In 1986, Elizabeth Karns dreamed of creating an innovative dance company to foster and showcase the talents of young performers. In 1989, Gigi Gardner became the company's Artistic Director; by 1993 the company had become a 501 (c)(3), non-profit corporation known as the South Dayton Dance Theatre. Today, there are over 30 members in the Company.

Every year the South Dayton Dance Theatre presents both a Spring Concert and The Nutcracker Ballet. The Nutcracker Ballet differs slightly from the Spring Concert in that The Nutcracker Ballet is performed using students from the South Dayton School of Dance in supporting roles. Students as young as 6 years of age are encouraged to participate, giving them their first real opportunity of performing in a professional environment.

Members of the South Dayton Dance Theatre are in rehearsal from late August until mid-June. Many members can average as many as 15-25 hours per week in rehearsal, taking classes, demonstrating and teaching in other classes. This hard work and dedication has paid off richly, as SDDT members have won many prestigious awards and scholarships at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Much of this recognition is a direct result of the utmost dedication & time given by Gigi Gardner, Elizabeth Karns, Gina Walther and Julie Anderson in perfecting each performance.

South Dayton Dance Theatre is a member of the Northeast Regional Dance America (NE/RDA), an organization that promotes the artistic development of dance companies throughout the United States.

As a non-profit organization, the South Dayton Dance Theatre is constantly seeking support for its efforts to bring professional dance instruction and performances to the south Dayton Area. In order to bring in guest choreographers, provide master classes, and acquire scenery and costumes, additional funding is urgently needed. SDDT invites you to show your support for their efforts to maintain a high-caliber dance company by making a contribution to The Friends of the South Dayton Dance Theatre.

Additional information may be obtained by calling Julie Anderson at (937) 435-5052.