Texas Ballet Theater unveils a new Dallas location and begins Fort Worth renovations while preparing for a thrilling season featuring classic and contemporary productions.
Texas Ballet Theater expands its Dallas presence with a brand-new studio and will bring an exciting upcoming 2025-26 season with performances like Peter Pan and Swan Lake.
Texas Ballet Theater, which traces its roots back to 1961, has long been a cornerstone of the North Texas cultural landscape, offering world-class ballet performances and comprehensive dance education. With a rich history that includes residencies at both Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall and Dallas’s Winspear Opera House, TBT has continually expanded its reach and impact. The recent inauguration of a new school in Dallas’s Preston Center marks a significant milestone in TBT’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
The company’s journey has been marked by artistic growth and community engagement, leading to the name Texas Ballet Theater in 2003 to reflect its expanded presence in both Fort Worth and Dallas. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tim O’Keefe, TBT continues to present a diverse repertoire ranging from classical ballets to contemporary works.
Expansions to look forward to
In a strategic move to broaden its educational outreach, TBT opened a new dance school in Dallas’s Preston Center in the spring of 2025. Located at 6118 Luther Lane, this facility represents TBT’s first dedicated school in Dallas, complementing its existing schools in Fort Worth and Richardson.
The Dallas school offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels. From beginner ballet classes for young children to elite professional training for aspiring dancers, the school aims to provide high-quality dance education. Adult dance and fitness classes are also available, ensuring that dance enthusiasts of all ages have the opportunity to engage with the art form.
The Preston Center location was thoughtfully selected to provide a convenient and inspiring environment for students. The facility boasts state-of-the-art studios equipped with professional-grade flooring and amenities, creating an optimal setting for dance instruction and rehearsal. This investment in infrastructure underscores TBT’s dedication to fostering talent and promoting the physical well-being of its students.
Another perk of the new location is that students have unique opportunities to connect with TBT’s professional company. Masterclasses, workshops and the possibility of performing in company productions provide invaluable experiences that bridge the gap between training and professional artistry. This integration enriches the educational journey, offering students first-hand insight into the demands and rewards of a ballet career.
Also new for 2025 is the renovation of the Fort Worth location where the theater’s professional company trains. The facility will soon boast seven studios, providing more room for both training and professional programs. The renovations will also include expanded locker and dressing rooms, additional Pilates and workout equipment for the professional company, a spacious family waiting area and a larger administrative office. One of the most notable additions is a versatile dance lab, allowing the space to host small performances, including school showcases, VIP donor events and intimate in-studio performances.
This upgrade also creates opportunities for community engagement, with the potential to rent out the space for local organizations, corporate partnerships and events such as Girl Scout meetings and arts service days. These enhancements will not only elevate the experience for Texas Ballet Theater’s dancers and patrons but also strengthen its role as a cultural hub in the Fort Worth community.
Spectacular performances
TBT is working on an exciting lineup of performances for the remainder of the 2024-25 season and the upcoming 2025-26 season. These productions will be showcased in both Dallas and Fort Worth, offering audiences a diverse range of classical and contemporary ballet experiences.
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Swan Lake is one of the many spectacular productions in TBT’s 2025-26 season. Giselle: Concluding the 2024-2025 season, this performance is scheduled for May 2-4 and May 16-18. This classic ballet tells the haunting story of love, betrayal and redemption.
- Peter Pan: Set to run from Sept. 19-21 and Oct. 3-5, this production brings the adventurous tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up to life.
- The Nutcracker: A holiday favorite, performances are slated between Nov. 28 and Dec. 28, 2025.
- Diversions: A night of multiple performances! This innovative production is scheduled for Feb. 27-March 1 and March 13-15, 2026
- Swan Lake: The timeless ballet is set for May 1-3 and May 15-17, 2026.
Community engagement and accessibility
By establishing a permanent presence in Dallas, TBT aims to make dance education more accessible to a broader community. The Preston Center school’s location in a vibrant area of Dallas ensures that more families can participate in TBT’s programs without the need for extensive travel. This expansion reflects TBT’s mission to promote the appreciation and accessibility of ballet across North Texas.
Plans are also underway for a comprehensive renovation and expansion of its Fort Worth studio at 1500 Mall Circle. Scheduled to commence in 2025, this project aims to enhance the company’s facilities, reflecting TBT’s ongoing commitment to excellence in dance education and performance.
Through its rich history, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to both artistic excellence and community engagement, Texas Ballet Theater continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Texas, inspiring audiences and nurturing the next generation of dancers.
For more information on the Texas Ballet Theater or the new Dallas location, visit texasballettheater.org.