Bringing ballet to Galveston
for 35+ years
Galveston Ballet is a classical ballet school in Galveston, Texas dedicated to promoting the poised beauty of dance and ballet for all.
Promoting arts and culture in Galveston for four decades
Small dreams can often lead to the big stage. Read about our early days – and the instructors who put their heart and soul into our community.
Humble beginnings to a lasting legacy
In 1986, Lynn Nigliazzo was in search of a place for her daughter to pursue advanced ballet instruction. She came across Studio I Dance Company where her daughter ended up performing in a summer program. Lynn and Studio I were inspired to form a classical ballet school – one that introduced the art of ballet back into Galveston.
Performances began in small locations and eventually moved to The Grand 1894 Opera House. This gave ballet students the opportunity to perform at a larger-scale historic venue.
The company began small with three dancers en pointe. La Boutique Fantasque and Coppelia, Act II were the first performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House. Soon after, classical ballet instructor Cathy Harvin joined the team. Galveston Ballet debuted Peter and the Wolf and The Sleeping Beauty with a limited set, props, and budget. In 1998, Lynn obtained nonprofit status.
As the founding artistic director, Lynn’s heart will always hold a special place for Galveston Ballet. Recently Lynn handed over the reins to Janel (Allego) Amsallem, one of Galveston Ballet’s original company dancers. Janel preserves the pure tradition of classical ballet, providing the Galveston community with access to its authentic cultural form, a standard that sets our studio apart.
Today, Galveston Ballet has more than 100 students who share Lynn and Janel’s love of classical ballet.
ready to join our tight-knit ballet community?
Our Team
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Janel Amsallem
Artistic Director
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Judith Grywalski
Ballet Mistress
Connect with the local arts community
As a member of the Downtown Arts Community, Galveston Ballet proudly supports the mission of the Downtown Cultural Arts District.
Learn more about the cultural arts scene in Galveston below!
Giving Thanks to those that keep us dancing
Galveston Ballet would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the following organizations that have continued to support our mission:
Texas Commission on the Arts
Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund
Yaga's Children's Fund
Hotel Occupancy Tax Funds (HOT)
Bringing ballet to everyone in our community
We know that the financial investment for classical ballet can be difficult for some. That’s why we’re dedicated to bringing ballet to all through our Dance-In-School Scholarship.
Interested in joining the Galveston Ballet community as a donor? Donations are a huge part of Galveston Ballet’s growth.
If you’re considering joining our journey in this way, click below to learn more.
Are you ready to join the Galveston Ballet family?
Future dancers, patrons of the arts, and all in between – enjoy the hidden gem you’ll find in Galveston Ballet!