Founded in 1969 by Suzanne Aker, Ballet Lubbock is a private, nonprofit organization that strives to be an integral component of Lubbock’s cultural fabric. The Mission of Ballet Lubbock is to changes lives. As a pre-professional dance school, we enchance our community through premier dance training, performances and outreach. We envision an inclusive community transformed by art, embracing dance as an enriching and integral part of life. At the heart of Ballet Lubbock’s mission and guiding principles is the School, which operates from September through May. Our classical ballet curriculum and stirring performances featuring both local and world-renowned artists are parallel to none in our region. Each December the Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a beloved and popular holiday production that attracts audiences of all ages. Each April, a Spring Performance takes place, and features either works of mixed repertoire or standard ballet repertoire. Therefore, we aggressively seek to make our programs known and available to all citizens of the South Plains. Our free and subsidized dance classes at various community centers, and the over $30,000 of scholarships granted each year break down financial barriers. We host classes for students battling autism since art has a profound impact on us all. The donation of over 3,500 performance tickets including special performances for LISD and area schools each year ensures dance excites all walks of life. We work every day to be a relevant and integral part of the greater Lubbock area’s cultural community. When students train at our school, they not only learn the technique of dance, but they are educated in the values of creativity, discipline, focus, and commitment. Thus, our greatest successes occur off the stage. We measure our success not only by the number or students that walk through our door, but by the diversity of our student population, and the number of collaborations and relationships we can sustain. We want to bring the power of art to all citizens of the South Plains.