Children's Ballet of San Antonio Tickets

The essentials

Quick Facts About Children's Ballet of San Antonio

• Founder and Artistic Director Vanessa Bessler is a former principal dancer with the National Ballet of Panama and holds Bolshoi Academy teacher certifications; she has led CBSA since its inception and guided many students to top ballet opportunities.
• CBSA is described as an authentic youth ballet company that presents full-length productions featuring San Antonio’s young dancers and collaborates with master teachers and local choreographers.
• 2025 season included: The Little Mermaid at Majestic Theatre (May 16–17, 2025); Frozen Jr at Blackbox Theatre/DCSA Studios (April 12, 2025); The Polar Express: The Musical at Empire Theatre (December 6–7, 2025); The Children’s Nutcracker at Lila Cockrell Theatre (December 12–14, 2025); Nutcracker also listed at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (Dec 12–13, 2025).
• The Nutcracker and other productions emphasize professional-level productions by young artists, with auditions and casting open to dancers, gymnasts, and performers aged 3–19.
• CBSA expanded into musical theatre with productions like Mean Girls Jr. in 2024, illustrating a broader artistic scope beyond traditional ballet.
• Major awards/achievements associated with CBSA individuals and programs include Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) Outstanding Teacher of the Year recognitions for Vanessa Bessler and CBSA-affiliated instructors, along with scholarships to prestigious schools for CBSA dancers.