Premiere Dance

The Premiere Dance Company is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching the Helena area community by bringing the joy and beauty of dance to its residents. Established in 1987, the company has been governed by a Board of Directors and supported by a large network of volunteers ever since. The organization's primary mission is to provide quality dance training to young dancers and expand their dance education.

At PDC, we cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment where dancers can explore dance as a career option or as a form of artistic expression. Our programs promote community involvement, and our dancers are encouraged to serve as role models in the Helena area schools and community. We believe in the power of dance as a service to the community, and we regularly perform benefit performances and provide free tickets to area non-profit organizations.

Income earned by the company is used to fund scholarships for dance study and to promote and enhance performing arts in the community. Each spring, Helena area dancers ages 13 to 18 (with exceptions for those outside this age range) can audition for the company and are evaluated based on their skills in ballet, jazz, modern, and dance theatre. Members are expected to uphold a strict code of conduct and maintain high academic standards.

Over the years, we have offered significant assistance to our dancers for continued dance study programs throughout the United States. In the last three years alone, over $20,000 has been granted to company members for dance study programs.

Outstanding Performances

The Premiere Dance Company has a long history of providing exceptional dance performances to the Helena area community. We have been producing "The Nutcracker" annually for over 30 years, which has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families in the area. In addition to "The Nutcracker, " we produce the Evening of Dance annually, which showcases the talents of our dancers and highlights the diverse range of dance styles and techniques.

Another major event that we organize is the Celebration of Dance Dinner Auction benefit, which is held annually and serves as our primary fundraising event. The event features live and silent auctions, a catered dinner, and performances by our dancers.

The Director - Charlene White

The Premiere Dance Company has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Charlene White since its inception. Charlene began her dance training at the age of twelve in Rhode Island and has been teaching and choreographing in Helena since 1985. She founded the Creative Arts Center of Helena, which is the home of the Premiere Dance Company, in 2001.

Charlene's passion for dance and choreography began long before her formal dance training. As a child, she would often choreograph "works" for her neighbors to perform on their lawns. In high school, she was a member of Project Talent, a school program for talented dancers. Charlene later became a member of the New England Ballet Company under the direction of Myles Marsden. Her desire to teach led her to the school of the Hartford Ballet's Teacher Training Program in Connecticut, where she received her teachers' certificate in dance.

Charlene has been instrumental in providing young, talented Helena area dancers with more opportunities to perform and hone their skills. Under her leadership, the Premiere Dance Company has become a cornerstone of the Helena area arts community.