Decatur School of Ballet

Decatur School of Ballet, the oldest classical ballet school in DeKalb County, offers classical ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, Mommy & Me, creative movement, ballroom and theatre dance. Classes for children and adults are available. Our school has been in continuous operation since 1947. Over 60 years ago, Hilda Gumm and Marie Roberts started the school with a few ballet students in a small room over the ice cream shoppe in Downtown Decatur. In 1958, the school moved into its present location, which was designed by architect Everett Roberts (Marie's husband) to be a dance studio. In 1980, present owners Kathleen and Ron Everett purchased the school where Kathleen had studied since age six. Our mission is to provide quality dance instruction by professionals in a friendly atmosphere. Classes are structured on a nine-month curriculum (September through May) and special summer programs are offered. We give careful attention to placing each dancer in appropriate classes based on age, technical level and ability. Each student is evaluated individually. Our school welcomes students from all racial, cultural and economic backgrounds. Although we are in the business of teaching dance, the development of each student as an individual is at the core of our endeavors. Drawing from our knowledge of, and experience in, the art of dance, we strive to help students realize their individual creative potential.