Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Ballet Company in Columbia, SC
Columbia City Ballet, formerly Columbia City Ballet, has been a cornerstone of the Southeast's cultural landscape for over six decades. Founded in 1961, we have evolved from a civic dance group into a professional company with 22 paid dancers, presenting over 80 performances annually. Our mission is to elevate ballet through artistic excellence, innovative choreography, and inclusive educational programs. Under the leadership of Artistic and Executive Director William Starrett, we have produced acclaimed productions like *Dracula: Ballet with a Bite* and *Alice in Wonderland*, while touring nationally and internationally.Our Educational Outreach Program has engaged over 500,000 K-12 students, fostering a deeper appreciation for dance. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring ballet remains accessible to all. With a dedicated staff, board, and volunteers, we continue to enrich communities through performances, training, and collaborative initiatives that celebrate the transformative power of dance.
Services
Ballet Performances
Educational Outreach
Community Engagement
Dance Training
Youth Programs
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- Celebrating 63 years of artistic excellence and innovation in ballet.
- Our Educational Outreach Program has inspired over 500,000 students since 1988.
- Diverse repertoire featuring classical masterpieces and original productions.
- Professional company with 22 paid dancers and a nationwide touring presence.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
Services
Ballet Performances
Columbia City Ballet presents over 80 annual performances, including classical masterpieces and original productions like *Dracula: Ballet with a Bite*. Our repertoire combines timeless storytelling with innovative choreography, attracting regional and national audiences to venues like the Koger Center for the Arts.
Educational Outreach
Our Educational Outreach Program delivers biannual performances and curriculum-aligned resources to 15,000+ K-12 students yearly. These hour-long shows with Q&A sessions integrate STEAM concepts and include pre-show teacher guides to enhance learning outcomes.
Community Engagement
We foster community connections through accessible performances, diversity initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. Our efforts aim to make ballet inclusive and relevant to diverse audiences across socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Dance Training
The company trains professional dancers and nurtures emerging talent through workshops, mentorship, and collaborations. Alumni have performed with renowned groups like American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet.
Youth Programs
We offer age-appropriate dance education and performance opportunities for young students, emphasizing technical skill-building and artistic expression through programs like *Frosty The Snowman* and *Alice in Wonderland*.
Questions
What performances does South Carolina Ballet offer?
We present four to five full-length ballets annually, regional tours, and educational outreach programs for schools.
How can schools participate in your educational programs?
Our Educational Outreach Program offers narrated performances aligned with curriculum standards, including pre-show resource guides.
How is South Carolina Ballet funded?
As a nonprofit, we rely on donations, sponsorships, and grants to support 50% of our operating budget.
Do you offer diversity and inclusion initiatives?
Yes, our DEI mission prioritizes accessibility, representation, and fostering inclusive environments for all audiences and artists.
How can I support South Carolina Ballet?
Support us through donations, joining the Directors Circle, or contributing to our Pointe Shoe Campaign.
