INNOVATIVE CONCERTS 

CBD was founded in 2001 by SMU dance alumni looking to revitalize dance in Dallas. Combining ballet, modern and jazz to create our signature contemporary style, our concerts tap into all dance genres. Each piece is unique, unpredictable and exciting.

To build an audience, we must excite people about ballet. We are bringing up the next generation up in the theatre with ‘user-friendly' dance.

You do not have to be highly educated to either get dance or enjoy it. Our concerts are billed for the everyday person, promising current popular music to groups like Nine Inch Nails, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Cold Play . Each concert is carefully orchestrated to include songs that audiences will respond to - pieces that provoke thought and interpretation.

PLATFORM FOR EMERGING ARTISTS 

CBD has produced a wealth a concerts, premiered over 40 original works and showcased new and talented local artists.  We have also participated in a number of art and dance festivals, including Dance Council’s Dance for the Planet ; Addison’s Out of the Loop Festival and ArtFest ; Richardson’s Wild Flower Festival ; and Dallas’ City Arts .

CBD has commissioned works from renowned choreographers and provided performance opportunities for area dancers. Guest choreographers Holly Williams, formerly of the Mark Morris Dance Troupe, and Elizabeth Gillaspy, currently a professor at TCU, have premiered their works in CBD mainstage productions.

CREATIVE OUTREACH PROGRAMS 

Children are the cornerstone of our community programs, believing early exposure to the arts builds skills and opportunities that last a life time.

Our community partnerships, such as Child Protective Services and RISD, allow us to bring arts to more children than ever before. Through our Arts for Everyone series, we perform free concerts and lecture demonstrations to thousands that have never experienced a live theatrical production. We also have partnered with the YMCA Whiterock to offer our Community Dance! program. Community Dance! offers professional-level dance training to those that can not otherwise afford it.  We also offer dance classes to the visually impaired and other special needs children.

Beyond dance and technique lies the heart of the Community Dance! program, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. Community Dance! plays a role in improving the odds for the at-risk youth we serve - instilling much needed life skills, self esteem, and peer support.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM 

CBD established of the official School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas located in the prestigious Lakewood area in May 2003, and grew into our larger studio space in the Lakewood Shopping Center in July 2005. We offer regular dance classes, an annual recital, and opportunities for students and those served through our outreach programs to perform in several productions throughout the year!

CBD believes the art of dance is rooted in appreciation and knowledge. Regardless of a students’ desire to become a performer or patron, every student is entitled to unparalleled training. The School of CBD offers training by instructors who can create a positive environment and combine history, skill and experience, urging every dancer to realize their potential. Classes will also include instruction on auditions, critique, and college dance programs.