In 2012, Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet created the Chance to Dance partnership with Volunteers of America of North Louisiana. The Chance to Dance program reaches some of our community’s neediest students through this partnership at VOA LightHouse school sites.  More than 95% of these students live in poverty, and most are raised by single parents or grandparents.

Through this program, SMB provides twice-monthly instruction in classical ballet to an average of forty 3rd through 5th grade students each year at two VOA LightHouse sites. In addition to teaching students ballet technique and history, SMB artists create original choreography for the students and prepare them to perform in an annual short production with SMB company members. This production, usually held in March, gives the Chance to Dance students multiple opportunities to shine. They join SMB company dancers in two to three free performances for Caddo and Bossier parish students as well as an evening performance geared to the community.

Tickets for this performance are affordable, and all Chance to Dance participants receive free tickets for their family members.