Ballet Southwest Academy

On weekdays, BSA teaches classical ballet to girls and boys from 3:45–7:15 p.m. at its Circle Drive studio. Vaillant-McDonald said there are about 10–12 students for each teacher.

BSA evaluates each new student and places him or her in one of four levels of instruction based on age and skill. Since the school does not hold recitals, Vaillant-McDonald said the focus is on instruction.

Parent Susan Glovers said her 9-year-old, Katelyn, is in her third year at BSA.

"She talks nonstop on the way home about [what she learned in class]," Glovers said.

She said self-discipline and teamwork are among the skills her daughter has learned from working with Vaillant-McDonald, who was a professional ballet dancer for more than 20 years.

Vaillant-McDonald said her style is based on the method of New York City Ballet founder George Balanchine.

Originally from New York, Vaillant-McDonald moved to Southwest Austin with her husband in 2001.

Through their daughter, she met parents who expressed interest in ballet. Vaillant-McDonald decided to launch her own studio, and BSA opened in 2010.

"Our goal is training our students with the best possible technique and knowledge," she said.

'The Nutcracker'

Ballet Southwest Academy is preparing for its full production of "The Nutcracker." Students are being fitted for costumes, and of course, practicing their steps.

Eight-year-old Meredith Shaw will play three parts this year: an angel, a soldier and one of the Polichinelles—characters that emerge from beneath the oversized skirt of one of the ballet's characters, Mother Ginger.

She has been studying at BSA since she was 5 and said she looks forward to going en pointe when she reaches age 11 or 12, as well as continuing to dance as she grows older.

"I want to do a lot of things, but dancing is definitely one of them," she said.

There are 38 cast members in the production, Director Lisl Vaillant-McDonald said. She noted BSA's version of the production omits "Snow," an eight-minute variation, and replaces the Arabian dance with a peacock variation.

"The Nutcracker" is one of two annual preprofessional productions that are optional for students. Past spring productions include "Peter and the Wolf" and "The Firebird." BSA opens up those auditions to the community, and rehearsals are held on weekends.

Shows: Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.,

Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $17 online ($18 at the door)

Austin Waldorf School 8700 S. View Road www.balletsouthwestacademy.com

Ballet Southwest Academy, 11190 Circle Drive, Ste. 101, 512-288-8282, www.balletsouthwestacademy.com