ecatur School
of Ballet is the official school of Decatur City Dance. The company has three levels - the
Junior Ensemble, the Apprentice Ensemble and the Professional Ensemble. Members are
talented dancers who want to make a commitment to dance as one of their special extra-curricular
activities. Many company dancers started their dance
training at our school at an early age and progressed through the various levels
of the school and into the performing company. Students
audition for placement in the company.
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 School of Ballet provides training for dancers in all
three groups, and Decatur City Dance presents performances. Most teachers in the school
have worked with the company as performers and/or choreographers.
In 2006 The Rhythm Keepers and The Junior Rhythm Keepers, tap companies directed
by Birda Ringstad, joined the Decatur City Dance Family.
Decatur City Dance is the oldest performing dance group in DeKalb County, established as a Junior Company of Atlanta Civic Ballet in 1952 and an independent artistic entity in 1962. Now headquartered in Beacon Hill Arts Center 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. The annual concert features works in varying dance styles including classical ballet, jazz, modern dance and tap. Kathleen Everett is Artistic Director of Decatur City Dance. Associate Directors are Leslie Gourley, Jessica Reese and Toya Riley.
Updated 04/26/08