Our History
Organized in 1978 to enrich the cultural environment of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina through the promotion of ballet as an art form, the South Carolina Dance Theatre brings excellence in ballet to the city of Florence. In the forefront as the premier training ground for ballet, SCDT is recognized by critics and fellow artists for its vibrant performances and contagious enthusiasm, presenting a strong repertoire with dynamic performances. The Company seeks to develop excellence in ballet training and to provide opportunities for experience in the performing arts. Dancers must audition to become Company members, while preparatory classes are offered for younger dancers. Many of the Company's dancers have moved on to dance in various professional companies throughout the United States and internationally. Our dancers often train throughout the summer at some of the country's most prestigious ballet companies.
Susan Rowe
Artistic Director
Ms. Rowe is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She has served as Ballet Mistress of the Les Ballets de Monte Carlo in Monaco and the Ballet du Nord in Roubaix, France. She was a principal dancer with the Ballet du Nord as well as the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle Washington. She also danced with the Frankfurt Ballet in Germany, the Feld Ballet in New York, the NC Dance Theatre in Winston-Salem, and the Agnes DeMille Heritage Dance Theatre. Her extensive training includes study with the American Ballet Theatre, the School of American Ballet, the Princess Grace Academy of Dance, and Franchetti Studios in Paris, France. In addition to her dance expertise, Ms. Rowe has experience as a teacher and choreographer.
