A Note From Our President:

It is a great privilege for me to be asked to serve as the 2011/12 President of Ballet Austin Guild. I began taking ballet and tap lessons at the age of three in a small-town dance studio with some big-time talent. That turned out to be the beginning of decades of dance training for me. I am forever grateful for that opportunity and for my parents’ dedication to teaching my sister and me to appreciate the arts, which instilled in us both a lifelong passion. Perhaps you can relate to that passion – the thing that sends chills down our arms when we hear a live symphony, moves us to tears while watching an emotionally-charged ballet or has us faithfully setting our DVRs to record Dancing with the Stars each week on television!

If you’ve ever experienced these sensations, then you also know the remarkable power of the arts to open up a whole new world of possibilities. One of the things I love most about Ballet Austin Guild is our participation in programs that share the magic and wonder of ballet with children and adults who might not otherwise get to experience it. Discovering and joining this wonderful organization gave me the opportunity not only to support a cause that has meant so much to me, but also to meet fellow dance devotees and establish friendships with amazing people who share my same passion for dance and the arts.

I am looking forward to another exciting season supporting the incredibly talented artists of Ballet Austin and all the possibilities this year presents for Ballet Austin Guild. That is why I believe “Illuminating the Possibilities” is the perfect theme for this membership year as we grow our group and pursue our potential. Ballet Austin begins its 2011/12 season with the world premiere of The Mozart Project, a cutting edge blend of cultures that will illuminate the endless possibilities of art with Stephen Mills at the helm! This season will showcase up-and-coming artists in the world of choreography and bring to life the passion of Shakespeare. Of course, we’ll enjoy of our holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, and we are fortunate this year to get an encore of Stephen’s groundbreaking ballet, Light/The Holocaust & Humanity Project. Guild members are enthusiastically anticipating these beautiful productions, along with our own special events such as the Vive le Vin wine and food extravaganza we’ll host this November and our Women On Their Toes fundraiser in the spring where we honor outstanding community volunteers. 

If you love dance as much as I do – whether being on stage or sitting in an audience – then I’m certain you would enjoy being a part of Ballet Austin Guild. We are a diverse and engaging group of women and men helping to support Ballet Austin and promote the arts and having a great time doing it! I encourage you to learn more about our organization and consider joining Ballet Austin Guild this year as we illuminate the possibilities!

 

 

VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2010-2011

Volunteers of the Year

Beth Brand and Candice McKay

New Member of the Year

Brianna McKinney

Docents of the Year Janet Harris and Lorelei McDevitt

Over 300 Hours Jennifer Canaday, Beth Brand, Candice McKay

Over 200 Hours Lorelei McDevitt, Julie Douglass, Rose Epps, Becky Harrington, Grania Patterson

Over 100 Hours Leslie Cox, Ann Downing, Norma Juneau, Jody Kelly, Jennene Mashburn, Lisa Mather, Betty Oltorf, Glenda Patterson

Sarah and Ernest Butler Award Louise Hein

Copyright ©Ballet Austin Guild 2012