Chance to Dance is a series of 8 classical ballet classes for first and second graders held at the Margaret Alkek Williams Houston Ballet Center for Dance. Students learn the fundamentals of ballet and dance to live musical accompaniment. Classes are free of charge, and Houston Ballet provides bus transportation.
All students actively participate regardless of physical ability or previous dance experience. Houston Ballet Academy artistic staff evaluate all students and award scholarships to promising students.
Schools are selected each spring for the following academic year. Priority is given to schools that haven't participated in the program for at least three years, and that have 75% or more of their students qualify as economically disadvantaged.
For more information, please contact Lauren Anderson, Associate Director of Education & Community Engagement at Landerson@houstonballet.org.
IN THE ACADEMY NOW
There are currently 51 Chance to Dance students enrolled in the Academy, including:
Shentel Collete
Joined 2022 - From Clemente Martinez Elementary - Currently: Level 4
Grecia Esponda Villalobos
Joined 2017 - From Scarborough Elementary - Currently: Level 8
Jesse Dibello
Joined 2023 - From Lewis Elementary - Currently: Level 3
Alexis Bonilla
Joined 2017- From Franklin Elementary - Currently: Pro I
ChanCE TO DANCE ALUMNI
Emry Emoky
2023 Graduate - Currently: Artist of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Cyrus Carlos
2025 Graduate - Currently: Freshman at Houston Community College
Sicily Farris
2025 Graduate - Currently: Freshman at University of Texas at Austin