Ballet Lubbock Announces Departure of Artistic Director, Yvonne Racz

Wyatt Leavell, President of the Ballet Lubbock Board of Directors, has announced that Yvonne Racz, Ballet Lubbock’s Artistic Director, will be stepping down, effective September 12, 2025, to accept a prestigious teaching position at Hungarian Dance University in Budapest. In addition to joining the faculty, Racz will serve as a mentor to the university’s international students, further expanding their impact on the global stage of dance education.

“It is with deep pride and heartfelt gratitude that we share this news – though for anyone who knows Yvonne or has had the joy of working alongside her, it is also bittersweet. As Ballet Lubbock’s Artistic Director, she has poured her heart, vision, and boundless dedication into every endeavor. The remarkable growth and success we’ve experienced under her leadership speak volumes about the passion and excellence she brings to all she does,” Leavell said.

Under Racz’s leadership, Ballet Lubbock has grown into a nationally recognized center for dance education, performance, and community engagement. Racz’s vision helped expand the school’s reach and impact, while nurturing generations of young dancers with care, rigor, and artistry.

“Ballet Lubbock is a brighter, stronger, and more inspiring place because of Yvonne,” said Helen Duncum, Executive Director for Ballet Lubbock. “For 28 years, she’s poured her heart into our school, shaping its artistry, nurturing its dancers, and building a community that feels like family. It’s hard to imagine Ballet Lubbock without her, but her influence is woven into every success we celebrate today, and her legacy will continue to guide us for years to come.”

Reflecting, Yvonne, shares, “This decision is both deeply personal and bittersweet. Ballet Lubbock has been more than a workplace—it has been my home, my heart, and my life’s purpose. The students I’ve taught and the colleagues I’ve worked alongside have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. I will carry their stories, spirit, and strength with me into this next chapter.”

“Ballet Lubbock is a family—one that stands apart in the world of dance for its compassion, commitment to excellence, and deep roots in community. I am endlessly proud of what we’ve built together, and I will always be a champion of its mission.” 

Lily Balogh, Ballet Lubbock’s Assistant Artistic Director, will step in to lead the school as interim artistic director. After more than three years of working closely with Yvonne, she brings both continuity and leadership as Ballet Lubbock begins the search for their next artistic director.

Ballet Lubbock impacts over 18,000 audience members a year and 1,000 students a week through cultural and educational programming. And this year, marks the tenth anniversary of the organizations’ Dance Connect and Arts in Medicine programming. Dance Connect currently serves 26 (and counting) schools across six districts, and our Arts in Medicine initiative serves pediatric patients at Covenant Children’s and UMC Children’s Hospital five days a week.

Ballet Lubbock will take the stage for The Nutcracker on December 12-14, 2025 and looks forward to staging Snow White in Spring 2026, an original storybook ballet choreographed by Yvonne Racz and Lily Balogh. Visit https://balletlubbock.org/ to learn more.

Yvonne Racz, Image credit Ballet Lubbock