GMDT

For over six decades, the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre (GMDT) has been a cornerstone of artistic excellence and youth development in Marietta, Georgia, and the surrounding metropolitan Atlanta area. Formerly known as The Ruth Mitchell Dance Studio, GMDT is a distinguished 501(c)(3) non-profit, student-based dance company. Housed within the studios of Georgia Dance Conservatory, GMDT is dedicated to educating, cultivating, and inspiring young dancers to become the next generation of artists and leaders. It's a place where rigorous dance training meets diverse performance opportunities, all within an environment that fosters growth, discipline, and a profound love for the art of dance.

GMDT's reputation for excellence is strongly echoed in the heartfelt testimonials from its long-standing members. One parent beautifully describes GMDT as a "second home" for their children for seventeen years, highlighting it as "the best experience for my family." They commend the "love that Ashleigh Whitworth and the staff at GMDT pour into our children," noting the tremendous growth in their children's confidence, joy, and passion for dance, as well as the lasting friendships formed. Another review emphasizes that this "little niche non-profit does great work in our community, teaching students to not only dance, but also to be good people." This sentiment encapsulates GMDT's holistic approach, focusing on character development alongside artistic mastery. With a rich history dating back to its founding by Atlanta dance pioneer Ruth Mitchell in 1956, GMDT proudly stands as one of Georgia's oldest non-profit arts organizations, consistently delivering high-quality dance productions to the community, including the cherished annual performance of The Nutcracker.

GMDT is strategically located at 49 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, USA. This prime address places it directly on the historic Marietta Square, a vibrant and easily accessible hub for residents across Cobb County and the broader North Georgia region. The central location ensures convenience for families commuting from areas such as Smyrna, Kennesaw, Woodstock, and Atlanta itself. Being situated on West Park Square means easy access to parking and a pleasant environment that can be enjoyed before or after classes and performances. The accessible location on the Marietta Square firmly establishes GMDT as a community landmark and a readily available resource for aspiring dancers and arts enthusiasts.

Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre offers a structured and comprehensive program designed for dedicated student dancers, ranging in age generally from seven years old to graduating high school seniors. While GMDT itself is the performing company, the training is conducted through the Georgia Dance Conservatory (GDC), its official school. The services and programs are tailored to provide rigorous training and ample performance experience. Here's a look at what GMDT, in conjunction with GDC, provides:

• Company Division Training: This is the core program for GMDT dancers, housed within Georgia Dance Conservatory. It provides performance-focused training.
• Diverse Dance Styles: Weekly training for company dancers includes multiple classes such as:
  • Ballet: Foundational classical ballet technique.
  • Jazz: Dynamic and expressive dance.
  • Contemporary: Exploring fluid movement and emotional expression.
  • Conditioning: Essential physical training to enhance strength, flexibility, and injury prevention.
  • Pointe Work: Specialized training for advanced ballet students.
• Rigorous Training Schedule: Depending on the level (e.g., Pre-Theatre, Apprentice Theatre, Theatre I/II), dancers attend GDC classes multiple days a week, with hours ranging from 2 hours for younger levels up to 7.25 hours for advanced levels, often including dedicated GMDT rehearsals on Sundays (and Saturdays for higher levels).
• Major Annual Performances: GMDT stages three major productions each year, bringing high-quality dance to the community. These include:
  • The Nutcracker: A beloved annual holiday tradition, featuring professional dancers alongside GMDT company members.
  • Spring Show: Often a full-length ballet or a mixed repertoire performance, showcasing various styles.
  • Dracula: An intriguing ballet performance, sometimes featured in the fall season.
• Additional Performance Opportunities: Beyond the major productions, GMDT dancers may have other performance engagements throughout the season.
• Dancing With The Stars of Marietta: A popular annual fundraising event where local "community celebrities" are paired with professional choreographers and GMDT dancers to compete, supporting the arts and showcasing local talent.
• Educational Outreach: As a non-profit, GMDT educates, cultivates, and inspires young dancers, positively impacting the community through the arts.
• Audition-Based Entry: Placement in the GMDT company is typically via audition, ensuring a high standard of dedication and talent.

GMDT stands out in the Georgia arts scene due to several unique features and highlights that underscore its long-standing legacy and profound impact on its dancers and the community. The enthusiastic reviews highlight these distinguishing characteristics:

• Rich Legacy and History: Founded in 1956 as the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre, GMDT is one of the oldest non-profit arts organizations in Georgia, boasting a deep-rooted tradition of excellence in dance.
• Dedicated and Nurturing Leadership: Artistic Director Ashleigh Whitworth and the entire staff receive immense praise for the "love" and support they "pour into our children." This nurturing approach is credited with fostering significant growth in dancers' confidence, passion, and leadership skills.
• Holistic Development: GMDT's mission extends beyond technical dance instruction; it actively aims to develop students into "good people" and future "artists and leaders." It instills "discipline and professionalism" alongside dance skills, as highlighted by a parent.
• Professional Quality Productions: Despite being a student-based company, GMDT is renowned for producing "high quality dance productions" with "professional quality ballet and dance performances," including the iconic annual Nutcracker featuring professional guest artists.
• Diverse Performance Opportunities: With three major performances annually, including The Nutcracker, a Spring Show, and other productions like Dracula, dancers receive extensive stage experience. Community events like "Dancing With The Stars of Marietta" further expand their performance horizons.
• Strong Community Impact: GMDT is recognized for its significant contribution to the local community, enriching the cultural landscape of Marietta and beyond through engaging performances that celebrate life through the arts. Board members actively engage, demonstrating their love for "this place, the people and what we do."
• Supportive Environment: The sense of "second home" and the formation of "lifelong friendships" among dancers and families underscore the strong, positive community cultivated within GMDT.
• Rigorous and Comprehensive Training: Through Georgia Dance Conservatory's Company Division, GMDT dancers receive multi-day, multi-hour weekly training in a variety of dance styles, preparing them for the stage and beyond.

To learn more about audition schedules, performance dates, or to inquire about supporting this cherished local arts organization, please contact Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre. Their team welcomes your interest in their impactful work.

Address: 49 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, USA

Phone: (678) 287-9020

For locals in Marietta and across the wider Georgia region, GMDT (Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre) represents an unparalleled opportunity for high-quality dance education and artistic engagement. Its convenient location on the historic Marietta Square, combined with a legacy of over 60 years of excellence, makes it a true community treasure. For parents, it offers a trusted environment where children receive not only rigorous dance training from passionate and nurturing instructors like Ashleigh Whitworth but also develop crucial life skills such as confidence, discipline, and leadership. For arts enthusiasts, GMDT provides access to professional-quality dance productions right here in our backyard, enriching our cultural lives without needing to travel far. By fostering both artistic mastery and personal growth, GMDT stands as a vital and beloved institution, contributing significantly to the vibrancy and talent pool of our Georgia community.

GMDT

49 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, USA