About MBT

About Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma
Photo Credit: red-lettermoments.com
	Mission Statement Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma is dedicated to the passionate pursuit of excellence in art of ballet and dance in an atmosphere that nurtures the physical and spiritual development of individual dancers. Established in 1987, Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma offers professional training in ballet with an emphasis on individual strengths and the joy of movement and performance. Students are taught the true form of classical ballet through the Chechetti method with other styles and methods intertwined, providing well balanced technique and instruction. A live pianist accompanies most classes giving students the opportunity to learn musicality and to appreciate the marriage of music and movement. In addition to our staff, MBT dancers are provided the opportunity to study with a variety of professional guest artists and choreographers. MBT has brought to the community master teachers from companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Alley Dance Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Orlando Ballet, New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Kirov Ballet and Oregon Ballet Theatre. Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma provides quality ballet instruction for all ages and levels of development. Our studio offers training that will help prepare aspiring young dances who desire to pursue dance as a profession, as well as recreational opportunities for those who simply want to discover and celebrate the joy of movement. Within our program you will find: Staff that carry out our mission statement Professional environment Live piano accompaniment Two studios with flexible wood floors with professional dance flooring (Marley) to help prevent injuries Annual recital and “Summer Dance in the Park” performance Pointe instruction for intermediate and advanced dancers Instruction in dance terminology, anatomy and music and dance history Pilates training for strengthening and toning Workshops with guest teachers and other forms of dance A Company Division for those that have reached the highest level of dance MBT invites you to come and experience professional dance instruction in a caring atmosphere by those with a passion for dance. The History of MBT Celebrating twenty years of dance, Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma is one of the premier ballet studios in the Puget Sound area. Established in 1987, this private school offers professional training in ballet with an emphasis on individual strengths and the joy of movement and performance. Damaris Caughlan began her teaching with the Metropolitan Park District. She taught classes at South Park Community Center and was the head of the dance department. Eventually the program that Damaris was in charge of, grew to over 250 dancers strong. Unsatisfied with equipment, politics, and the inability to use live music for her dancers, Damaris decided to open her own school. This school was just up the street on 54th and South Tacoma Way. Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma has flourished in this neighborhood for 20 years. Students are taught the true form of classical ballet through the Chechetti method with other styles and methods intertwined, providing well balanced technique and instruction. A live pianist accompanies most classes giving students the opportunity to learn musicality and to appreciate the marriage of music and movement. Professional instruction is extended each year through a variety of guest artists and choreographers. MBT dancers have had the opportunity to study with professional instructors. MBT has brought to the community master teachers from companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Alley Dance Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Orlando Ballet, New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Kirov Ballet and Oregon Ballet Theatre.