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Classically contemporary Ballet Austin.

Article Excerpt
As the blistering Texas sun bakes the sidewalks outside the Ballet Austin studios, Stephen Mills choreographs in air-conditioned comfort inside the spacious facilities. A slim, soft-spoken man, he quietly demonstrates steps while concentrating on what he loves most: creating dances with the company he has called home for fifteen years. Ballet Austin celebrates bakes the sidewalks outside the Ballet Austin studios, its twentieth professional season April 4-6, with Touch, Mills's full-length, non-narrative contemporary ballet that illustrates the company's penchant for new, innovative works. While its peer institutions share similar repertoires of Petipa classics, a sprinkling of modern and Balanchine, and the obligatory Nutcracker, Ballet Austin is forging ahead with its own distinctive contemporary style. Located in the state's capital city, the company has enjoyed continuous growth and financial security. What's its secret to success? According to Mills, it's community involvement and a willingness to take calculated risks. "Austin embraced this company years ago," he explained. "My challenge as artistic director has been to focus on the creation of new work. We want to create our defining style; not just do a great regional version of Swan Lake when we have the capacity to do much more."

With Mills at its helm, Ballet Austin's signature style is evolving quickly. Touch blends postmodern moves on...

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