Victoria Ballet Theatre

A detailed exploration into the structure and components of a dance, likely aimed at educational purposes for educators.

At Victoria Ballet Theatre, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and power of dance. Through our Dance Education and Movement Initiative (DEMI), we open doors to the arts for children who might otherwise never have the opportunity. Partnering with Victoria Independent School District (VISD), Mid-Coast Family Counseling Services, and the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, DEMI brings the beauty of movement into the lives of young people, fostering confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. For many, these classes are more than just lessons—they are moments of inspiration, a safe space to dream, and a path to discovering their own potential. Some children even find a lifelong passion, earning scholarships to continue their training and join the Victoria Ballet Theatre family. With DEMI, dance becomes more than an art form—it becomes a bridge to hope, growth, and possibility.

Angelica Vela graduated from Texas Christian University with her B.F.A in Modern Dance from the TCU School for Classical and Contemporary Dance and a Pilates Teacher Certificate in May 2021. She began her training at Busby Dancenter under the instruction of Debbe Busby, Kelli Klein, and Brenda Tally performing in various styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and improvisation.

Kelli is an experienced instructor in early childhood dance as well as beginning, intermediate and advanced ballet and pointe. She is currently the Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Assistant Director and Company Manager and has also choreographed several pieces for Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Fall productions.

Phoebe began her dance journey at Busby Dancenter at the age of nine under the instruction of Brenda Tally, Kelli Klein, and Debbe Busby taking classes and performing in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, contemporary, and tap.

In 2001 Victoria Ballet Theatre started the Dance Education and Movement Initiative (DEMI), which provides equitable access to dance instruction and live dance performances to youth from underserved communities in Victoria County and surrounding areas. Victoria Ballet Theatre collaborates with the Victoria Independent School District (VISD), Mid-Coast Family Counseling Services and the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria to provide dance classes, performance opportunities and free admission to live dance performances. By choosing these three organizations as collaborators, Victoria Ballet Theatre can provide arts education to the most underserved youth in our community. In addition, students who are identified by their talent and passion for the art of dance may be awarded scholarships to further their training in a more formal setting. Victoria Ballet Theatre is the only non-profit dance organization in our area working with these organizations to provide access to the art of dance.