Alabama Dance Theatre

08/24/2026

Meet Kate Seale Smith! ✨

As Artistic Director of Alabama Dance Theatre, Kate brings her passion for dance, artistry, and education into every class she teaches. We are so grateful for the knowledge, experience, and heart she brings to our students and our ADT family.

“I love teaching because I get to watch these dancers grow up right in front of me. Of course I want them to become strong, beautiful dancers, but even more than that, I want them to leave our studio with confidence, discipline, lifelong friendships, and memories they’ll carry with them forever. I’m so excited for another season of watching them work hard, surprise themselves, and become the very best versions of who they are. ”

This fall, Kate will be teaching:

🩰 Monday
• 4:00–5:30 PM — Ballet 4 + 5 + Advanced Technique
• 5:30–6:30 PM — Ballet 5 Pointe

🩰 Tuesday
• 4:00–5:00 PM — Pre-Ballet 1 & 2

🩰 Wednesday
• 3:15–4:00 PM — Look at Me, I Am 3!
• 4:00–5:15 PM — Advanced Ballet Technique

🩰 Thursday
• 4:15–5:15 PM — Beginning Ballet 1 + 2
• 5:15–6:15 PM — Ballet 2 + 3 Pre-Pointe/Pointe (alternating weeks)

There is a place for every dancer at Alabama Dance Theatre! From your very first dance class to advanced pre-professional training, we are here to help dancers grow in confidence, technique, and artistry.

Registration is open for Fall 2026! Join the ADT Family today. 💛

🌐 alabamadancetheatre.org

08/18/2026

We had an absolutely amazing first day back at ADT! ✨

There’s nothing like seeing our studios filled with dancers, energy, and excitement for the season ahead. 💙

It’s not too late to join us! Sign up today and become part of the ADT Family. We can’t wait to meet you, welcome you into our community, and start dancing together! 🩰

🌟 Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org!

08/15/2026

We're so grateful for YOU.
If you’re reading this right now, that means you like ADT a lot! We're honored, and we like you back. You're part of our story. You've been in the audience, or you've lived the ADT life as a student, parent, grandparent, or friend. A lot has happened in our 40 years. We're excited about our 41st!

We'll open the season with Dracula in November (tickets on sale soon!), and we'll present Beauty in the Beast in March '27. In the months ahead, our students will train hard, rehearse many hours, and grow as dancers and as people.

Our mission, set down by our founding Artistic Director, Miss Kitty Seale, is to serve our community through dance. We host free community day classes, open the Davis Theatre to our Hometown Heroes and students from across Alabama, and maintain the Suzanne Sheppard Memorial Fund for financial aid and scholarships.

We can't do it without friends like you. Please help us carry on our mission with a gift today. May we count on you?

Support the Alabama Dance Theatre - Alabama Dance Theatre - Cheddar Up. Collect online payments for events and fundraisers with Cheddar Up.

08/12/2026

💜 ADULT CLASSES

It's your turn.

Dance isn't just for children—it's for anyone who wants to move, learn, and grow.
Whether you're returning to dance after years away or stepping into the studio for the very first time, our Adult Classes provide a welcoming, supportive environment where you'll build strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence while enjoying the many physical and mental benefits of dance.

Our adult program includes:
🩰 Adult Ballet (Intermediate/Advanced), taught by Sara Elyse Sanford
💙 Adult Contemporary (Beginning/Intermediate), taught by Jaclyn Speights
No matter your experience, you'll be welcomed into a community that believes it's never too late to discover the joy of dance.

✨ Classes begin August 17!

💜 New to Alabama Dance Theatre? All new adult students are invited to enjoy one complimentary trial class before registering so you can experience our welcoming community and find the class that's right for you.

🩰 Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org

08/11/2026

👞 TAP

Find your rhythm.

Few dance styles are as joyful—or as satisfying—as Tap.

From a dancer's very first shuffle to more advanced rhythms and combinations, Tap develops musicality, coordination, timing, and confidence while encouraging students to become active listeners and expressive performers.

Whether your child is just beginning or continuing their Tap training, they'll discover a class that's both challenging and incredibly fun.

Our Tap program includes Tiny Tap, Beginning Tap, and Intermediate/Advanced Tap, all taught by Jaclyn Speights, whose encouraging teaching style helps dancers build strong fundamentals while enjoying every class.

At ADT, every sound tells a story—and every class helps dancers discover the joy of creating music with their feet.

✨ Classes begin August 17!

💜 New to ADT? Your first complimentary trial or placement class is our invitation to experience the excitement of Tap before enrolling.

👞 Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org

08/10/2026

💙 CONTEMPORARY

Dance from the heart.

Contemporary dance is where technique meets storytelling.

Blending the strength of ballet with the freedom of modern movement, Contemporary encourages dancers to express emotion, connect with music, and discover their own artistic voice. Every class challenges students to think creatively while continuing to build strength, flexibility, and versatility.

