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 slide show which is designed to enable anyone who has a passion for ballet to give a wonderful, educational presentation with minimal presentation time.  In addition, the training session will provide guidance and education about dance.  So, don't be intimidated if you do not have extensive 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
• Docent at a minimum of two area schools (you choose the schools!)
• Present 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 at the Butler Dance Education center located at 501 West 3rd Street.  2010 training sessions for both new and veteran docents are as follows:

11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 4 with lunch
11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 9 with lunch
  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Wednesday, November 10 with
                               finger foods/refreshments

Docent presentations will be given at local elementary school campuses during school hours on weekdays from November 15, to December 8, 2010.

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.  If you have questions or are interested in becoming a Docent, please contact Guild Docent Committee Co-Chairs:

Lorelei McDevitt at 512.301.2845 (or Email her) or Lorrie Garcia at 512-432-5346 (or Email her).

One of the many students touched by this program thanks his 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:

Sparked by interest from a friend who was already a member, I joined the Ballet Austin Guild November of 2003.  I was promised that there would be something that I could immediately volunteer for.  Little did I know that she meant as soon as I faxed in my application.  Out of the many opportunities I received, the most interesting to me was the Docent Program.  By this time, the docent training was well underway.  I had a one-on-one training session, was given directions and contact information, my docent handbook and materials bag and after a few short days of practicing, went on my way to the school.  I was so nervous – I was presenting to over 100 children at one time and really did not know what to expect.  I had so much fun! Well after I went to the school and presented, I called my friend and told her how I wished I had gotten in the program earlier so I could’ve been more involved.  I’ve enjoyed the program tremendously since then.  This year, I’m serving as the Ballet Austin Docent Chair.” 

~ Kasha Birotte