Business Details
40 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education & Performances in Hilton Head
Hilton Head Dance Theater has been dedicated to cultivating dance appreciation as an art form since its founding in 1986. Under the leadership of Artistic Directors Karena Brock-Carlyle and John Carlyle, we combine technical excellence with creative expression through programs like the ABT National Training Curriculum. Our institution has trained dancers who have advanced to prestigious universities and professional companies worldwide, including Brigham Young University, UNC School of the Arts, and Savannah Ballet. We offer comprehensive training in classical ballet and contemporary styles for students aged 3 to adult, with performance opportunities in productions like The Nutcracker and Terpsichore. Our faculty includes ABT-certified instructors with specialized training in levels Pre-Primary through 7, ensuring age-appropriate, outcome-based education.We maintain strong community ties through volunteer programs and membership initiatives that support our nonprofit mission. With state-of-the-art facilities on the East Coast, we provide both recreational and pre-professional dance education. Our seasonal calendar includes summer intensives, showcase performances, and specialized classes for beginning through advanced students. Financial assistance is available through limited scholarships for qualified families, ensuring accessibility to our programs. This combination of heritage, expertise, and community engagement establishes us as a trusted leader in dance education.
Services
Ballet Training
Jazz Classes
Summer Dance Programs
Nutcracker Performances
ABT Curriculum
Scholarship Programs
Terpsichore Productions
Adult Dance Classes
Costume Workshops
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 40 years of excellence in Lowcountry dance education
- ABT-certified instructors with specialized training through Level 7
- Performance opportunities in 6 annual productions including The Nutcracker
- Scholarship programs for financially qualified families
- Alumni accepted to top-tier dance programs worldwide
Associations and certifications
- American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum
Services
Ballet Training
Our ballet program follows the ABT National Training Curriculum with certified instructors. Students receive age-appropriate instruction from Pre-Primary through Level 7, focusing on proper technique and artistic expression. Classes prepare dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional careers.
Summer Intensive
Four-week summer program featuring daily technique classes and performance preparation. Includes morning and evening sessions with showcase opportunities. Designed for serious dancers seeking to improve skills through concentrated training during May-July.
Nutcracker Performances
Annual production featuring students in classical roles and professional guest artists. Six performances held at Hilton Head Island High School. Includes costume rentals, technical rehearsals, and professional stage production elements.
Jazz Classes
Contemporary jazz instruction for students aged 8+. Focuses on rhythm, coordination, and expressive movement. Classes prepare students for performance opportunities in Terpsichore and other productions.
Scholarship Programs
Need-based assistance available for qualified families. Application process includes financial documentation and instructor recommendations. Awards cover partial tuition for students demonstrating financial hardship and dance potential.
People
Karena Brock-Carlyle
Artistic Director
ABT-certified instructor with 30+ years of teaching experience. Leads curriculum development and choreography for major productions. Holds Level 7 certification in the ABT National Training Curriculum.
John Carlyle
Artistic Director
Co-founder with 38 years of dance instruction experience. Oversees company operations and production management. Directs the annual Nutcracker performance and summer intensive program.
Katie Girardi
Instructor
ABT-certified teacher with Level 3 training. Specializes in early childhood dance education. Instructs beginner through intermediate ballet classes and summer program sessions.
Jamal Edwards
Instructor
Certified through ABT Level 3. Focuses on jazz technique and performance preparation. Teaches intermediate classes and choreographs for showcase performances.
Caitlin Hoffman
Instructor
ABT Level 3 certified instructor. Specializes in youth ballet training. Assists with costume design and works with beginning students through the Green level program.
Questions
How do I register for dance classes?
Register online through our website or contact the office directly. New students can join at the beginning of each semester in August or January.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept PayPal payments online and checks made payable to Hilton Head Dance Theatre. Include student name and class level with all payments.
Are scholarships available for dance training?
Yes, we offer need-based scholarships for qualified families. Contact the office for application details and deadlines.
When are Nutcracker performances held?
The Nutcracker runs annually in November with six performances at Hilton Head Island High School's Seahawk Cultural Center.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
Students participate in six annual productions including The Nutcracker, Terpsichore, and summer showcases. Performance fees vary by class level.
