Dancers' Workshop

Dancers' Workshop has been training Baton Rouge's dancers since 1973 and is the official school of the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Thousands of dancers have trained here—some for the enjoyment of dance, others who have gone on to prestigious careers in professional dance companies and even on Broadway. All classes are developmentally appropriate, technique-based, and progressively paced. The studio operates on a first class free policy; you can call to schedule.

The facility comprises three studios under one roof, designed with safety and proper technique in mind. All studios are constructed with suspended wooden floors over a slab, with a wooden lattice between the dance floor and slab that provides resilience and reduces stress on dancers' bodies—critical for long-term health. The studio is located in a neighbourhood with restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and shopping areas within several blocks. For the safety of children, parents drop students at the doors and instructors walk them out when class finishes. The office is staffed during most class periods to help with registration, scheduling, and payments.

Classes serve ages 3 and above through adults. Younger dancers begin with one class per week, progressing to twice weekly by 3rd or 4th grade, including summer training. From 5th grade onwards, dancers are promoted based on skill and technique development rather than grade level. Dancers invited to begin pointe training must take three ballet classes each week to ensure proper muscle development and strength, lowering injury risk. Advanced ballet dancers preparing for roles like those in the Nutcracker typically take 4–6 ballet classes weekly, including throughout summer.

The faculty is exceptional: most instructors are degreed dance teachers with professional training and performance experience. Rebecca Acosta is Associate Director and director of the BRBT Youth Ballet, having studied on full scholarship at the Joffrey Ballet in New York and with the Eglevsky Ballet, where she appeared as a demi-soloist in Swan Lake. Jonna Cox is Associate Director, holds a BFA in Ballet from Texas Christian University, danced professionally with the Dayton Ballet, and has choreographed multiple works for BRBT. Mary Camille Maddox is completing her 29th year teaching the youngest students and was the first coach for the Women's Gymnastic team at the United States Air Force Academy. Christine Perkins is in her 31st year with BRBT and is now Assistant Artistic Director, creating and directing the company's Ballet for Every Body community programme. All lead instructors hold ABT Certification and have completed the American Ballet Theatre Teacher Training Institute in Primary through Level 7 and Partnering.

The studio's two co-owners and directors are Sharon Mathews and Molly Buchmann, both retired co-artistic directors of BRBT. Sharon holds a BS and MS in dance from Louisiana State University and was named Outstanding Dance Educator in Louisiana by the Louisiana Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Molly holds a master's degree in dance, has choreographed over 50 musicals for professional, community and university theatres, and was named a Louisiana Division of the Arts Choreographic Fellow in 1982. Together they received the Mayor-President's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1999 and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's John W. Barton Excellence in Nonprofit Management award in 2007.

Summer 2026 offerings include Prince and Princess Camp (June 15–18) and Intermediate and Advanced Intensives plus Adult Intensive (July 27–31). Summer intensives are available at three levels: serious beginner dancers in 5th grade (half-day option), intermediate and advanced dancers, and adult dancers of all levels (half-day option). The studio pledges to provide the highest quality dance instruction at an affordable cost.

Call to schedule your first free class. You'll attend an age-appropriate, technique-focused session in one of three studios, each with a specially designed suspended wooden floor. Instructors will evaluate your level to place you correctly and will walk younger students out when class ends.

The faculty comprises master instructors, most with degrees in dance and professional performance experience. Rebecca Acosta (Associate Director) studied on scholarship at the Joffrey Ballet and Eglevsky Ballet. Jonna Cox (Associate Director) holds a BFA from Texas Christian University and has choreographed for BRBT. Mary Camille Maddox is in her 29th year teaching youngest students. Christine Perkins is in her 31st year with BRBT and is Assistant Artistic Director. All lead instructors are ABT Certified Teachers with completion of the American Ballet Theatre Teacher Training Institute through Level 7 and Partnering.

The studio welcomes all ages from 3 and above, and you can attend your first class free; dancers beginning ballet and taking consistently for several years typically progress to pointe work around age 11–12.