We believe that dance is an integral and enriching part of life, and that every child and adult can benefit from dance experiences. Through community programs and partnerships, we share the beauty, artistry, and expression of dance to change lives across the South Plains.
Ballet Lubbock’s Community Engagement Programming is made possible in part through funding from The Helen Jones Foundation, The CH Foundation, The REA Charitable Trust, The Texas Commission on the Arts, and donations from individuals like you.
IN THE SCHOOLS
Through our Dance Connect program, we partner with Communities in Schools (CIS) to bring free, weekly dance instruction to elementary schools across the South Plains. Today we have a presence in 22 (and counting) elementary schools, donate over 400 pairs of dance shoes, and impact more than 600 students every week!
Students are selected for a semester’s term of dance classes and must maintain certain attendance, behavior, and academic benchmarks to continue their participation. Ballet Lubbock and the school districts see this model as overwhelmingly positive, and something to replicate and expand upon with additional campuses.
If your school is interested in getting involved with Dance Connect, read on about Dance Connect’s curriculum, benefits, and frequently asked questions. We offer interactive dance lecture demonstrations to schools across Lubbock exploring the elements of movement and special performances including The Nutcracker.
COMMUNITY YOUTH BALLET
Community Youth Ballet is a free class offered at Ballet Lubbock twice a week to our Dance Connect dancers. Interested students audition for a spot in these classes. Community Youth Ballet builds on the in-school ballet curriculum and provides eager dancers with additional training and performance opportunities.
For more information about Dance Connect or Community Youth Ballet, please contact Katrina Soricelli, Director of Community Engagement at katrina@balletlubbock.org.
DANCE ABILITIES
Dance Abilities is Ballet Lubbock’s adaptive dance program thoughtfully created for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and other specialized needs.
Blending classical ballet technique with music and creative movement, each class is taught in a fun, positive, and empowering atmosphere where every dancer is celebrated for who they are.
All curriculum is approved by a board-certified Behavior Analyst, and all instructors are specially trained to ensure classes are safe, inclusive, and engaging for every participant.
Dance Abilities classes are currently offered at elementary schools, middle schools, at Ballet Lubbock, and within community organizations. We’d love to bring Dance Abilities to you!
Interested in starting a class?
Contact Misty Seay, Adaptive Dance and Arts in Medicine Manager Misty@balletlubbock.org | (806) 785-3090
Sponsored By:
IN THE HOSPITALS
Arts In Medicine
Ballet Lubbock’s Arts in Medicine program brings the joy of movement, creativity, and connection to pediatric patients, teens, and families five days a week across Covenant Children’s Hospital, UMC Children’s Hospital, and the Covenant Relational Health Center.
Through this program, our teaching artists provide one-on-one adaptive ballet and creative movement sessions designed to uplift spirits, reduce anxiety, support physical and emotional well-being, and create moments of joy during medical treatment and recovery.
We meet patients exactly where they are—whether in the theatre, bedside, playroom, or clinic hallway. Every movement session is tailored to the child’s ability, energy level, and interests, and often includes parents and siblings for a shared family experience.
Where We Teach:
- Covenant Children’s Hospital: Monday through Thursday
- UMC Children’s Hospital: Tuesdays and Thursdays (rotating between the pediatric and oncology floors)
- Covenant Relational Health Center: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, serving teens facing emotional and mental health challenges through movement, mindfulness, and safe self-expression
Why We’re There:
Dance is more than just movement—it’s a tool for healing, hope, and human connection. Our goal is to bring comfort, creativity, and care to those navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. Movement provides an outlet for expression, a break from stress, and a way to reconnect to the joy of being in the body, even during times of illness.
Every November, the Ballet Lubbock Company performs a modified version of The Nutcracker right inside the hospitals—bringing the magic of the holiday season to children who can’t leave their rooms. In the spring, we return with a Spring Performance in April, created just for patients, families, and hospital staff.
Together, these special performances bring smiles, wonder, and unforgettable moments of joy to over 400 children and families each year—right when they need it most.
The Ballet Lubbock Company also performs a modified version of The Nutcracker (in November) and the Spring Performance (in April) for the patients, families, and hospital staff. This program provides a smile and moment of joy for 400 patients annually and their families in an otherwise difficult time.
Sponsored By:
COMMUNITY CLASSES
To make dance accessible to all members of our community, we host pop-up events and dance classes in non-traditional spaces. Each summer we host a series of Ballet in the Park classes outside that are open to everyone regardless of dance experience. Throughout the year we host Community Dance Days, alongside other dance organizations in the Lubbock community.
PERFORMANCES FOR ALL
Over 6,000 tickets donated annually
Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors and donors, we’re able to provide free outreach performances to the Lubbock community and to provide accessible dance education and performances of the highest artistic caliber.
Each year we offer special performances of The Nutcracker and our Spring Performance for children and special needs adults who would normally not be able to attend a ballet with a live orchestra. It is a truly priceless experience—in every sense of the word—for all those involved.
Further, an annual partnership with a local area school district brings more than 2,400 fourth graders to a free performance of The Nutcracker. In advance of each show, Ballet Lubbock provides a Nutcracker Study Guide which includes a plot outline with discussion points, tie-ins between dance and traditional classroom subject areas, and fun facts about the performance ahead.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A significant component of the Ballet’s mission is to ensure that dance education opportunities are accessible to as many interested students as possible, and thus offers over $65,000 worth of tuition assistance each year.
20% of Ballet Lubbock students receive financial aid, with an average award covering 40% of tuition cost and at least two full scholarships are awarded to students from the Ballet Lubbock Community Youth Ballet program.
Please visit the scholarship page for more information or to apply.