Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Campbell Steans.
Hi Danielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began dancing at the age of four at June Neal Dance Studio in Kansas City, Kansas, where I studied ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, and baton. Early on, my teacher recognized my discipline and natural affinity for ballet and encouraged my parents to pursue more intensive training for me. That led to my enrollment at the State Ballet of Missouri (now Kansas City Ballet School), where I began to study ballet more seriously.
As I progressed, I spent my summers training at prestigious intensives across the country — from Philadelphia and New York to Seattle and Atlanta. During high school, I had the opportunity to board at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts, where I was also a member of the National Youth Ballet.
After graduating, I continued my professional career dancing with companies across the U.S., eventually performing with the ballet company in San Antonio. When my contract as a dancer ended, I stepped into a management role with the company — an experience I didn’t realize at the time would help prepare me for the next chapter.
In 2016, I founded San Antonio Ballet School with the vision of creating a space where children of all ages could experience the discipline and joy of classical ballet training — along with the kind of rich performance opportunities that shaped my own journey. It’s been a full-circle experience, and I feel grateful to now be nurturing the next generation of dancers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road — like most meaningful journeys, mine has had its share of twists and turns. But I’ve truly embraced the challenges along the way, seeing each one as a chance to learn and grow. I consider myself a lifelong learner and take pride in being a strong problem solver.
One of the biggest challenges was guiding a relatively new business through the pandemic. What could have been a devastating setback became an opportunity to innovate. I had to quickly adapt and find creative ways to keep our dancers engaged, inspired, and progressing — even from their living rooms. That period tested me as a leader, but it also reaffirmed my commitment to the next generation of dancers and the resilience of our arts community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Founder and Director of San Antonio Ballet School and the San Antonio Youth Ballet. My work is centered around providing high-quality classical ballet training to students of all ages and backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on performance experience and personal growth. I specialize in cultivating technically strong, artistically expressive dancers in a nurturing yet disciplined environment.
I’m proud to be the first fully certified American Ballet Theatre instructor in San Antonio and to lead a school that truly reflects the values of professionalism, inclusivity, and excellence. Through our programs, we’ve not only trained serious young artists — some of whom have gone on to dance professionally — but we’ve also built a community where students learn confidence, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the arts.
What sets us apart is our personal approach. We offer individualized attention, small class sizes, and mentorship rooted in real professional experience. I draw on my own career as a dancer and company manager to prepare students not just for the stage, but for life. I’m most proud of seeing our dancers grow — not just in skill, but in heart and character.
How do you think about luck?
I tend to be a realist, and I believe what some call “luck” is often the result of preparation meeting the right timing. I’ve always been known as a hard worker — sometimes even too hard on myself — but that drive and resilience have shaped who I am both personally and professionally.
While I wouldn’t attribute my journey to luck alone, I do believe that being open to opportunities, staying ready, and showing up with integrity have created the moments that others might view as fortunate. Every challenge and every breakthrough has been met with determination and a willingness to grow, and that mindset has made all the difference in building a meaningful and lasting career.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.sanantonioballetschool.com/
- Instagram: @SABalletSchool
- Facebook: @SanAntonioBalletSchool
