ALABAMA DANCE THEATRE
KATE SEALE SMITH, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
est. 1986
A moment between student and teacher.
Kitty Seale headshot
Headshot
A moment between student and teacher.
Our Founding Artistic Director
Kitty Seale founded the Alabama Dance Theatre in 1986. Due to her teaching and guidance the Alabama Dance Theatre continues to grow and is recognized throughout the region as a positive training ground for dancers. She was actively involved in dance as a teacher, choreographer for the past 40+ years. Her early study of ballet was with Lucie Stone, Audrey Gryder, Duane Dashion, and George Verdak. More recently she studied the Russian syllabus under Jurgen Schneider and Janina Cunova and the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus.
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Kitty choreographed numerous works for her own and other companies in the U.S. She was selected to attend the 1980 and 1988 National Craft of Choreographer Conferences. Her students have received national recognition and scholarships and have gone to perform with nationally recognized professional groups. The Alabama Dance Theatre achieved Honor Company status in 1992 and continues to represent the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama in Regional Dance America/Southeast. A Montgomery native and graduate of Lanier High School and Sweet Briar College, Kitty was elected to the Lanier Hall of Fame in 1997. Kitty was a recipient of the 2013 Governor's Arts Award and the 2019 recipient of the Montgomery Advertiser's Community Hero Award. She is married to Turner Seale and has two children, Turner, Jr. (deceased) and Kate who is married to Robby Smith. She has three grandsons, Bennett and Chapman Robertson and Turner Smith and one step-granddaughter Brooke Smith.
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About Us
We are located in Montgomery, Alabama at the Armory Learning Arts Center, the Alabama Dance Theatre (ADT) is a renowned regional ballet company with a rich history and an exceptional repertoire. Since our formation in 1986, ADT has been dedicated to creating a new community space for dance and bringing high-quality performances to central Alabama.
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As an award-winning ballet company, we showcase a diverse and eclectic repertoire that spans different eras and styles. Our performances include captivating renditions of 19th-century classics, as well as thought-provoking modern and contemporary works. Through our artistic vision and commitment to excellence, we aim to inspire and delight audiences of all ages.
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At the heart of ADT is our emphasis on serious training for pre-professional dancers. We believe in nurturing talent and providing a solid foundation for aspiring dancers to achieve their dreams. Our training program draws strongly from the Russian Syllabus, rooted in the principles of classical ballet. Through rigorous instruction and mentorship, we aim to develop the skills, artistry, and discipline necessary for a successful dance career.
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Beyond our public performances, ADT actively engages with the community through a range of educational activities. We believe in the power of dance to transform lives and enhance the cultural fabric of our city. Our educational initiatives serve to build our audience, cultivate a love for dance among individuals of all backgrounds, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Montgomery.
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As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain committed to our mission of promoting dance as an art form, fostering artistic excellence, and enriching the lives of our community members through the power of movement and expression. We invite you to join us on this inspiring journey and experience the magic of dance with the Alabama Dance Theatre.
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Come, witness the grace, beauty, and passion that define ADT's performances. Be a part of our community and let the art of dance touch your soul. We look forward to welcoming you to the Alabama Dance Theatre!
Giselle and Albrecht share a quiet moment together in ACT I of Giselle
Backstage getting ready
Photo shoot in Downtown Montgomery, Alabama. Photography Credit David Robertson Jr.
Giselle and Albrecht share a quiet moment together in ACT I of Giselle
Our Mission
It has always been the mission of our Founding Director, Kitty Seale, to challenge her dancers technically and artistically, all the while maintaining a nurturing environment where each dancer, regardless of career aspirations, can excel.
We strive to train and educate students in the disciplined art of dance ​and to educate and develop the future audience for dance in central Alabama.