Mission

The School of Southold Dance Theater offers a variety of classes. It is the goal of Southold to provide a rewarding experience in the exploration of movement for the beginner, as well as the serious student. Because SDT is dedicated the presentation of dance as an art form, instructors are encouraged to include dance history, composition and the language of dance.

Continuing a 34 year history of dance education, the mission of the school is:

Southold Dance Theater (SDT) is a not-for-profit performing arts organization based in the disciplines of modern dance and ballet. SDT provides quality training and performance opportunities which allow each of its dancers to develop technique and artistry in a nurturing, creative environment. SDT serves the regional community by providing a variety of programs including high-quality concert performances, in-school presentations and outreach programs which bring new audiences to dance. SDT makes life more enjoyable for people who share in the dance experience.

History

The Early Years:
In 1973, several dancers came together because they shared an important common bond -- their love of dance. The newly formed alliance made a commitment to respect distinct dance traditions by giving each artist the freedom to pursue her chosen idiom. Founding members included Ann Dunn, the company's first Artistic Director, who was soon joined by Bonnie Boilini Baxter and Jill Engel Tulchinsky. Their vision guided the young company throughout its early years. Performances and classes were held at Dancenter, a 100-year-old church converted to dance studios and theater space. SDT remained there until 1981 when the company moved temporarily to Center Century before locating in its current home at the Colfax Cultural Arts Center, a cooperative arts and neighborhood complex with national historic site status

Important Milestones Include:

1974		An alliance of dancers is formed under the leadership of Ann Dunn, the group's first Artistic Director
1975		Articles of Incorporation are established under the name of Southold Dance Theater; first Board of Directors is formed
1977		Non-profit 501 (c) (3) status received
1978		SDT launches a touring program of elementary schools in northern Indiana
1979		An apprentice company is formed as a training program for future company members, the precursor of today's company A volunteer support group is formed, Southold Dance League
1980		First classical production of The Nutcracker Ballet 1st Annual Holiday Walk Tour of Homes
1981		SDT names Bonnie Boilini Baxter as Artistic Director Introduction of the Youth Concerts program for area schools
1982		Jill Engel Tulchinsky becomes Ballet Mistress for the company
1984		SDT moves in as the anchor tenant for the newly renovated Colfax Cultural Center developed by the South Bend Heritage Foundation
1986		SDT adds musical accompaniment by the South Bend Symphony Orchestra to The Nutcracker Ballet
1987		Nutcracker Nostalgia, SDT's annual Patron Gala, begins
1988		JoAnn McCarthy Barkes takes on the role of Ballet Mistress for the company
1990		SDT Adult Ensemble reintroduces school touring program with Peter and the Wolf
1991		South Bend Tribune becomes principal sponsor of The Nutcracker Ballet SDT Board of Directors establishes an endowment fund
1992		SDT introduces the Family Concert in appreciation of widespread community support
1993		SDT Board creates first strategic plan for the organization, adopts a new mission statement Creation of Marijke Niles Artist Fund, an endowment for support of outstanding artists
1995		Debut of new sets commissioned for The Nutcracker Ballet
1997		Bonnie Boilini Baxter and JoAnn McCarthy Barkes share artistic leadership as co-directors Exploring Dance Outreach program begins in cooperation with Charles Martin Youth Center
1998		SDT completes challenge grant from the Brenay Philanthropic Fund to begin an organizational endowment fund at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph Co.
2000		SDT's Board of Directors acquires Southold Dancenter, the school that had served Southold Dance Theater, continuing the long range strategic plan for the organization. The school is now called The School of Southold Dance Theater. Patrick Hinson is hired as the Director of Ballet while Bonnie Boilini Baxter assumes the position of Director for the organization. Southold moves back into the newly renovated Morris Performing Arts Center and is named the resident dance company.
2001		Marcus Galante named Southold's Artistic Director. Malana Maher named Southold's Executive Director.
2002		Kimmary Williams and Jacob Rice named Co-Artistic Directors
2005		Alexei Kremnev named Artistic Director, Anna Reznik named Artistic Associate
2008		Erica Fischbach named Artistic Director

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