Victoria Ballet Theatre
About VBT
About VBT
Victoria Ballet Theatre inspires and empowers through the art of dance
Origins
Victoria Ballet Theatre (VBT) was founded in 1984 by Debbe Busby, Keith Duncan, and Lorena Langlanais-Kanak as a non-profit, non-discriminatory organization with the mission to involve and enrich Victoria and the surrounding communities through outstanding performances of dance and through innovative educational opportunities. In pursuance of this mission, VBT elevates local talent through rigorous training, providing educational experiences for youth via live theater, and achieving performance excellence through collaboration with renowned guest artists, choreographers, and instructors. Our commitment to outreach and education ensures that the art of dance reaches all corners of our community.
Since our founding, VBT has consistently brought high-quality dance experiences to audiences. Our inaugural 1984 production of Swan Lake in Riverside Park marked the beginning of an enduring tradition, including an annual performance of The Nutcracker and seasonal spring and fall showcases. In addition to company dancers and guest artists, the company’s annual sold-out production of The Nutcracker includes over 100 community members gracing the stage in this holiday classic. Each season features a balance of timeless classical works and innovative new pieces by local and international choreographers. In addition, VBT actively fosters emerging choreographers within our own ranks, encouraging the next generation of artists.
Education and Community Engagement
At Victoria Ballet Theatre, we believe that the power of dance can transform lives. 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.
Debbe & Jim Busby
Debbe and Jim Busby served as Artistic Director and Technical Director of Victoria Ballet Theatre for twenty-five years. Their dedication and commitment were instrumental to the growth and stability of the company and the ongoing quality of VBT productions.
DEBBE DUBOSE BUSBY Founding Artistic Director
In 1984, Ms. Busby co-founded Victoria Ballet Theatre with Keith Duncan and Lorena Langlanais-Kanak. Under her leadership as Artistic Director from 1984 to 2008, the company grew in size and artistry, bringing both classics and original ballets to the Victoria community in addition to providing educational opportunities. Debbe Busby and Victoria Ballet Theatre were awarded the “Stream Award” recognition at the Regional Dance America/Southwest Festival in 2010 as the company offering the highest artistic excellence and greatest service to RDA/Southwest.
A native Victorian, Ms. Busby began her early training with Lillian Cain Cox. After graduation from Victoria High School with highest honors, she attended the University of Oklahoma as a dance major studying with Miguel Terekhov, Yvonne Choutou and Helen Gregory. At OU, she was a member of the Orchesis dance Group and was a soloist with the Mary Kay Price Dance Company. In 1973, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston with a B.A. Degree. While in Houston, she performed as a soloist in numerous dance department productions. From 1970 to 1974, she danced as a member of Discovery Dance Group under the direction of Camille Long Hill. Mrs. Busby also attended Texas Women’s University as a graduate student in dance and related arts. From 1974 to 1979, she taught modern dance at Victoria College and then opened her dance studio in the fall of 1979. Ms. Busby has choreographed numerous musical for high schools, college and civic groups including Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, and The King and I. Her civic involvements have included membership in Sandaphon Study Club, The Junior League of Victoria, and the Victoria Summer Musical Repertory Company. She was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1983.
Other positions included dance panel member of the Texas Commission of the Arts, advisory board of Hopkins Fine Arts Magnet School and parliamentarian and membership Chairman of Regional Dance America/SW. Ms. Busby is an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher, and has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary though Level 5 for the ABT National Training Curriculum.
JIM BUSBY Technical Director
Jim’s duties included executing lighting plots, set design, logistics and stage crew coordination. As a charter member of the Board of Trustees for VBT, he served in many capacities including Board Chairman and treasurer.
VBT Today
As we celebrate over 40 years of dance, VBT remains committed to artistic growth and community impact. A member of Regional Dance America since 1995, VBT holds the prestigious “Honor Company” status. Each year, over forty pre-professional dancers, ages ten and up, are selected for the company through a competitive audition process. Our dancers have been accepted into some of the most renown summer intensives and college dance departments in the country including:
- Houston Ballet
- American Ballet Theatre
- Boston Ballet
- Ballet West
- Ballet Austin
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Center
- Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet
- Texas Christian University
- Fordham University
- University of Utah
- University of Indiana
- Butler University
- New York University
- University of Iowa
- Southern Methodist University
- Texas State University
- University of Texas
- Texas A&M
- Sam Houston State University
Our current season includes a fall mixed repertoire, the holiday classic The Nutcracker, and a spring performance that balances classical and contemporary ballet works. These shows feature original choreography by esteemed guest artists, collaborative performances with local musicians and artists, and appearances by professional touring companies.
VBT brings a wealth of talent from leading artists across the globe. Here’s a selection of the esteemed companies, dancers, and choreographers we’ve welcomed to our community in recent years.
Professional Companies
Ailey II – NYC
Ate 9 – San Francisco
Baira Mvmt Phlosphy – NYC/Detroit
Dark Circles Contemporary Dance – Dallas
Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre – Houston
Elisa Monte – NYC
Professional Guest Dancers
Joo Won Ahn – American Ballet Theatre
Simon Ball – Houston Ballet
Ian Casady – Houston Ballet
Chun Wai Chan – Houston Ballet/New York City Ballet
Rupert Edwards- Houston Ballet
Augustina Gallizi – Mexico City Ballet
Karina Gonzales – Houston Ballet
Jasmany Hernandez – Mexico City Ballet
Chelsea Keefer – Ballet West
Nao Kusuzaki – Houston Ballet
Michael Landez – American Repertory Ballet
Betsy McBride – American Ballet Theatre
Chase O’Connell – Ballet West/Houston Ballet
Amy Potter – Ballet West
Morgan Stillman – Ballet Austin
Mauro Villanueva – Joffrey Ballet
Harper Watters – Houston Ballet
Sara Webb – Houston Ballet
Professional Choreographers
Penny Askew
Shaina & Bryan Baira
Jorge Cano
Lee Wei Chao
Jill Eathorne-Bahr
Mike Esperanza
Nao Kusuzaki
Nathalie Marrable
Joshua Peugh
Willy Shives
Randall Soileau
Susan Treviño
Dominic Walsh
Mauro Villanueva
