




Welcome To MBT!!!
We are a studio dedicated to developing young dancers in the art of classical ballet in an atmosphere of self-competition and inner growth nurtured with love and mutual respect. Please see our Training opportunities and learn more by contacting us at mbt@metropolitanballet.org. or try a class for free by registering now!
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MBT Partners with WorthPoint for Charity in Couture Hat & Clothing Auction
Unique eBay Auction Features 1,000 Original Hats and Other Couture Items From New York Estate
Imagine walking into a grand estate on Long Island and finding yourself surrounded by more than 1,000 elaborate,
custom-made hats collected over 50 years.
“I walked into this very palatial estate, and everywhere I turned was a hat that
was a millinery work of art,” says Karen Tiber Leland.
The extensive collection had been owned by a “Park Avenue lady who was a
patron of the arts, with a penchant for fine hats,” as her daughter Jill put it.
Leland became aware of the collection when her realtor in NYC asked if she had
any connections with nonprofits who might be able to find a home for the hats his client had recently inherited from her mother's estate. The daughter asked that her mother's name not be used to honor the family's wishes.
Leland's fascination with the hats grew as she learned more about their story. “My mother was 5 feet, 3 inches, but wanted to be tall,” explains Jill. “She discovered platform shoes that raised her up about 3 inches. Then she started having custom hats created for her. Those turbans and tall hats brought her to her desired height.”
Many hats were created by Suzanne Couture Millinery in New York, which is still in business. The high-end bespoke hats include Kentucky Derby-style hats, sun hats, turbans, authentic fur hats, and several made from Channel fabric. The retail value of the hats ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 apiece. Leland is working on a coffee table book featuring selected hats from the collection.
As it turns out, Leland's company, Sterling Marketing Group, found the perfect partner to help the hats find a home in one of her clients — WorthPoint, the world's largest provider of information about art, antiques and collectibles.
The company had just launched WorthPoint For Charity, a joint venture with its industry partner eBay. By relying on its expert staff and data of 650 million auction prices, WorthPoint created an auction for the 1,000 hats and another collection of other vintage couture from the same New York socialite estate. The entire donation exceeds 4,000 individual items spanning 50 years of fashion.
The proceeds from the auction will go to Metropolitan Ballet Theatre. The rotating collection can be viewed on eBay auction at https://www.ebay.com/str/worthpointforcharity or by clicking the image above.
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MBT Summer Intensive Registration - Open Now
Improve your dance technique & artistry this summer at MBT's Summer Intensive!
Students 8 and up are invited to audition for MBT's summer program and train with world-renown master teachers including our own Maniya Barredo.
Audition is required. Contact the studio to arrange an audition during Open or Evening classes.
MBT's 2023 Summer Intensive will be held at our new studio in the heart of Alpharetta. Students can choose to attend 1, 2, or 3 of the following weeks:
Week 1: May 30 - June 3
Week 2: June 5 - June 9
Week 3: June 12 - June 16
Register for the audition through the MBT Portal or call/text (678) 297-2800 for more information.
We hope to see you there!
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"Excellence in Dance, Lifelong Values"
Under the direction of Prima Ballerina, Ms. Maniya Barredo, MBT offers exceptional training in classical ballet. Multiple levels are offered for varying ages, proficiencies, and dancer objectives.
Schedules vary by level, include afternoon and evening classes as well as an optional daytime Conservatory program for dancers seeking additional training.
Our curriculum is built on traditional, classical ballet technique complemented with modern, contemporary and jazz classes.
While many of our dancers continue professionally, all of our students benefit greatly from the self-discipline, high standards, and life lessons that are reinforced daily in our studio.
If you would like to join MBT, the school accepts year-round auditions through our open classes or by special appointment. Your dancer will be assessed and placed accordingly. Please email for more information at mbt@metropolitanballet.org