River Region Ballet, which opened in 1995, has a new name and a new location.
Ballet Images Inc. will offer ballet classes, dance workshops, community events, and full-length ballet productions. It will no longer offer its junior ballet company or senior ballet company. Its new location is 613 Paul Maillard Road in Luling.
Katelyn Fitts, the artistic director for Ballet Images, said the dedicated studio space represents an important step in the company’s growth.
“Our productions continue to grow, and with that growth came the need for a facility that could support our full vision,” Fitts said. “This space allows us to offer more than just weekly classes. It’s where dancers can grow over time – not only as technicians, but as artists and individuals.”
Fitts said the new studio, which is strictly focused on ballet, will not function as a traditional dance school.
“We will continue to offer high-quality ballet and pointe technique classes, but they’ll be structured to support both full-time dancers and those looking to supplement their current training,” Fitts said. “Our schedule includes open classes, seasonal workshops, and performance-based rehearsals.”
The sudden closure of River Region Ballet’s dance school last August left some dancers and their families scrambling to find a new studio before the start of the dance season. While the organization continued its ballet classes at River Region Drama Guild, it stopped offering tap, pom and acrobatics classes. The organization’s board said that maintenance issues, inflation, and the effects of Hurricane Ida led to the school’s closure.
“This past year has been a time of tremendous growth and transition for our organization,” Fitts said.
Since the closure of its studio in Norco, the organization rented spaces for rehearsals and practices at multiple locations, including the River Region Drama Guild, Broadway Open Stage Studio, and Studio S Dance Company. But Fitts said that the organization’s productions grew more ambitious, particularly with its pointe classes and full-length ballet rehearsals.
“This period of navigating shared spaces clarified our long-term needs,” Fitts said, “It became clear that we needed a dedicated home—not just for classes, but for rehearsals, community events, and educational programming that reflected our full vision. That realization, paired with a desire to reintroduce ourselves with renewed purpose, inspired our name change from River Region Ballet to Ballet Images, Inc.”
Fitts said the new studio features ample space, high ceilings and professional flooring suitable for advanced ballet technique and pointe work. The location will allow the organization to expand its class offerings, offer workshops and community events, and rehearse full-length ballet productions under one roof.
“We’re proud to be part of the revitalization along Paul Maillard Road and look forward to continuing to grow as both educators and community partners in this new chapter,” Fitts said.
She said the new name also gives the organization room to grow and reflects the heart of what the organization does – creating lasting impressions through movement, storytelling and community. The organization will continue to operate as a non-profit organization, allowing it to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for grants.
“While our roots are deeply tied to the River Parishes, we wanted an identity that could support broader opportunities,” she said. “Whether it’s a classical production, an educational workshop, or a collaborative event, we aim to create meaningful experiences that leave a lasting imprint on both dancers and audiences.”
Ballet Images will also continue to offer its yearly production of The Nutcracker, in addition to other productions.
“These productions remain at the heart of who we are,” Fitts said. “They provide dancers of all ages the chance to perform in full-length classical works and gain invaluable stage experience.”
Registration for new dancers is currently open. The studio offers ballet education classes starting from age 2 and up, including pre-pointe and pointe. It recently added adult education classes on Tuesday nights. The organization welcomes students of all experience levels.
