Our History
Lafayette Ballet Theatre (LBT) was founded in 1982, filling the need in our artistic community for a classical ballet company. Following its birth, LBT gained non-profit status. Its official school, Dance Conservatory, was established the previous year. The Conservatory currently supplies 90 percent of the company's dancers. Located in Lafayette, Louisiana, LBT is an important provider of artistic, dance education and community programs.
Through the support of the community, LBT has sustained its place as Acadiana's professional ballet company, offering 28-week contracted positions to local artists, and a long-term student scholarship program. For over three decades, LBT has presented full-length classical story ballets to the entire community. LBT currently maintains an extensive complimentary ticket program, providing underprivileged children and adults, A Night at the Ballet, as well as supporting all of its educational programs that reach over 2500 children annually in schools and at the theater.
Leading the Lafayette Ballet Theatre are Artistic Directors, Shannon Heath and Mitzi Heath.
