Founded in 1970, North Carolina Dance Theatre is the oldest professional ballet company in North Carolina. Today, North Carolina Dance Theatre has an established national reputation for artistic excellence and is widely regarded as one of Charlottes premiere arts organizations. Under the artistic direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride, the Company has attracted superb dancers and built a versatile and diverse repertoire ranging from full-length classical ballets to innovative contemporary works. The Company is comprised of 24 professional dancers and a second company, North Carolina Dance Theatre 2, fosters the growth of apprentice dancers.


North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance opened its doors in 1993 and has an annual enrollment of over 600 students. The School offers the highest quality of dance instruction in ballet, modern and jazz technique to students ages three through adult.


North Carolina Dance Theatres education and outreach program serves more than 50,000 students annually and is recognized as one of the leading programs in the United States. Extensive curriculum-based education programs and special performances for schools supplement residencies, master classes and library programs. The program supports classroom teachers by developing curriculum resources, educator guides and by offering in-service training.