GMDT

- 49 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

In the heart of Marietta, Georgia, the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre (GMDT) stands as a pillar of the local arts community. This non-profit, student-based dance company is not just a place for dance lessons; it is a second home for young dancers, a place where they are educated, cultivated, and inspired to become the next generation of artists and leaders. Since its founding in 1956 by Atlanta dance pioneer Ruth Mitchell, GMDT has been a cornerstone of dance in the region, providing a challenging and professional environment for students to grow. The company is housed in the studios of Georgia Dance Conservatory, a strong partnership that ensures students receive top-tier training and a pathway to professional-quality performance opportunities.

The philosophy at GMDT goes far beyond the technical aspects of dance. The company is dedicated to nurturing not only skilled dancers but also confident and well-rounded individuals. As a grateful parent noted in a review, GMDT has been a "second home" for their children for seventeen years, where their daughter was given opportunities to be a leader and their son's "confidence has grown tremendously." This focus on character development, discipline, and leadership is what makes the experience at GMDT so special. The commitment and passion that artistic director Ashleigh Whitworth and the staff pour into the students are palpable, evident in the joy, passion, and sacrifices the dancers make for their art. The studio fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where long-lasting friendships are formed and where students are encouraged to be their best selves both on and off the stage.

GMDT is also a vital contributor to the local community, producing three major productions each year, including the beloved annual performance of "The Nutcracker." These high-quality dance productions bring professional-level artistry to Marietta audiences, enriching the cultural landscape of the city. A board member expressed their love for the organization, the people, and the work they do, stating 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 community-focused mission, combined with a commitment to excellence in dance, makes GMDT a cherished part of Marietta's cultural identity.

GMDT is conveniently located at 49 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of the historic Marietta Square, making it a central and accessible destination for families throughout the city and surrounding areas. The studio’s commitment to accessibility is evident with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring that all members of the community can access the facility with ease. The partnership with Georgia Dance Conservatory places the company in a state-of-the-art facility, providing a professional and inspiring environment for dance training.

Being situated in the Marietta Square also provides additional benefits, such as a vibrant atmosphere and proximity to other community and arts organizations. The location makes it a central hub for dancers and their families, with plenty of nearby amenities. This strategic location and commitment to accessibility reflect the organization's dedication to serving the local community and providing opportunities for everyone to experience the power of dance. The physical space is a key part of the professional environment that helps cultivate the next generation of dancers and artists.

GMDT, in partnership with Georgia Dance Conservatory, offers a rigorous and comprehensive dance program for youth ages 7-18, designed to prepare them for a future in dance and beyond. The curriculum is structured to provide a professional level of training and diverse performance opportunities, covering a wide range of dance disciplines. The following services and programs are available:

• Rigorous dance training in the Company Division for pre-professional dancers ages 7-18.
• Training in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, and conditioning for dancers.
• Master Classes with award-winning choreographers and professional performers.
• Performance opportunities in GMDT's three major productions each year, including "The Nutcracker."
• Training for ballet en pointe.
• Leadership opportunities for older students to mentor younger students.
• Classes hosted by the Georgia Dance Conservatory, which is the official school of GMDT.

The company provides a clear and structured path for student dancers, from the younger students to the experienced high schoolers who take on leadership roles. The focus on a "rigorous" program ensures that students receive a high level of technical training, preparing them for potential careers at the collegiate and professional levels. The addition of master classes with professional artists provides students with unique opportunities to learn from experts across the nation. This blend of in-depth training and diverse performance experiences sets GMDT apart as a top-tier pre-professional program.

GMDT is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier choice for dance education in Marietta. The most significant is its status as a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring young dancers to be "good people" as well as skilled artists. The hands-on, nurturing approach of the artistic director, Ashleigh Whitworth, and the staff is a major highlight, consistently praised by parents for fostering confidence and passion in their children. The company’s three major productions each year, particularly the annual performance of "The Nutcracker," are a testament to the quality and professionalism of their work. The fact that the organization has been a cornerstone of the arts community since 1956 speaks to its enduring legacy and commitment to excellence.

• A non-profit, pre-professional youth dance company with a strong community focus.
• Led by nurturing and dedicated artistic director Ashleigh Whitworth.
• Offers high-quality and rigorous dance training.
• Produces three major professional-quality performances each year, including "The Nutcracker."
• Dedicated to building leadership, confidence, and discipline in students.
• Provides a loving, supportive, and encouraging environment.
• A long-standing and respected institution in the Georgia arts community since 1956.
• Wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance.
• Noted as "good for kids."

The real customer reviews provide a powerful testament to these highlights. One parent expressed deep gratitude for the "training, discipline, and professionalism" their children received, while another highlighted the organization's great work in the community. These endorsements from long-time community members and participants speak volumes about the quality of the experience GMDT provides. The dedication to fostering personal growth alongside artistic development is a unique and valuable aspect of the company.

For more information or to inquire about joining the company, interested families can contact GMDT using the information below. The staff is ready to answer any questions and help you learn more about their programs.

• Address: 49 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, USA
• Phone: (678) 287-9020

What is truly worth choosing about GMDT is its unparalleled commitment to both artistic excellence and the holistic development of young people. As a non-profit pre-professional company, it offers a level of training and performance experience that is rare to find. The opportunity for students to not only learn from highly skilled instructors but also to be mentored in a loving and supportive environment is invaluable. The annual productions, especially the beloved "Nutcracker," provide a professional platform for students to showcase their talent and share their love of dance with the community. For any family in the Marietta area looking for a dance company that will inspire their child to grow as a dancer and as a person, GMDT is an exceptional choice that has been serving the community with integrity and passion for decades.

GMDT

49 W Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060, USA