Lafayette Ballet Theatre

Lafayette Ballet Theatre (LBT), founded in 1982, serves as a cornerstone of classical ballet in Lafayette, Louisiana. Established to fulfill the community's need for a professional ballet company, LBT quickly gained non-profit status and launched its official school, Dance Conservatory, a year prior. The Conservatory now supplies 90 percent of the company's dancers, underscoring its role in nurturing local talent. LBT offers 28-week contracts to local artists and a long-term student scholarship program, reinforcing its commitment to artistic development. Over the past three decades, LBT has presented full-length classical ballets to the community, maintaining an extensive complimentary ticket program that provides underprivileged children and adults with access to performances. The organization supports educational programs reaching over 2,500 children annually. Artistic Directors Mitzi Heath and Shannon Heath lead LBT, bringing extensive experience from prestigious institutions like the Joffrey Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. Their leadership ensures LBT remains a vital cultural institution in Acadiana, promoting dance education and community engagement.