Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet (MMB) is a pre-professional, non-profit ballet company dedicated to fostering interest in classical ballet, providing excellent dance training, and offering serious dancers the opportunity to perform regularly. For 30 years, we have been bringing beauty, encouragement, and strength to life through our critically-acclaimed performances, commitment to quality dance education, and extensive outreach program that brings dance to children who are typically underserved by the arts.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the highest quality dance training, performance opportunities, and community outreach in the Metro Jackson area. We strive to inspire a lifelong love of dance and the arts in our students, their families, and our audiences.

History

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet was founded in 1992 as the Madison Civic Ballet, the first arts organization to call the Madison County Cultural Center its home. As the company began to grow and attract talented dancers from the greater metropolitan Jackson area, it changed its name to the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet in 1997 to better reflect the wider area it had come to serve.

Today, MMB presents a full production of "The Nutcracker" each December with a cast of over 100 dancers, as well as a Spring Gala in March that showcases a repertoire of classical and contemporary ballets. Our full-length ballets have included "Firebird", "Coppelia", "Sleeping Beauty", "Cinderella", "Beauty and the Beast", "The Wizard of Oz", and "Alice in Wonderland."

Guest Artists and Collaborations

We have had the privilege of hosting prestigious guest artists such as Joseph Gatti, 2006 USA IBC Bronze Medalist, and his partner, 2006 USA IBC Finalist Adiarys Almeida; Boston Ballet Principal Dancers Ashley Ellis and Paul Craig; Philadelphia Ballet Principal Dancers Mayara Piniero and Arian Molina Soca; and Orlando Ballet Principal Dancer Katia Garza.

MMB has collaborated with both the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the Lima, Ohio Symphony as guest artists. In 2008, we were accepted as a Performing Company member of the Regional Dance America/Southeast, and are the only member company from the state of Mississippi.

Dance Education

At MMB, we believe that dance education should be accessible to all. We offer a variety of classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Our curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in classical ballet, while also introducing students to contemporary and modern dance styles.

We are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can develop their technical skills, creativity, and confidence. Our faculty are experienced and highly trained professionals who are dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.

Outreach Program

Our outreach program brings dance to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of dance. We believe that dance can be a powerful tool for personal growth, community building, and social change.

Through our outreach program, we have partnered with schools, community centers, and other organizations to bring dance classes, performances, and workshops to thousands of children in the Metro Jackson area.

Community Impact

Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet is more than just a dance company. We are a vital part of the Metro Jackson community, and we are committed to making a positive impact through our performances, dance education, and outreach programs.

We are proud to be a source of inspiration, joy, and beauty in the lives of our students, their families, and our audiences. We look forward to continuing to serve the Metro Jackson community for many years to come.