Calvin Hilpert

Calvin Hilpert began his dance journey at 12 on full scholarship with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, later continuing at San Francisco Ballet School. At 16, he joined KUNST-STOFF Dance Company, touring internationally and collaborating on original works. The following year, he moved to Germany to dance with the Saarländisches Staatstheater, where he also premiered his first choreographic work, Exploring the Subconscious/Escaping Thought, at 17. Returning to KUNST-STOFF as an artistic contributor, Calvin created and performed new works and assisted in developing a piece for the University of Utah during a six-week residency. He later danced with Budapest Dance Theatre in works by Béla Földi, Raza Hammadi, Alexandra Sághy, and Jiří Pokorný. 

After a career-ending spinal injury, Calvin turned to teaching, rehearsal direction, & choreography, working with Milwaukee Ballet II, American Repertory Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, Ruth Page Center, Princeton Ballet School and Regional Dance America. His choreography has been presented by Milwaukee Ballet II, American Repertory Ballet, Ventana Ballet and Kaatsbaan Cultural Park. He now brings this breadth of experience to The University of Texas at Austin, fostering both technical excellence and creative exploration.