professional alumni also dance with companies around the country, including Texas Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York City Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Ballet Pensacola, Ohio Contemporary Ballet, Ballet West, Ballet Arkansas, and four former BET dancers currently performing with American Ballet Theatre, America’s National Ballet Company.

As a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, the company is funded largely by donations, and is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board, and the City of Coppell. Please visit the company website at www.balletensembleoftexas.org or on Facebook and Instagram @balletensembleoftexas for giving opportunities and ticket information.

 CHEERS TO 25 YEARS!