Young people from age 8 to 19 from any dance experience level are invited to the Alabama Dance Theatre’s studios at the Armory Learning Arts Center on Saturday, April 15 to try a series of three classes, each an hour long, from 10am to 1:30pm.
NEW IN 2023: Collaborating with the Cloverdale Playhouse! April 15 guest teachers Lance Washington will teach hip hop, Jess Washington will teach ballet, and Cloverdale Playhouse Artistic Director Sam Wootton will teach improv and theatre, assisted by CP improv teacher Bo Jinright.
Classes will rotate by age group to take one class with each guest teacher; ADT faculty will be present to assist. A free t-shirt for the event will be given to each participant. Advance registration is required, but the day’s classes are free and open to any member of the community.
Advanced registration is strongly suggested to secure a space. All participants will be placed according to age, and will be grouped Ages 8-11, 12-14, and 15-19 years. Class Attire should be clothing that allows freedom of movement with socks for footwear. Long hair should be secured. Jewelry and loose clothing should not be worn in class. Registration is FREE. Class sizes are limited and will be filled in the order that registration is received. Online registration here
https://community-day-april-15-2023-with-the-alabama-dance-theatr.cheddarup.com
Community Day 2023 dates: April 15, June 10, and September 3. Sponsors of 2023 Community Day events are the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Regions Bank, and the Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Foundation. The series is a partnership with the City of Montgomery’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Alabama Dance Theatre will attend the Regional Dance America /Southeast Festival April 27-29 at the Renaissance Hotel & Spa and Convention Center in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. RDA member companies gather in their Regions annually for three-day-long Festivals, each hosted by a member company or jointly hosted by the Region. Over 1500 dancers from 60 regional companies, 300 parents, 100 artistic directors and staff members, and nearly 100 faculty members and musicians attend the annual Festivals.
The exciting process begins each spring when RDA’s world-class Adjudicators tour the Regions to select works by member companies and arrange Festival programs. The Adjudicators provide constructive feedback to member companies to elevate their accomplishments. The season culminates at the Festivals, where participants attend master classes, seminars, and college roundtables during the day, as well as perform each evening. Dancers from member companies are seen by college and professional training program recruiters and have the opportunity to audition for awards and scholarships. Member company directors network with well-known dance educators and choreographers. The first Regional Festival was hosted in 1956 by the Atlanta Civic Ballet Company and its visionary leader and director Dorthoy Alexander.
The Alabama Dance Theatre will present a total of three pieces selected by adjudicator Penny Askew at this year's festival at nightly evening performances. Shannon McGaughey’s “Jubilation” will be performed April 27 on the Emerging Choreographers program. Cameron Caldwell has been selected as Outstanding Male Senior Classical Soloist and will present the Nutcracker Prince Variation on this night as well. Sara Elyse Sanford’s “A Lady We All Know,” will be performed at the Gala on April 29. Additionally Sara Elyse Sanford’s “The Innocents,” set on Perla Ballet will be performed on the Festival Program April 28th.
The future of RDA lies in its steadfast commitment to dancers, choreographers, artistic directors, and pre-professional dance throughout the US. RDA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is elevating the future of dance in America – giving dancers experience and directors perspective. Regardless of geographic boundaries, dancers and choreographers are provided quality training at annual Festivals in order to master their craft. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are given to dancers to attend prestigious professional training programs, colleges and universities, and intensive programs throughout the country. Through the annual Adjudication process, Regional and National festivals, and the National Choreography Intensive, RDA inspires a growing community of excellence in dance education and performance.
The Alabama Dance Theatre is an acclaimed regional company and top ranking Honor Company in Regional Dance America/Southeast. ADT is supported by the City of Montgomery’s Department of Cultural Affairs, and receives generous support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Kate Seale Smith is Artistic Director of the Alabama Dance Theatre and its ballet school, located at the Armory Learning Arts Center at 1018 Madison Avenue. Call 334-625-2590 for information on classes or visit the website at
www.alabamadancetheatre.com.
Young people from age 8 to 19 from any dance experience level are invited to the Alabama Dance Theatre’s studios at the Armory Learning Arts Center on Saturday, April 15 to try a series of three classes, each an hour long, from 10am to 1:30pm.