Metropolitan Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable tax-exempt organization. The leadership of the school is of minority background and a serious commitment exists to offer ballet and dance education to all interested students, regardless of their ability to pay for the world- class instruction they can receive at MBT.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation in support of MBT's scholarship program,
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Mannie Rowe Memorial Scholarship
While in High School in the 60’s, Mannie discovered his love and innate talent for dance while performing in the school’s production of “Pajama Games”. He studied on scholarship with Bubba Gross in Charlotte, N.C. When he graduated from high school, Mannie auditioned and was accepted into the first class of the North Carolina School of the Arts. While there, he studied with Pauline Koner, Duncan Noble and Robert Lingren. During his summers he performed summer stock: Cross and Swords in St. Augustine, Finians Rainbow and My Fair Lady in Atlanta and with Jose Limon in New York City.
Mannie’s big dancing break came while in Montreal, Canada, dancing the roles of Tommy and Pinball Wizard for Les Grande Ballet Canadiens’ Rock Opera “Tommy” by The Who. He left Les Grande to dance for Maurice Bejart in Brussels. He returned to Les Grande where he met, danced with, and married Maniya Barredo. They left Les Grande to dance and teach for Robert Barnett and the Atlanta Ballet. His credits include dancing Cavalier to her Sugar Plum in “Nutcracker”, Romeo to her Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet”; and the staging of several of his original works of choreography, including rock music videos, numerous award-winning commercials, and “Just Me”, a solo for Maniya Barredo.
Several students Mannie worked with at the Atlanta Ballet were finalists in international competitions. He served as Principal Teacher for the Hartford Ballet during their summer residence. Mannie died in 1991, shortly after being named Assistant Artistic Director of the Atlanta Ballet.
The Scholarship is offered to a male dancer who exemplifies the talent, passion, dedication, and perseverence for dance and choreography that was Mannie. The Metropolitan Ballet is happy to recognize Luis Gonzalez as the recipient of the 2007-08 Mannie Rowe Memorial Scholarship. Mannie's family and Metropolitan Ballet Theatre are very proud to award Luis this scholarship which will cover instructional costs for the year.
Maniya Barredo Scholarship
The Maniya Barredo Scholarship is awarded to a female dancer who has a passion for the Art of Dance and is commited to excellence. She must also show dedication to professional ethics in class, rehearsals and performances, and posses leadership skills in motivating others to strive for their personal best. The recipient must also strive for academic achievement, be goal oriented, and realize her dreams
Metropolitan Ballet Theatre proudly recognizes Sarah Smith as Metropolitan Ballet Theatre's 2009-2010 recipient of the Maniya Barredo Scholarship.