In 1991, LakeCities Ballet Theatre introduced its first major production of The Nutcracker choreographed by Artistic Director Kelly Lannin and supported by an enthusiastic Board of Directors dedicated to bringing this new production to the stage. LBT’s production of The Nutcracker was quickly recognized as a potential star in the local arts community by the Greater Lewisville Arts Council and the City of Lewisville. In 1992, Kelly Lannin collaborated with Maestro Adron Ming to incorporate the Lewisville Lake Symphony making LBT’s production the first regional company in the metroplex to boast a live, professional orchestra! To this day, LBT is one of the few companies committed to using a live orchestra each year.

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Before long, this small company made up primarily of student dancers began to attract favorable notice from not only area dance critics, but also from international guest artists such as Damian Woetzel, Wendy Whelan, Jennifer Ringer, and Miranda Weese from New York City Ballet, and Julie Kent, Paloma Herrera, and Marcello Gomes from American Ballet Theatre.

Dancers from the company have gone on to dance professionally and to receive major accolades and awards because of the training and performing experience they received as members of LakeCities Ballet Theatre.