Plano’s vibrant art scene is aiming higher. Plano, a city celebrated for its creative energy and vibrant community spirit, is set to welcome an exciting new addition to its cultural scene — a professional dance company is about to make its grand entrance.
Plano Metropolitan Ballet’s visionary Director, Cindi Lawrence Hanson, recently announced the formation of a professional ballet company that will call Plano home, according to Plano Magazine. This new endeavor, named the National Ballet of Texas, promises to elevate the local arts scene with world-class ballet performances.
The National Ballet of Texas Has Big Plans
The National Ballet of Texas will be dedicated to enriching the North Texas community with exceptional artistry and creativity through both classical and contemporary ballet. With this step, Plano is poised to become a central hub for the ballet in the region, bringing together top-tier dancers, choreographers and artists to create something truly spectacular, and of course, making the arts in Plano even better.
“We are dedicated to bringing artistry and creativity to the North Texas community through world-class classical and contemporary ballet,” The National Ballet of Texas said on its website. “From presenting both renowned classical repertoire and brand new works, we aim to promote our artform in an accessible way — focusing on outreach and education.”
By showcasing timeless masterpieces alongside innovative new works, the company plans to make ballet accessible to all, with a strong emphasis on outreach and education. The National Ballet of Texas will foster collaboration with a diverse range of artists — musicians, visual artists, actors and designers — ensuring each performance is a captivating fusion of movement, emotion and imagination.
First Show Set For August 2025
The inaugural performance of the National Ballet of Texas is scheduled for August 2025 at the Courtyard Theatre, marking the start of a promising first season that includes three captivating shows. In addition to these performances, the company will showcase its talent at various dance festivals during the spring and summer.
Meet The Team
Founder and Director Cindi Lawrence Hanson began her dance training at the Royal School of Dance in Winter Park, Florida. After graduating from the University of NC School of the Arts, she moved to Texas to pursue a career in teaching. For over 30 years, she has led Gotta Dance, a prominent dance studio, where she teaches ballet and choreographs. She also directs Plano Metropolitan Ballet and founded the annual Dance Plano! and Plano Arts Week.
Sydney Blalock Ritchie — artistic director of the National Ballet of Texas — a Dallas native, began her dance training at 10, studying classical ballet and other styles. She attended summer intensives with American Ballet Theater, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Joffrey Ballet School. At 16, she joined the Moscow Ballet’s The Nutcracker as part of the local cast, launching her professional career. She has performed with numerous choreographers, taught and choreographed for local studios and companies. An ABT-certified teacher, she balances her artistic career with a law degree from Texas A&M University. She also teaches and choreographs for Gotta Dance and Plano Metropolitan Ballet.
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