Sadly, the Texas Ballet Theater seems to be marking its 50th anniversary — by cutting back 5.7 percent. The Star-Telegram reported that the dance company cut its dancers’ paid weeks from 35 to 33, this season, a reduction of 5.7 percent. Administrative employees will get a 5 percent cut. ecrease for the year.

And in what was described as a prudent move, the TBT has canceled all four June performances of Don Quixote at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas. Bass Hall dates (June 10-12) will go on as scheduled.

[Managing director Margo] McCann said the downsizing was at least partially connected to the scrapping of the March 5 Ballet Gala benefit in Dallas, which faced competition from two large charity events the same day and sold just 200 tickets, which began at $500. Some patrons requested refunds and others attended a performance at the company’s Fort Worth studio, she said.

Still, she said the regional dance company was in relatively good shape — considering what arts groups across the recession-hit nation have been experiencing — ending the 2010-11 fiscal year on June 30 with no red ink. The company is considering a reduction of dates at expensive venues like the Winspear and Bass Hall, and performing at less expensive facilities next season, she said.