Without our docents, there would be no Docent program. The only way we will be able to meet these goals is to have the support of at least 40 volunteers this season. If you have a passion for the arts and for Ballet Austin, you are qualified to be a docent.

All presentation materials are provided, including a PowerPoint presentation with embedded movies, which is designed to enable anyone who has a passion for ballet to give a wonderful, educational presentation that will really engage students. In addition, the training session will provide guidance and education about dance. So, don't be intimidated if you have a limited knowledge of ballet. Your love and enthusiasm for dance will not only enhance the children's theater experience, but also inspire them to become passionate about ballet too!

What is expected of a docent?

• Attend one mandatory training session (listed below)
• Contact your school(s) immediately after training to schedule your presentation times (the majority of presentations take place the week after Thanksgiving).
• Present at least twice during the period between the time you receive your training session and the day the children are scheduled to see the performance. (You will arrange a date and time with the school that is convenient for you).
• Have fun!!

The Training Sessions will all be held in the Community Board Room at the Butler Dance Education Center located at 501 West 3rd Street.  2011 training sessions for both new and veteran docents are as follows:

11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 3 with a light lunch
11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 8 with a light lunch
  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Wednesday, November 9 with
                               finger foods/refreshments

Only one training session is required.  Training includes a demo run-through of the actual docent presentation, plus step-by-step help in all aspects of being a Docent.  To volunteer as a Docent, please complete this form.  If you have questions, please contact Guild Docent Committee Co-Chairs Lorrie Garcia and Mary Casas.

One of the many students touched by this program thanks her Ballet Austin Docent: 

Dear Docent,

Thank you very much for coming to our school and talking to us about ballet.  I learned the steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  They were funny and hard but we tried.  I might want to dance or do ballet someday.  It’s fun to dance.  I hope you come again and tell us more about dancing and ballet.

Love, Theresa

One Guild docent comments on her experience:

Being a docent for Ballet Austin Guild has always been one of the highlights of my volunteer experience with this organization.  Even when I was Guild President and had many things to do, and many areas to oversee, I always made time in my schedule to be a docent.  It is truly a joy to teach the various elementary school groups about the ballet and The Nutcracker.  For me, it is the start of the Christmas season and the holidays wouldn’t be the same without this experience.  Many of the children I teach have never been to The Nutcracker, or any ballet, and to see their fascination with this art form – and their anticipation in seeing the ballet – is a pleasure.

Not only is it rewarding, fun and educational (I have also expanded my knowledge of ballet though this program!), but being a docent is very easy.  Pei-San Brown, Ballet Austin Community Education Director, has designed an easy to use, entertaining and informative power point presentation.  She also provides great “props” to show the students (including pointe shoes and an actual costume!)

An added benefit to being a docent is the invitation to attend a school show, one of two Nutcracker performances, with your students.  Not everyone can schedule this, and it is not a requirement, but if you can attend, you will be greeted with many hugs and smiles.  It is also fun to hear some of the students ask which role you will be performing in The Nutcracker.  Ahhh – if only!

-- Leslie Cox