The Texas Ballet Theater is currently renovating its Fort Worth studio. Here’s everything you need to know.
Timothée Chalamet might think that “no one cares” about ballet, but the Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) begs to differ. With over 73,000 people attending performances in 2025, it’s easy to see why the company wanted to expand and renovate its studio located at 1500 Mall Circle in Fort Worth. The new building will stretch across 65,000 square feet and include performance, training, and rehearsal spaces. When the project was originally announced, Tim O’Keefe, the Artistic Director for TBT, told the Fort Worth Report, “This expansion ensures our dancers have the resources they need to excel. It’s an exciting time for the company as we prepare for a new era of growth and artistic excellence.”
After a February 2021 ice storm caused a major water leak in the Fort Worth studios, TBT knew extensive repairs needed to be done to get it back up and running efficiently again. In lieu of just fixing up the damaged areas, donors contributed to a fundraiser to help cover the costs of an entire renovation instead. Last year, the project underwent the first stages of construction, with work steadily increasing in recent months. Once this phase of building is complete in May, the new facility will house a costume production space, seven studios, administrative offices, family waiting area, and dance spaces for both performances and rehearsals. By October, TBT is also planning to add a physical therapy suite, company lounge, Pilates studio, and dressing rooms.
Anne T. Bass, one of the company’s Board Chairs, is hopeful that these changes will lead to an increased interest in the arts and in supporting organizations that help bring those endeavors to a wider audience. TBT’s Executive Director, Vanessa Logan, agrees. “This project is a testament to our dedication to Fort Worth and our vision for the future of ballet in North Texas,” Logan said. She added, “Our commitment to providing the highest level of ballet education and performance remains unwavering.”
Texas Ballet Theater alumni are excited about the project
Valentine Liberatore and his wife used to rehearse in the Texas Ballet Theater’s one-room studio years ago when the two were still dancers. Liberatore remained passionate about ballet and what TBT was doing for the community and has since become its giving manager. His two daughters are also dancers, and he said his whole family is looking forward to checking out the renovated facility once it’s ready to welcome choreographers and performers again. In a statement, Liberatore said, “It is a rare and beautiful privilege to carry this legacy forward, not only as alumni, but as parents, passing down a tradition that continues to thrive.”
The organization was founded in 1961 and “has evolved from a small regional ballet company to the internationally recognized organization it is today.” In Dallas, the company’s 30 dancers perform at the AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Bass Performance Hall. TBT also has a studio in Richardson and another in Dallas. It’s currently set to put on a production of “Swan Lake” from May 1-3 and May 15-17. More information about that can be found here. The 2026-2027 season will include performances of “Casanova,” “The Nutcracker,” “Unbound,” and “Coppélia.”
