See how Lafayette Ballet Theatre shapes future leaders: 'Everything you need is in a ballet class'

Shannon Heath fell in love with ballet at 6 years old after her mother put her and her sisters in a dance class in Houston after the passing of their father.

With their collective experience, the women have danced in New York, Chicago, Colorado, Canada and more. In 1982, Heath's sister, Lynnie, opened Dance Innovations in Lafayette, and in 1995, Shannon Heath took over and renamed the studio to Lafayette Ballet Theatre, which is now a nonprofit organization.

Today, Shannon Heath and her sister, Mitzi, lead Lafayette Ballet Theatre as artistic directors. They have staged "The Nutcracker" for 25 years and host educational programs that reach over 2,500 children annually in schools and at the theater.

This year, Lafayette Ballet Theatre will stage "The Nutcracker" Dec. 13 and 14. Visit