By Felicia Homan
South Jersey News Online June 03, 2008 8:10AM

 

Austin Butler, of Pennsville, in Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of the ‘Nutcracker.’

Ever since Pennsville resident Austin Butler could walk he has been pointing his toes, leaping, jumping, and spinning his way into ballet productions.”I was 3 years old, I saw my sister dancing and I wanted to dance, too,” Austin said.

Austin’s sister, Brittany, is a recent graduate of North Carolina School of Arts and is one of his closest companions.

“He is very close with his sister,” said Karen Butler, Austin’s mother. “When Brittany comes home they talk for hours about ballet, he misses her greatly while she’s at school.”

Austin’s dancing talents will no doubt acquire him much fortune in the future, but he is not breaking the bank now to fund his passion. He attends The Rock School of Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full scholarship.

Education is important to the Butler family. Due to Austin’s busy schedule of rehearsals and traveling, he is privately tutored.

“He’s bright, so it has provided us an opportunity to let him pursue even more in his educational studies,” Butler said. “He’s entering the eighth grade in September, but he’s closer to a freshman in high school because of the work he’s completed.”

History and government are among his favorite subjects. He intertwines his love of ballet and history by researching the background of the productions he takes part in.

At only13 years old, Austin’s resume is lengthy including two productions of the “Nutcracker,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Romeo and Juliet.” His next production is the Pennsylvania Ballet’s “Carnival of Animals.”

Carnival of Animals tells the story of a young boy who accidentally falls asleep in a history museum and allows his imagination to transform his friends and teachers into a menagerie of animals. Austin shares the lead role of Oliver. The show opens Friday at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.

When Austin heard that the Pennsylvania Ballet was performing Carnival of Animals, he knew he wanted to audition. His mother said that he was skeptical at first, saying “I’m going to be too tall, I’ll never get it.”

Roy Keiser, the Pennsylvania Ballet’s artistic director, personally requested Austin for the production. Austin described it as the happiest day of his life. Joy is something he readily finds in dance.

“I love dancing, so I feel happy whenever I think about the chance to dance,” said Austin.

Austin’s talent is promising for the future, but dance is not the only thing he aspires to do.

“I would like to dance in a company and go to a college, like my sister, for dance,” Austin said. “But, I am also considering the Marines.”

© 2008 nj.com