Decatur School Of Ballet Inc Information

Decatur School of Ballet is the official school of Decatur City Dance (DCD). Under the artistic direction of Kathleen Banks Everett, DCD is the oldest performing dance company in DeKalb County and is currently in its 63rd season. Five performing groups are under the company umbrella. AboutFace presents jazz; The Apprentice Ensemble and The Junior Ensemble present ballet, jazz, and modern dance; and The Rhythm Keepers and The Junior Rhythm Keepers present tap. Dancers become members of DCD by audition. They are talented dancers who want to make a commitment to dance as one of their special extracurricular activities. Many company dancers started their dance training at our school at an early age and progressed into the performing company. Many teachers in the school have worked with the company as performers and/or choreographers. To be eligible for Junior Ensemble, they must be at least 11 years old and have had classical ballet training through the beginning pointe level. Dancers can advance into the Apprentice Ensemble, and later into the Professional Ensemble. Decatur City Dance is the oldest performing dance group in DeKalb County. Now in its 63rd season, it was established as a Junior Company of Atlanta Civic Ballet in 1952 and became an independent artistic entity in 1962. Now headquartered at Sams Street in downtown Decatur, the company is a nonprofit corporation financially supported by contributions, grant funds, membership dues and ticket sales. As a community arts organization, the company provides quality dance performances for metro Atlanta audiences. Outreach programs are presented for retirement homes, schools and community groups. Concerts feature works in varying dance styles including classical ballet, jazz, modern dance and tap. Kathleen Everett is Artistic Director of DCD. Associate Directors are Leslie Gourley, Kyme Hersi-Sallid, Jessica Reese, and Toya Willingham.