In Delaware, the art of dance can be enjoyed in many different styles, but it's ballet that reigns supreme in the First State. Home to several ballet companies, Delaware also has a number of dance studios that specialize in ballet, with classes and performances centered around this classical style of dance. Other dance events you can find in Delaware include a belly dance festival and dance productions put on by university dance groups. If you prefer making the moves yourself, a number of dance schools and studios offer lessons in dance styles ranging from jazz to hip-hop.
Ballet
The Dance Conservatory is the official dance school of the Ballet Theatre of Dover, which often features graduates of the Conservatory in its performances. In addition to ballet, students of the Dance Conservatory learn dance styles like jazz, modern, tap, theater dance, and voice. Each year, BTD puts on a performance of The Nutcracker in November and December, plus spring and summer performances in May and August.
In its mission to become "the dance company of Delaware," the First State Ballet Theatre brings both major ballet performances and dance education to various places throughout the state and around the country. The First State Ballet Theatre's dance studios are located in the historic Old Opera House in Wilmington, providing a place where pre-professional dancers can learn more about the art of ballet. International judges have given the school high accolades, recognizing it as a leader in ballet education. A number of the ballet school's former students have gone on to become professional performers with organizations like Boston Ballet, Festival Ballet, Maryland Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet. In addition to scheduled dance performances, like The Nutcracker, each year the First State Ballet Theatre holds the Arabesque, a festival of international and classical ballet. Past Arabesque festivals have featured renowned guest performers from all over the world, representing ballet companies like American Ballet Theater, Ballet Argentina, Bolshoi Ballet Moscow, Boston Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Louisville Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Royal Ballet (London, England) and Tulsa Ballet.
Established in 1981, the Wilmington Ballet Company is hailed as the city's first ever professional-level dance company, and it's also the resident dance company of the Academy of Dance. The WBC's scheduled performances include full-length classical ballets; contemporary, modern, and jazz dance performances; and re-staged productions of the Diagaliev Ballet Russe classics, which maintain the essence of classical ballet in the Russian style. The company's main attraction is its production of The Nutcracker ballet in December – for the past 38 years, the show has sold out.
The Delaware Dance Company in Newark was established in 1982 for intermediate to advanced ballet dancers. Throughout the year, the DCC puts on pre-professional dance concerts, as well as art events and cultural festivals. Performances by the DCC have included the annual production of The Nutcracker, Naissance (an event danced and choreographed by students of the dance company), and Cinderella. In downtown Newark, Mid-Atlantic Ballet puts on three productions each season, which have included The Nutcracker and Cinderella.
Other Dance Schools, Studios, and Events
If you have time during your Delaware vacation, you may even want to take a dance class or two to learn a few steps of your own. There are a number of dance schools and studios located throughout the First State where you can take a one-time lesson in different styles of dance.
In Newark, Dance Dreams is a competitive dance company that provides professional lessons for both adults and children in styles like ballroom, salsa, and other Latin dances. Also in Newark is Danceworks, which teaches the art of dance in a variety of genres to both kids and adults. Middletown is home to several dance studios, like Miss Heather's School of Dance and Newcastle Dance Academy. Masters of Movement and The Ballroom Blitz provide dance instruction in the city of Lewes.
At the University of Delaware, the Delaware Repertory Dance Company has become a premier dance organization at the university level. The student-run RDC puts on one show in the spring, as well as performing at other shows throughout the year. The RDC's dance talents are varied, with dancers versed in tap, ballet, and jazz, to lyrical, hip-hop, and modern dance. Another dance group at the University of Delaware is the Dark Arts Performing Dance Company. Dark Arts embraces diverse styles of dance, with a high minority representation. Formed in 1996, the group performs at various university events.
In March, 2008, Delaware hosted its first 1001 Nights Belly Dance Event in the city of Milton. Hosted by the Milton Theatre, the event featured Nefertiti and various guest dancers like the Damali Dance Company, with dance workshops and shows as well as concessions.
When it comes to finding dance performances in the First State, ballet shows are most abundant, with local ballet companies featuring several pre-professional productions annually. As well, you may be able to catch performances by dance students from dance programs at the University of Delaware. You can cut a rug yourself with a dance lesson at any of Delaware's dance schools and studios. Vacationers who delight in the art of dance can find plenty of ways to enjoy themselves in Delaware, whether it be by watching a dance performance, or finding their own rhythm.
