The Studio Series For one week each fall and spring, Houston-area students are invited to Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy for a student-oriented performance by HBII, Houston Ballet’s pre-professional division.  In the fall, we present "Dancing in Texas".  Narrated by Houston Ballet, “Dancing in Texas” shows the evolution of dance through ballets choreographed by Houston Ballet's Artistic Director Stanton Welch. Accompanying the narration, HBII dancers perform selections from Welch’s Napoli, Swan Lake, and Tales of Texas – providing students with examples of both classical and contemporary ballet.  The spring show, "Around the World in 7 Dances", teaches the history, culture, and music of the seven continents through ballet, including excerpts from Konservatoriet, The Nutcracker, and Long and Winding Road.  At the end of the performance, the audience engages in a question and answer session where all of the dancers are introduced.  This opportunity allows students hear first hand what it is like to be dancer, how they accomplish school while dancing all day, the difference between pointe shoes and ballet slippers, how they change costumes so fast, and other interesting facts.   The Studio Series provides a unique opportunity for children to observe the creativity and excitement of Houston Ballet.  Approximately 3,000 school children attend these free performances annually.  Below are the Studio Series dates for Fall 2008 and Spring 2009.  Reservations can be made by contacting Houston Ballet's Education and Outreach Coordinator at the email address listed below.   Around the World in 7 Dances March 9-13, 2009 10:30 am & 12:30 pm  Around the World in 7 Dances- Elementary Worksheet Around the World in 7 Dances- Middle School Worksheet Dancing in Texas Worksheet Fall Studio A Dancing in Texas Script Email: hboutreach@houstonballet.org   Images: Erin Pritchard, Rhodes Elliott, and students from Cornelius Science/Engineering Academy Photo by: Bruce Bennett   Students from Cornelius Science/Engineering Academy Photo by: Bruce Bennett Emily Bowen and students from Cornelius Science/Engineering Academy Photo by: Bruce Bennett