South Carolina Ballet

For residents and visitors alike in South Carolina, the performing arts offer a unique blend of beauty, storytelling, and cultural enrichment. Among the most cherished institutions in this vibrant landscape is the South Carolina Ballet, formerly known as the Columbia City Ballet. This esteemed organization stands as the largest performing arts entity in our state, dedicated to bringing the highest quality ballet to audiences across South Carolina and beyond. Under the visionary leadership of Executive & Artistic Director William Starrett, the South Carolina Ballet has blossomed into a professional company, captivating nearly 60,000 people annually with its exhilarating performances and innovative choreography. From classic story ballets to groundbreaking original productions, the South Carolina Ballet is a cornerstone of our cultural community, providing not just entertainment, but a profound artistic experience right here in Columbia, SC. As one satisfied patron enthusiastically stated, "I absolutely love everything I see by South Carolina Ballet! William does an amazing job!"

The South Carolina Ballet maintains its central office at 1545 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA. This prominent location places the ballet company right in the heart of downtown Columbia, within easy reach for anyone in the Midlands region. Main Street itself has been revitalized into a bustling arts and culture hub, a vision that founders like William Starrett helped pioneer. This central address offers exceptional accessibility, whether you're traveling from within Columbia or from surrounding areas of South Carolina. The proximity to other cultural landmarks and dining establishments in downtown Columbia makes attending a performance or visiting the office a convenient and enjoyable experience. While performances are often held at the magnificent Koger Center for the Arts, a world-class venue just a short distance away, the Main Street office serves as the administrative and creative core of the company, embodying its commitment to being deeply integrated into the fabric of Columbia.

The South Carolina Ballet offers a rich array of services that extend far beyond simply staging performances, showcasing its dedication to both artistic excellence and community engagement:

• Professional Ballet Performances: The core service is the presentation of a full season of professional ballet productions, including beloved classical ballets like "The Nutcracker," and groundbreaking original works choreographed by William Starrett such as "Dracula: Ballet With A Bite," "Beauty & the Beast," and "Motown Ballet." These productions feature the company's roster of 32 paid, professional dancers.
• Educational Outreach & Engagement Series: A cornerstone of their mission, this award-winning program reaches over 20,000 children annually. They offer curriculum-driven educational performances that align with South Carolina Department of Education standards, providing an accessible and engaging way for students to learn about dance, history, and stagecraft. These often include special morning programs for schools at a highly discounted rate.
• Statewide Tours: Beyond Columbia, the South Carolina Ballet actively tours, bringing its high-quality performances to numerous cities across South Carolina and even into neighboring states, ensuring that more people have access to professional ballet.
• Student Performance Opportunities: Through their affiliation with institutions like the Columbia Conservatory of Dance, students are provided opportunities to participate in child-appropriate roles within major productions, offering invaluable stage experience.
• Community Engagement Programs: The ballet is committed to broader community involvement, including senior citizen programs, in-school lecture demonstrations, and collaborations with various community organizations to bring the art of ballet to diverse audiences.
• Master Classes and Workshops: Opportunities for advanced dancers to learn from the company's professional dancers and guest artists, enhancing their technique and artistry.
• Ticket Sales and Season Subscriptions: Offering various ticketing options for individual performances and discounted season subscriptions for dedicated patrons, making world-class ballet accessible.

The South Carolina Ballet's impact and standing in the performing arts landscape are underscored by several significant features and highlights:

• Largest Performing Arts Organization: As the largest performing arts organization in South Carolina, it plays a pivotal role in the state's cultural economy, generating a significant economic impact while enriching the lives of over 60,000 attendees annually.
• Visionary Artistic Leadership: Under the direction of William Starrett, a NANOE-certified Nonprofit Executive, the ballet has garnered national attention for its innovative choreography and commitment to artistic excellence. Reviews consistently praise his "amazing job" in delivering "simply beautiful" productions.
• Professional Company of Dancers: The company comprises 32 paid professional dancers, attracting talent from across the country and the world, ensuring high-caliber performances.
• Critically Acclaimed Productions: Critics consistently describe their productions as "some of the highest quality cultural entertainment in the Southeast," a testament to their artistic standards and high production values.
• Extensive Educational Outreach: Their dedication to arts education is a major highlight, with programs specifically designed to align with state education standards, making ballet accessible and educational for thousands of students each year.
• Diverse Repertoire: The South Carolina Ballet offers a balanced mix of classical ballets that uphold tradition and original, full-length productions that are fresh, innovative, and often reflective of contemporary themes or local cultural influences, such as "Dancing the Art of Jonathan Green."
• Community-Minded Non-Profit: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the ballet is deeply rooted in its mission to serve the community, relying on contributions beyond ticket sales to sustain its exceptional programs and outreach efforts.
• Strong Audience and Donor Base: With nearly 2,000 season members and strong community support, the South Carolina Ballet demonstrates its deep connection and value to the local population.

To learn more about the South Carolina Ballet, inquire about tickets, or get involved with their programs, you can reach them through the following contact information:

Address: 1545 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

Phone: (803) 799-7605

For residents of South Carolina, the South Carolina Ballet is an invaluable cultural institution perfectly suited to enriching our lives. Its presence in Columbia means that world-class ballet performances are readily accessible, eliminating the need to travel to larger metropolitan areas for exceptional artistic experiences. This is particularly beneficial for families, offering an opportunity to introduce children to the beauty and discipline of dance through engaging productions like "The Nutcracker" and highly educational outreach programs. The ballet's commitment to civic responsibility ensures that the arts are not just for a select few, but are brought into schools and communities, fostering a love for dance in the next generation of South Carolinians. Moreover, for aspiring dancers, the South Carolina Ballet provides an inspiring example of professional excellence right at home, demonstrating that a career in dance is achievable within our own state. Supporting the South Carolina Ballet means investing in the cultural vibrancy and educational enrichment of our entire region. It provides a unique opportunity to witness "simply beautiful" artistry, as one audience member aptly put it, and to be part of a community that values and nurtures the performing arts, solidifying South Carolina Ballet's role as a true local treasure.

South Carolina Ballet

1545 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA