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50+ Years
experience
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre: Inspiring Dance Since 1960
Since 1960, Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre has been a cornerstone of dance excellence in Louisiana. Our organization combines professional performance, comprehensive dance education, and impactful community outreach. Under the artistic direction of Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews since 1976, we've maintained rigorous standards while innovating through productions like A Nutcracker - A Tale from the Bayou. As a Regional Dance America Honor Company since 1981, we uphold the highest artistic and educational benchmarks. Our annual season features three major productions at the River Center Theatre, including classical masterpieces and contemporary works.

Through youth programs and community initiatives, we make dance accessible to diverse audiences. Recognized with multiple Community Fund for the Arts awards and a Governors Arts Award, we remain committed to technical excellence. Our board of trustees represents diverse industries, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship. With over six decades of service, we continue inspiring generations through the transformative power of dance.
Services
Ballet performances Dance education Community outreach Youth ballet programs Guest artist collaborations
Details
  • Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
  • 60+ years of dance excellence in Baton Rouge
  • Award-winning artistic directors with 45+ years leadership
  • Regional Dance America Honor Company status since 1981
  • Community outreach serving diverse socioeconomic groups
  • Tax-deductible donations support arts education
Associations and certifications
  • Regional Dance America
What people say
World-class performances Exceptional youth training Community-focused initiatives Professional artistry Cultural enrichment
Update Listing
Services
Ballet performances
Professional ballet productions featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Our season includes three mainstage performances at the River Center Theatre, including the annual Nutcracker A Tale from the Bayou. Guest companies and touring productions expand our artistic offerings throughout the year.
Dance education
Comprehensive dance instruction from beginner to professional levels. As a Regional Dance America Honor Company, we maintain rigorous educational standards. Our curriculum includes ballet technique, contemporary dance, and specialized training for aspiring professional dancers through youth ballet programs and summer workshops.
Community outreach
Accessibility initiatives bringing dance to underserved populations. Programs include Ballet for Every Body, school partnerships, and free community performances. We remove socioeconomic barriers through scholarship programs and affordable ticketing options while maintaining artistic excellence in public education collaborations.
Youth ballet programs
Specialized training for young dancers aged 3-18. Our Youth Ballet Company provides performance opportunities and advanced technique development. The Children's Nutcracker program engages hundreds of local students annually, with audition-based casting ensuring professional production quality and educational value.
Guest artist collaborations
Annual guest company performances featuring world-class dancers. Current partnerships include Houston Ballet II and other regional companies. These collaborations enhance our season with diverse artistic perspectives while providing educational masterclasses and community engagement opportunities through workshops and meet-and-greet events.
People
Molly Buchmann
Co-Artistic Director
Co-Artistic Director since 1976, Molly Buchmann has shaped BRBT's artistic vision for over four decades. She created the original production A Nutcracker A Tale from the Bayou in 1992, now a holiday tradition. Recognized with multiple awards including the 2015 Women in Dance Leadership honor.
Sharon Mathews
Co-Artistic Director
Co-Artistic Director since 1976, Sharon Mathews maintains BRBT's technical excellence through rigorous training programs. With Molly Buchmann, she established the company's Regional Dance America Honor Company status. Recipient of the 2007 Governors Arts Award for Outstanding Arts Organization leadership.
Gayle Beard
Administrative Director
Administrative Director managing day-to-day operations since 2025. Oversees ticketing, personnel, and organizational logistics while maintaining continuity with BRBT's 60-year legacy. Works closely with the board of trustees on strategic planning initiatives.
Heather Herman
Board President
2025-2026 Board President providing fiscal oversight and strategic direction. Represents healthcare industry on the 12-member board of trustees. Leads governance initiatives ensuring financial sustainability while supporting artistic programming and community engagement efforts.
Rebecca Acosta
Co-Artistic Director
Newly appointed Co-Artistic Director joining Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews in 2025. Brings contemporary expertise to expand the company's modern dance repertoire. Former principal dancer with international companies, now focusing on nurturing emerging choreographers and dancers.
Questions
What is Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre's mission?
We promote classical and contemporary dance through professional performances, dance education, and community outreach programs.
When was BRBT founded?
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre was established in 1960 and has served the community for over six decades.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide dance training for ages 3-18, Youth Ballet Company, and community workshops through Regional Dance America partnerships.
How can I support BRBT?
Support through personal giving, corporate sponsorships, or volunteering helps sustain our performances and community programs.
What performances do you present annually?
Our season includes Lagniappe, The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, and a spring classical or contemporary ballet production.
Are there community outreach initiatives?
Yes, we offer Ballet for Every Body, school partnerships, and accessible programming for diverse socioeconomic groups.
Reviews (5)
Mary Millard
Dec 21, 2021 Report
Clear bag policy for a ballet? I do not want wallet and toiletries exposed while walking in or out for parking. Strange.
Jonna Cox
Dec 10, 2019 Report
The BRBT Spring Concert in May was outstanding with a mix of classical ballet and contemporary works. Beautiful dancers doing amazing choreography! Congratulations! Looking forward to an exciting 2019-2020 season!
Heather Herman
Nov 19, 2019 Report
From contemporary pieces to classical ballet, the depth and variety of the performances produced by the Baton Rouge Ballet Theater is outstanding. Baton Rouge is fortunate to have access to such talented dancers and artistry. Their work is a proud reminder of how the performing arts brings beauty and unity to our community. Thank you, BRBT.
Katie Keogh
Jun 27, 2019 Report
I paid for my daughter's tap and ballet pictures this past season and was told to wait on reprints. Well I recently talked to Rachel who had me contact DK photography myself and apparently my second order form has just gone missing and they're trying to make me pay forpre pictures when I never received what i paid for. This place is not being ran right. Very disorganized and I believe their trying to scam me now. I'd give zero stars if I could.
Karen White
Jun 09, 2019 Report
The ballet performances are a feast for the eyes every time you attend a Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre production! It is a joy to watch such talent in Baton Rouge.