Whether your dancer is just beginning their Contemporary journey or refining their artistry at an advanced level, they'll be encouraged to explore movement with confidence and purpose.

Our Contemporary program includes Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Beginning and Intermediate Contemporary are taught by Jaclyn Speights, while Advanced Contemporary is taught by Sara Elyse Sanford.

At Alabama Dance Theatre, we believe every dancer has a story worth telling—and Contemporary gives them the opportunity to tell it through movement.

✨ Classes begin August 17!

💜 New to Alabama Dance Theatre? We invite all new students to enjoy one complimentary trial or placement classbefore registering. It's a great opportunity to meet our faculty and find the class that's the right fit.

✨ Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org

08/09/2026

❤️ MODERN

Move with freedom. Dance with intention.

Modern dance encourages students to think creatively, move authentically, and discover new ways to express themselves.

Rooted in technique while embracing individuality, Modern helps dancers develop strength, balance, artistry, and versatility. It challenges students to explore movement with curiosity while giving them the confidence to tell stories in their own unique way.
Our Modern program offers Intermediate and Advanced levels and is taught by Jenny Letner, whose thoughtful instruction inspires dancers to grow both as artists and as individuals.

As dancers continue their training, Modern becomes an important part of developing well-rounded, expressive performers who are prepared for a wide variety of opportunities.

For more than 40 years, Alabama Dance Theatre has believed that great dance education is about more than technique—it's about helping every dancer discover their potential.

✨ Classes begin August 17!

💜 New to Alabama Dance Theatre? We'd love to welcome you! All new students are invited to enjoy one complimentary trial or placement class before enrolling.

❤️ Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org

08/08/2026

🎧 HIP-HOP

Bring the energy. Be yourself.

Hip-Hop is one of our most energetic and exciting classes—and it's easy to see why it's a favorite among so many dancers.

With upbeat music, dynamic movement, and plenty of opportunities for self-expression, students build coordination, athleticism, rhythm, and confidence in an encouraging and age-appropriate environment.

Whether your dancer is stepping into Hip-Hop for the first time or continuing to build their skills, they'll find a class where hard work and fun go hand in hand.
Our Hip-Hop program includes Beginning and Intermediate/Advanced levels and is taught by Janie Alford, whose positive energy keeps dancers motivated while helping them grow as performers.

At Alabama Dance Theatre, we believe every dancer deserves a place where they can move with confidence, challenge themselves, and have fun doing it.

✨ Classes begin August 17!

💜 New to ADT? Your first complimentary trial or placement class is the perfect way to experience our Hip-Hop program and meet our faculty before registering.

🎧 Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org

08/07/2026

✨ JAZZ

Confidence takes center stage.

If your dancer loves to move, perform, and let their personality shine, Jazz might be the perfect fit.

Our Jazz program blends strong technical training with exciting choreography, musicality, and performance skills. Dancers build coordination, flexibility, confidence, and stage presence while learning to perform with energy and expression.

Whether students are just beginning their jazz journey or continuing their training at the intermediate or advanced level, they'll be challenged, encouraged, and inspired every step of the way.

Jazz classes are offered at Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels and are taught by Janie Alford, whose enthusiasm and passion for teaching create an environment where dancers can grow both technically and artistically.

At ADT, every class is about more than learning combinations—it's about helping dancers discover confidence that extends far beyond the studio.

✨ Classes begin August 17!

🎉 New to Alabama Dance Theatre? We invite all new students to enjoy one complimentary trial or placement classbefore enrolling.

✨ Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org

08/06/2026

🩰 BALLET
The foundation for every dancer.

Ballet is more than a dance class—it's the foundation upon which every great dancer is built.

Through age-appropriate, progressive training, students develop strength, flexibility, musicality, artistry, discipline, and confidence. These skills don't just shape beautiful dancers—they help build resilient young people.

At Alabama Dance Theatre, our ballet curriculum is designed to grow with each student, from Ballet 1 through our Advanced Division. Whether a dancer dreams of performing professionally or simply wants to experience the joy of dance, they'll receive exceptional instruction in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Our ballet program is led by an outstanding faculty including Kate Seale Smith, Casey Bailey, Joy Ohme, Jaclyn Speights, and Sara Elyse Sanford, providing students with a rich variety of experience, artistry, and mentorship throughout their training.

Many dancers begin their journey with ballet because it strengthens every other style of dance—from jazz and contemporary to hip-hop and beyond.

For more than four decades, families throughout the River Region have trusted ADT to provide exceptional ballet training rooted in excellence and care.

✨ Classes begin August 17!

💜 New to ADT? Your first complimentary trial or placement class is our way of saying welcome. Come experience our program, meet our faculty, and discover the class that's the best fit for your dancer.

🩰 Register today at alabamadancetheatre.org