Business Details
39 Years
experience
Premiere Dance Company Helena Montana
Founded in 1987, Premiere Dance Company has been a cornerstone of dance education and community engagement in Helena, Montana. Our mission centers on providing young dancers with rigorous training in ballet, jazz, modern, and dance theatre while fostering a positive environment that encourages artistic exploration and academic excellence. As a non-profit 501c(3) organization, we emphasize community service through benefit performances and partnerships with local non-profits, having awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to support dancers' professional development. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Charlene White, a seasoned choreographer and educator with decades of experience, we maintain a legacy of excellence recognized statewide.Our annual productions, including The Nutcracker and Evening of Dance, showcase both classical and contemporary works, reflecting our commitment to artistic innovation. We prioritize accessibility, offering auditions open to the public and structured rehearsal schedules to accommodate diverse skill levels. With a focus on mentorship and technical mastery, we prepare dancers aged 13 - 18 (and select younger students) to pursue careers in dance while upholding a strict code of conduct. Our board of directors and volunteer network ensure sustainable growth, aligning our operations with Helena's cultural and educational needs.
Services
Dance Classes
Auditions
Nutcracker Performances
Scholarship Programs
Community Benefit Shows
Evening of Dance
Dance Theatre Training
Ballet Instruction
Modern Dance Workshops
Jazz Technique Classes
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of excellence in dance education.
- Our company awards annual scholarships for professional dance study.
- We provide community-focused benefit performances and free tickets to non-profits.
- Our artistic director holds expertise in the Vaganova Syllabus for ballet training.
- We maintain a strict code of conduct and academic standards for members.
Services
Nutcracker Performances
Our annual The Nutcracker performances showcase classical and contemporary dance interpretations. Held in December at the Creative Arts Center, these productions feature Helena's top young dancers and attract community audiences. Tickets go on sale October 15th each year.
Dance Classes
We offer year-round instruction in ballet, jazz, modern, and dance theatre for students aged 6+. Classes emphasize technical mastery, artistic expression, and preparation for professional dance careers through structured curricula.
Auditions
Annual public auditions held in October determine casting for our productions. Dancers aged 6+ are evaluated based on skill level, with separate time slots for different experience tiers. A $75 performance fee applies for selected participants.
Scholarship Programs
We award annual scholarships to company members for advanced dance study programs nationwide. Over $20,000 has been distributed in the past three years to support dancers' professional development opportunities across the United States.
Community Benefit Shows
Our company performs benefit shows and donates free tickets to local non-profits. These initiatives strengthen Helena's cultural landscape while providing dancers opportunities to serve as community role models through the arts.
People
Charlene White
Artistic Director
Charlene White founded Premiere Dance Company in 1987 after teaching in Helena since 1985. She holds expertise in the Vaganova Syllabus and has led the Creative Arts Center since 2001, developing award-winning dancers.
Questions
How do I audition for The Nutcracker?
Auditions occur annually on October 4th at the Creative Arts Center. Dancers aged 6+ must complete an audition form and attend a parent meeting during their scheduled time slot.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer training in ballet, jazz, modern, and dance theatre techniques for students aged 6+, with specialized focus on Vaganova Syllabus methods for ballet instruction.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we award annual scholarships for advanced dance study programs nationwide. Over $20,000 has been distributed to company members in the past three years.
How can I support the company?
Support options include attending benefit performances, donating through our website, or volunteering. The company relies on community contributions as a non-profit 501c(3) organization.
When are performances held?
The Nutcracker performances occur annually on December 20th and 21st. Evening of Dance and Celebration of Dance Dinner Auction are held yearly, with specific dates announced seasonally.
