Metropolitan Ballet Theatre (MBT), a pre-professional ballet school, was established in 1998 by Maniya Barredo. After a long career with celebrated national and international ballet companies, culminating in two decades as prima ballerina of the Atlanta Ballet, Ms. Barredo sought to pass her knowledge and love of classical ballet to future generations of dancers. She continues her role as MBT’s artistic director and lead instructor.
Located in Alpharetta, MBT is a studio whose mission is to develop young dancers in the art of classical ballet in an atmosphere of self-competition and inner growth, nurtured with love and mutual respect. The studio specializes in training for children as young as 4, with advanced levels of training for dedicated students of all ages. Dancers seeking to immerse themselves further can enroll in MBT’s conservatory, which offers additional ballet classes during the day. MBT graduates have received offers from professional programs and launched successful careers with top companies, including Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Houston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Orlando Ballet, St. Louis Ballet, and Bejart Ballet in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The studio produces multiple public performances each year, giving students opportunities to experience the hard work and collaboration required for professional-level theatrical ballet. MBT’s annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, is a highlight for the dancers and a beloved tradition for families in the North Fulton community. In conjunction with their Nutcracker performances, MBT hosts Sugarplum Storytime, a family-friendly event where theatre patrons can meet the dancers in costume from Land of the Sweets and hear the magical story of The Nutcracker. Community outreach is also a vital part of Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s mission. Such outreach includes a presence at Fulton County holiday events and offering free performances at local assisted living homes.
MBT is thrilled to announce its Spring 2023 performances of Coppélia. This enchanting love story is memorable for music, as well as dancing. Coppélia is ballet's great comedy...telling the story of lovely Swanhilda, a girl who pretends to be a doll to regain the affection of Franz, her sweetheart. Set to music by Leo Delibes, the entire family will be captivated by the betrothed Swanhilda and Franz, a mysterious toy-maker named Dr. Coppélius, life-size dancing dolls, and the "happily forever wedding celebration."
In addition to the regular season, MBT offers three weeks of Summer Intensive in June. Students 8 years old and older are invited to train with world-renown master teachers, including their own Maniya Barredo, MBT alumnus Luis Gonzalez, and famed dancer and longtime artistic director of Atlanta Ballet, Robert Barnett. MBT also offers Master Classes in July to continue opportunities for dancers to strengthen and perfect their artistry.
Performance dates are May 12 at 7 p.m., May 13 at 7 p.m., and May 14 at 2 p.m. at Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell. Make sure to purchase tickets for the "Toy Maker’s Tea" on May 14 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available at MetropolitanBallet.org.