History

The Baton Rouge Ballet Theater was founded in the early 1960s by Cornelia "Corliss" Thornton as the Baton Rouge Civic Ballet. It began as a small, community-based dance group with the goal of promoting and preserving the art of ballet in Baton Rouge.

In its early years, the company staged performances in various local venues, often relying on volunteer dancers and limited resources. Despite these challenges, the Baton Rouge Civic Ballet gained a reputation for its dedication to classical ballet and artistic excellence.

Over the years, the organization continued to grow, expanding its repertoire and bringing in professional dancers and choreographers to collaborate on productions. Named artistic directors in 1976, Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews guided the artistic vision of the organization and in 1978 changed its name to the Baton Rouge Ballet Theater (BRBT) to better reflect its professional aspirations.

BRBT found a permanent home in Baton Rouge's Dancers' Workshop in the 1980s, providing a dedicated space for training, rehearsals, and performances. This move marked a significant milestone in the ballet's development.

Throughout the years, BRBT has presented a diverse range of ballets, from classical to contemporary works. The company has collaborated with renowned choreographers and musicians, further establishing its reputation for artistic excellence.  Among their many contributions, Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews created the BRBT original, The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, in 1992. Since its inception, this treasured production has continued to thrill children and adults alike as one of the most highly anticipated events of the holiday season.

In addition to its performances, BRBT has been actively involved in educational outreach programs, introducing ballet to local schools and communities. These efforts have helped foster an appreciation for dance and the arts among Baton Rouge's youth.

In 2024, artisitic directors Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews retired after 48 years leading Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Today, BRBT is under the direction of co-artistic directors, Rebecca Acosta and Jonna Cox. Both Rebecca and Jonna have introduced innovative programming, including a new full-length production, Alice in Wonderland.