Galveston Ballet

Galveston Ballet was founded in 1986 by Artistic Director, Lynn Nigliazzo, who was in search of an opportunity for her daughter Caryn to receive advanced classical ballet instruction. It all began at the Studio I Dance Company where Caryn participated in a summer program production that featured ballet and dance in an old Lutheran Church. Seeing the potential to incorporate more ballet into future productions, Lynn and Studio I were inspired to develop a company that offered opportunities for students to perform while also introducing the art of ballet back into the Galveston community.

In the beginning many productions were performed in local small venues such as the historic Ashton Villa. But after visiting The Grand 1894 Opera House, Lynn was convinced that the students should experience performing at such a unique and beautiful performance venue. The first performances at The Grand Opera House included the classical ballet productions of La Boutique Fantasque and Coppelia, Act II. At the time the company was very small with only three girls en pointe, Caryn, Janel Allego (now current instructor, Janel Amsallem) , and Cassie Raftis. Soon after the success of these productions, instructor Cathy Harvin was hired and enforced Lynn’s concept of classical ballet training.

Galveston Ballet debuted their first performances, Peter And The Wolf and The Sleeping Beauty with very limited set, props and budget. In order to provide more financial support to the company, Lynn was able to purchase Galveston Ballet and bring forth its mission. With the help of Jayson Levy, the non-profit status was achieved and has been providing a place for young dancers to receive the same opportunity that Lynn provided for her own daughter. To this day, Lynn’s heart is so deeply embedded into the organization that she remains as one of its biggest supporters. Much of the costumes and props you see in our current productions are still constructed and contributed by Lynn herself. Today the ballet has more than 100 students who all share her same love of classical ballet.