Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma

Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma is a dance studio in Lakewood, Washington, dedicated to nurturing the physical and artistic development of dancers through rigorous training in ballet and related disciplines. Founded in 1986 by Damaris Caughlan, the studio offers classes for students of all ages and levels, emphasizing excellence, passion, and a supportive community. The company also operates Corpo, a professional dance ensemble that presents innovative, contemporary performances, including events such as the annual Nativity Ballet and the Corpo Season. With a 4.90 rating and strong community engagement, the studio serves dancers and families across the South Tacoma area and surrounding neighborhoods.

The studio was established by Damaris Caughlan, a certified instructor from the Minsk Choreographic School and Byelorussian Ministry of Culture, who brings a rich, internationally informed teaching tradition to her work. Her training in the former Soviet Union, combined with mentorship from notable figures such as Philip Beamish, has shaped a distinctive pedagogical approach that emphasizes technical precision and artistic expression. The studio’s leadership includes Annalise Nilson, an alumni and assistant director who also performs with Corpo, and Melissa Schortgen, an MBT alumna who now serves as Administrative Director. The studio maintains a strong connection to its roots, with many staff members having trained and grown within its programs.

Located at 5435 S Tacoma Way A, the studio sits just a short distance from South Tacoma Way, within walking proximity to the South Tacoma Library, South Tacoma Post Office, and the South Tacoma neighborhood. It is also near BJ's Beauty & Barber College and the arts center that shares its name, reflecting its deep integration into the local cultural landscape.

With a legacy spanning over three decades, Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma is recognized for its commitment to artistic excellence, community involvement, and the holistic development of young dancers. Its long-standing presence and consistent high ratings underscore its trusted role in Tacoma’s arts scene.

The studio remains a cornerstone of dance education in Lakewood, where tradition, discipline, and creativity continue to shape the next generation of performers.