MANIYA BARREDO, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
2018 SERBA SUCCESSES
Montgomery Alabama - May 2-7
MBT dancers had a triumphal festival in Montgomery, with challenging classes, gleeful parties, and glittering performances.
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With pieces in Emerging Choreographer and Gala performances, the dancers distinguished themselves admirably, earning praise as well as scholarship opportunities for many.
SARAH CORDIA & COLETTE TILINSKI IN NASHVILLE BALLET'S SWAN LAKE
SEPTEMBER 21-23 2018 - Nashville, TN
This fall, the Nashville Ballet presented Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty, considered one of the most challenging ballets of the classical repertoire. But Metropolitan Ballet alumnae Sarah Cordia and Colette Tilinski were more than up to the challenge. Starring in the title role, Cordia added another professional accomplishment to an impressive career as one of Nashville's principals. And "rookie", Colette Tilinski, found that the lessons learned at MBT proved invaluable as she was presented with opportunities to shine in her first few months with Nashville Ballet 2.
MBT INTERVIEWED THE DANCERS about their experiences from two different perspectives. Read about their journeys so far.
MBT ALUMS SHINE IN NASHVILLE BALLET'S SLEEPING BEAUTY
OCTOBER 2017 - Nashville, TN
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This fall, the Nashville Ballet presented Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty, considered one of the most challenging ballets of the classical repertoire. But Metropolitan Ballet alumnae Sarah Cordia and Colette Tilinski were more than up to the challenge. Starring in the title role, Cordia added another professional accomplishment to an impressive career as one of Nashville's principals. And "rookie", Colette Tilinski, found that the lessons learned at MBT proved invaluable as she was presented with opportunities to shine in her first few months with Nashville Ballet 2.
MBT INTERVIEWED THE DANCERS about their experiences from two different perspectives. Read about their journeys so far.
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MBT WELCOMES CAROLINE CAVALLO
On an unassuming Thursday in October, students at Metropolitan Ballet were treated to an extraordinary surprise - their afternoon class would be led by none other than Royal Danish Ballet principal, Caroline Cavallo.
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Students were on best behavior as the ballerina observed the class, offering corrections and insights from her own experience and noting differences in approach between modern and traditional European technique.
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The Atlanta native did share one particular thing in common with the kids in the class that afternoon. Cavallo had also benefited from training with Maniya Barredo. Maniya remembers teaching Caroline at the Atlanta Ballet and recalled what a promising dancer she was from an early age.
After leaving Atlanta, Cavallo joined the Royal Danish Ballet in 1989 at a mere 21 years of age, rising to become a principal in 1997.Known for her dedication and great versatility, she quickly became a favorite in her adopted country and enjoyed a long and illustrious career with the RDB that only concluded in 2011.
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Since her retirement, Cavallo has remained in her adopted country, started a family and turned her energies toward a teaching career at the RDB school, home of the Bournonville training method.
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Looking forward to another visit from Caroline soon!
News Archive
MBT thanks Desmond Richardson for a memorable day.
COMPLEXIONS CO-FOUNDER, DESMOND RICHARDSON AT MBT
Metropolitan Ballet was delighted to have Desmond Richardson of Complexions Contemporary Dance at the studio for class on Monday, November 14. It was a real honor to have Richardson attending and it gave MBT the chance to benefit from his years of experience in the world of dance and theater, including his seven-year career as principal with Alvin Ailey's American Dance Theater. His visit to have a look at the school turned into an exciting and unforgettable day for the dancers, and it's hoped that Mr. Richardson and his dancers will feel free to come to MBT any time! MBT wishes Desmond, Dwight Rhoden, and all at Complexions a very successful season!