Savannah's cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture have long inspired artists, but the city's dance community deserves equal recognition. From recreational classes for toddlers to rigorous pre-professional training, Savannah's ballet schools serve a diverse spectrum of students. Whether you're seeking a nurturing introduction to movement for your child or preparing for conservatory auditions, understanding what distinguishes each institution will help you invest your time and resources wisely.
This guide evaluates five prominent ballet programs based on methodology, faculty credentials, performance pathways, and institutional culture. Use the comparison table below to identify schools aligned with your goals, then read detailed profiles for deeper insight.
Quick Comparison
| School | Founded | Training Method | Best For | Estimated Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Ballet Theatre | 1998 | Vaganova-based | Performance-focused students; all ages | $1,200–$3,800 |
| Savannah Dance Theatre | 2002 | Mixed (Vaganova/Cecchetti) | Pre-professional track; career preparation | $2,000–$4,500 |
| South Georgia Ballet* | 1998 | Vaganova | Residential students; southern Georgia region | $1,500–$3,200 |
| Coastal Empire Dance Centre | 2005 | RAD-influenced | Versatile training; multiple disciplines | $1,400–$3,500 |
| Dance Theatre of Savannah | 2010 | Balanchine-influenced | Contemporary ballet; older beginners welcome | $1,100–$2,800 |
*Based in Valdosta, GA; serves broader southern Georgia region including Savannah-area students through intensives
Detailed School Profiles
Savannah Ballet Theatre
Founded: 1998
Location: Historic District
Artistic Director: Suzanne Braddy (former Atlanta Ballet soloist)
Savannah Ballet Theatre operates as both a pre-professional school and a semi-professional presenting company—the only organization in the region maintaining this dual structure year-round. Students train in the Vaganova method, with syllabus examinations conducted annually by guest masters from the Harid Conservatory and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
The school's performance calendar distinguishes it from competitors. Students appear in two full-length productions at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts: a Nutcracker employing over 80 community dancers and a spring classical production alternating between Giselle, Coppélia, and Swan Lake excerpts. Advanced students may audition for the company's Emerging Artists program, offering paid apprenticeships and professional rehearsal experience.
Notable alumni: Three former students currently dance with regional companies including Alabama Ballet and Columbia City Ballet.
Age range: 3 years through adult; adult beginner classes available Tuesday/Thursday evenings.
Savannah Dance Theatre
Founded: 2002
Location: Southside/Midtown corridor
Artistic Director: Jennifer B. Minton (ABT® Certified Teacher, Primary through Level 7)
Savannah Dance Theatre built its reputation on a structured pre-professional track that has placed graduates in conservatory programs at Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Point Park University. The curriculum blends Vaganova fundamentals with Cecchetti's precise academic progression, requiring students in levels IV and above to study pointe, variations, and partnering.
The school's Young Artists Program accepts 12–15 students annually by audition, providing 15+ hours weekly of tuition-subsidized training, private coaching, and guaranteed corps roles in the school's Nutcracker production at the Johnny Mercer Theatre. Students additionally compete at Youth America Grand Prix regionals, with three finalists in the past five years.
Distinctive offering: Annual summer intensive bringing faculty from Nashville Ballet and Charlotte Ballet, with scholarship auditions held in Savannah each January.
Age range: 18 months through 21; adult open classes limited to former dancers with prior training.
South Georgia Ballet
Founded: 1998
Location: Valdosta, GA (230 miles southwest of Savannah)
Artistic Director: Melissa June (former Joffrey Ballet dancer)
While geographically distant from Savannah proper, South Georgia Ballet merits inclusion for students willing to pursue residential training or intensive study. The school operates the region's only full-time pre-professional program with on-site housing for students ages 14–18, drawing dancers from Florida, Alabama, and coastal Georgia.
The Vaganova-based curriculum emphasizes classical purity, with daily technique, pointe, variations, and character dance. Students perform in three annual productions at the Mathis City Auditorium and may tour to regional venues including Savannah's Trustees Garden.
Savannah connection: The school hosts a two-week summer intensive in Savannah's Ardsley Park neighborhood each June, offering local students exposure to SGB's training without relocation.
Age range: 3 through 18; residential program ages 14–18
