Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre

For Georgians with a passion for dance, or those seeking an unparalleled artistic education, the Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre stands as a beacon of excellence in the heart of Atlanta. Established in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is recognized as one of the premier dance companies in the country and proudly holds the title of the official State Ballet of Georgia. The Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, its primary location and headquarters, is not just a training facility; it's a vibrant hub dedicated to nurturing young dancers, providing an enriching outlet for adults, and showcasing the highest caliber of professional dance performances. It represents a commitment to both the artistry and the accessibility of dance for the entire community.

The Centre for Dance Education is renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of dance. Attendees of their performances, such as "Liquid Motion," consistently describe them as "truly remarkable," highlighting the stunning choreography, seamless transitions, and emotional depth that transport audiences into the vibrant pulse of artistic expression. Beyond the stage, the Centre is a nurturing ground, serving over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year, fostering talent and promoting an active, creative lifestyle. Whether you're an aspiring professional or simply looking to embrace the joy of movement, the Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre offers a world-class environment where dreams take flight and a love for dance is ignited.

Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre is strategically located in Atlanta, Georgia, ensuring excellent accessibility for residents throughout the metropolitan area and beyond. You'll find this state-of-the-art facility at 1695 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA. This address places it in West Midtown Atlanta, a dynamic and growing area that is well-connected to various parts of the city.

The 55,000-square-foot, LEED-certified building is easily reachable by car, and the location on Marietta Boulevard NW often provides ample parking for visitors and students, which is a significant convenience. Its position in West Midtown also means it's accessible from major highways and thoroughfares, facilitating commutes from different neighborhoods in Atlanta as well as surrounding counties in Georgia. The thoughtful design of the facility, including its physical therapy room and student library, underscores its commitment to comprehensive dance education. For locals, having such a prestigious and well-equipped dance center within easy reach makes it an invaluable resource for pursuing dance education or enjoying professional performances.

Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre offers a comprehensive suite of programs and classes designed to cater to dancers of all ages, skill levels, and aspirations. From introductory classes for toddlers to intensive professional training, the Centre provides a structured and enriching curriculum. Here’s a detailed look at their services:

• Creative Movement (Ages 2-7): Engaging programs designed for the youngest dancers, focusing on discovery, rhythm, body awareness, flexibility, coordination, and confidence through fun activities.
• Student Division (Ages 7+): This division provides foundational and progressive training in classical ballet. Students advance through levels (e.g., Preparatory, BIV, Pre-Pointe, I, II, III, IV, V, VI) building technique, strength, and artistry. Auditions or placement classes are typically required for new students.
• Academy Program (Audition Required): An intense program for advanced students aspiring to professional dance careers. This program involves up to five hours of daily classes in classical and contemporary ballet, pointe, adagio, modern, and jazz. Academy students may also rehearse with Atlanta Ballet's professional company and perform at venues like the Fox Theatre.
• Boys' Dance Classes (Ages 5+): Specialized classes for male dancers, focusing on developing ballet technique under the guidance of current and former male dancers from Atlanta Ballet's professional company.
• Optional Discipline Classes (Ages 7+ or 9+ depending on class): These classes complement ballet training and include:
  • Jazz: High-energy classes with roots in classic jazz, incorporating popular culture styles.
  • Tap: Introductory exploration of different tap vocabularies, rhythmic sequences, and work with choreography and improvisation, approached as an art form.
  • Modern: Immersive classes covering foundations through exercises and movement combinations, drawing from techniques like Horton, Limón, Graham, and Ailey.
  • Contemporary: Focuses on developing new skills, creating length in the body, flexibility, and exploring movement with music.
  • Stretch & Strengthen: Classes dedicated to improving flexibility and core strength, vital for dancers.
• Adult Dance Classes (Ages 18+): Open-level classes for all abilities, including:
  • Absolute Beginner Ballet: For those with 0-1 years of training, building basic vocabulary.
  • Beginner, Beginner/Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced Ballet: Progressively challenging classes for dancers with varying levels of experience.
  • Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap: Open-level classes in these styles, catering to adult learners.
  • Dance For Life: A gentler approach to ballet for mature adults, focusing on movement, posture, and flexibility.
  • Silver Swans®: Ballet classes specifically crafted for older learners (55+) to enhance mobility, posture, and coordination, offering physical and social benefits.
• Summer Programs: A variety of intensive and recreational programs for all ages, including Dance Arts Camps, Young Dancer Summer Experience, and Summer Junior Intensives.
• Performance Opportunities: Students in various divisions have opportunities to participate in Spring Concerts and other performances.
• Atlanta Ballet Boutique: On-site store offering required uniform leotards, shoes, tights, and other dance supplies for convenience.

Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre stands out with several key features and highlights that establish its reputation as a leading performing arts institution in Georgia:

• Premier Dance Company Affiliation: As the official State Ballet of Georgia and one of the country's leading companies, the Centre offers unparalleled access to professional standards, techniques, and performance opportunities.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The 55,000-square-foot, LEED-certified building houses five dance studios, a student library, and a physical therapy room, providing a world-class environment for training.
• Comprehensive and Progressive Curriculum: From Creative Movement for toddlers to the rigorous Academy program for aspiring professionals, the Centre offers a clear pathway for dancers to develop their skills at every stage.
• Diverse Dance Styles: While rooted in classical ballet, the Centre also offers extensive training in modern, contemporary, jazz, and tap, providing a well-rounded dance education.
• Professional and Experienced Faculty: Students benefit from instruction by highly qualified teachers, including current and former dancers from Atlanta Ballet's professional company, ensuring top-tier training and mentorship.
• Adult Dance Programs for All Levels: A significant highlight is the robust Adult Open Division, offering classes from "Absolute Beginner" to "Intermediate/Advanced," as well as specialized programs like "Dance For Life" and "Silver Swans®" for older learners, making dance accessible to everyone.
• Performance Excellence: The Centre is deeply involved in professional productions, with reviews praising "truly remarkable" performances like "Liquid Motion," which showcases the "commitment to excellence and innovation."
• Community Engagement: Serving over 150,000 people annually in metro Atlanta, the Centre demonstrates a strong commitment to bringing dance education and appreciation to a broad audience.
• Convenient On-Site Resources: The presence of the Atlanta Ballet Boutique at the Centre simplifies the process of acquiring necessary dance attire and supplies.

For those in Georgia eager to connect with the Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre and explore its vast array of programs and performances, here is their essential contact information:

Address: 1695 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA

Phone: (404) 873-5811

It is highly recommended to visit their official website (atlantaballet.com/centre) or call directly to get the most current information on class schedules, registration details, audition requirements for specific programs, and upcoming performance dates and ticket availability. Their administrative staff can provide comprehensive guidance on how to best engage with the Centre's offerings.

For locals in Georgia, particularly within the Atlanta metropolitan area, the Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre is an unparalleled resource for engaging with the art of dance. Firstly, its status as the official State Ballet of Georgia and a leading national company guarantees a standard of excellence in both performance and education that is hard to match. This means that students receive world-class training, and audiences witness truly remarkable artistic productions right in their backyard.

Secondly, the comprehensive nature of its offerings makes it suitable for virtually anyone. Whether you're a parent seeking a nurturing environment for your child's first dance steps, a teenager aspiring to a professional career, or an adult looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active and express creativity, the Centre has a program tailored to your needs. The inclusion of specialized programs for older adults like "Silver Swans®" further highlights its commitment to lifelong learning and accessibility for all ages. For Georgians passionate about dance—be it as a participant or an appreciative audience member—the Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre is not just a local business; it's a cultural institution that enriches the lives of the entire community, fostering talent, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the performing arts.

Atlanta Ballet - Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre

1695 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA