Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet
Classical ballet company performing full-length productions since 1973
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: J W via Google
Before your first class
Summer Master Classes $30 per session; Summer Wellness Workshops $60 per person; Nutcracker tickets $35–$55
About this studio
Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet has been a cornerstone of the Shreveport-Bossier arts community for over 50 years. Founded in 1973 as Ballet Lyrique, SMB presents two full-length classical ballets annually: The Nutcracker as a holiday tradition and a spring production drawn from the classical repertoire. Past productions include Giselle, Coppelia, Cinderella, Rodeo, La Fille Mal Gardée, Snow White, Wizard of Oz, Act II of Swan Lake, and Act III of Sleeping Beauty.
Each performance features more than 100 talented local dancers, professional guest artists, and the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. Guest artists have performed with New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, Ballet Oklahoma, and San Francisco Ballet. The company annually reaches over 12,000 individuals through performances and education, including more than 8,000 students and educators who enjoy performances for free.
Dancers aged ten to adult are selected each spring through open auditions to join the Junior and Senior Companies. SMB provides training and experience that has enabled dancers to pursue careers with companies in other cities and study dance at university level. Dancers perform alongside professional guest artists, gaining invaluable stage experience.
SMB's artistic leadership includes Artistic Director Kathryn Drake McDowell, who trained locally under founder Marion Mills before earning a BFA in ballet performance from the University of Oklahoma and dancing professionally with Tulsa Ballet Theater, Lexington Ballet Company, and Universal Ballet Company in Seoul, South Korea. Assistant Artistic Directors Grace Matthews and Lavender Stripling bring their own performance and teaching experience to the company. Grace trained at Shreveport Dance Academy for sixteen years and performed with SMB as a company dancer and soloist, while Lavender advanced from apprentice to Principal Dancer and now teaches lyrical, hip-hop, and ballet at Shreveport Dance Academy.
Beyond performances, SMB runs the Chance to Dance outreach programme, bringing classical ballet education to students from Bethune Oak Park. The organization also hosts Summer Master Classes (priced at $30 per session) and Summer Wellness Workshops ($60 per person). A non-profit 501(c)(3) organisation governed by volunteers, SMB is supported by private and corporate donations, memberships, fundraisers, and grants.
What to expect
Your first visit
Attend a full-length classical ballet at Riverview Theater, featuring over 100 local dancers, guest artists from major companies, and live orchestral accompaniment from the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from $35–$55; membership vouchers and military discounts are available.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Kathryn Drake McDowell leads as Artistic Director with professional dance credentials including performances with Tulsa Ballet Theater, Lexington Ballet Company, and Universal Ballet Company in Seoul. Assistant Artistic Directors Grace Matthews and Lavender Stripling bring extensive company performance experience and current teaching roles at Shreveport Dance Academy.
Studio history
Founded in 1973 as Ballet Lyrique by citizens who wanted to provide local dancers a performing outlet and bring classical ballet to the Shreveport-Bossier community. It has operated continuously since, making it one of the oldest arts organisations in the region. SMB believes classical ballet is the foundation for all other forms of dance and remains committed to preserving and advancing this essential art form.
Styles offered
1 dance style taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Shreveport Metropolitan Ballethasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
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Frequently asked about Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet teach?
Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet teaches Ballet. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet located?
Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet is located in Shreveport, LA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet offer private lessons?
Contact Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet teach kids and adults?
Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet?
The fastest path is to visit Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.