ABOUT US

Southern Ballet Theatre is a premier dance company in the Southeast dedicated to educating, promoting and increasing appreciation of dance. Since 1991, SBT has been inspiring individuals and families through the performing arts, regardless of financial, physical or mental ability.

SBT presents critically-acclaimed theater performances, public school demonstrations, arts festivals and other community activities. In recent seasons, SBT has delighted audiences with full length ballets including Aurora + Maleficent: The Beginning, Frozen: A Tale of the Ice Queen, Rapunzel, Pirates, Aladdin, and Cinderella.

We use the power of the Arts and Entertainment to enrich the lives of others. Southern Ballet Theatre strives to inspire, to educate, to entertain, and to enrich lives through the performing arts. Dance is a universal language, you do not have to speak one word or phrase to evoke happiness, sadness, meaning, and inspiration. We continually strive to reach all demographic types, exposing them to the art of dance and performance.

We continually strive to reach all demographic types, exposing them to the art of dance and performance. With community support we are able to provide our Special Ed Program free of charge to all children with intellectual, medical and/or physical disabilities. Other highlights of our 29th season include providing over $20,000 in scholarships and our free educational community outreach performance in March. This performance is open to 655 home school programs, preschools, nursing homes, Girl Scout groups and special needs communities.

MEET OUR DIRECTORS

ALICIA CHITWOOD began her dance training at the age of four. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip hop. She has trained with master teachers including Robert Barnett, David Howard, Thom Clower, Laura Alonso, and Twitch. Since 1990, Alicia trained at Lawrenceville School of Ballet and in 1997 she became a member of Southern Ballet Theatre, formerly Gwinnett Dance Ensemble. During her time with Southern Ballet Theatre, she danced in major productions such as Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and Coppelia. Since 2000 she has been attending Southeastern Regional Ballet Association's Festivals including two Regional Dance America National Festivals and has had choreography chosen to be performed at the Festivals as well. Alicia has choreographed full length ballets such as Aurora + Maleficent: The Beginning, Frozen: A Tale of the Ice Queen, Cinderella, Aladdin, Pirates, and Rapunzel.

During Alicia's teaching career she has also trained many high school and college students in dance education and master educators. Some of her past students have gone on to dance with New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, cruise ships, and Walt Disney World, as well as prestigious colleges like Pointe Park University, Brigham Young University, and Utah Valley University.

BRANDON CHITWOOD started teaching and choreographing in 1999. He has choreographed many forms of dance including tap, jazz, modern, and hip hop. He has received special recognition and awards for his distinctive choreography and performances throughout his career. Chitwood has written original scores for his own work and has also been commissioned for other live dance and theatre performances. Chitwood has taken full control over his artistic vision by choreographing, composing, and designing all of the technical elements for his works.

Brandon is the driving force behind Chitwood Studios, a production company that specializes in the art of visual presentation for the live entertainment industry. Chitwood Studios provides light design, scenic design, and projection and media design. Brandon has produced extraordinary light schemes, mesmerizing scenery, media design, and projection design for hundreds of shows for live theatre, studio, and dance productions.

In 2014 Brandon created, designed, and produced TAP•A•CE•TIC [LIVE], a ground breaking show that takes tap dancing to limitless heights and taking the audience on an unimaginable journey using technology, sensational lighting, live music, indescribable tap sets, and the sounds of their feet. The six exhilarating performers will keep you expecting the unexpected in the multi-sensory world that they create for you through the magic of live theatre and dance. All of your senses will be taken on an unforgettable journey that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.

RDA/SOUTHEAST

Regional Dance America/Southeast (RDA/SE) is one of five regional organizations of Regional Dance America (RDA). RDA/SE and RDA promote the artistic development of dance companies throughout the United States, as well as define and maintain artistic standards of quality. Classical ballet is joined by more contemporary neoclassical and contemporary pieces to present an exciting representation of the current dance world.

RDA/SE member companies meet annually for three days of classes, auditions, lectures, seminars and social events. Classes are taught by some of the most acclaimed instructors from major companies across the country. Evening performances showcase member companies and demonstrate the growth they have achieved throughout the year.

Southern Ballet Theatre is one of only 18 RDA/SE Companies.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The SBT Board of Directors is composed of community leaders, business executives, and friends of the ballet. Through monthly meetings and committees, this group of committed individuals maintains and oversees SBT’s financial and administrative stability and plans for the future.