Hilton Head Dance Theatre
A nonprofit ballet company and school founded in 1986, best known for its holiday Nutcracker. Classes are at 24 Palmetto Business Park Road.
- Founded: 1986
- School: 24 Palmetto Business Park Rd
- Phone: (843) 785-5477
- Directors: Karena Brock-Carlyle, John Carlyle
Hilton Head Dance Theatre is a nonprofit founded in 1986 to foster dance appreciation in the Lowcountry. It runs the Hilton Head Dance School, at 24 Palmetto Business Park Road, and stages classical ballets with student and company dancers under artistic directors Karena Brock-Carlyle and John Carlyle.
What It Performs
The company’s repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, along with its own Terpsichore and Terpsichore Too programs. The Nutcracker is the one most visitors catch: in recent years the Dance Theatre has staged it over two weekends in November at the Seahawk Cultural Center at Hilton Head Island High School, 70 Wilborn Road, and the run has become part of the island’s holiday season. This year’s dates and ticket prices were not yet on the Dance Theatre’s site when this page was written, so check hiltonheaddance.com before you plan around it.
Classes at the School
The Dance School teaches ballet to every age and level using the ABT National Training Curriculum, the American Ballet Theatre’s age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines. Class registration is on the school’s site, or call (843) 785-5477 or write admin@hhdanceschool.com. Families here for a season should ask the school about short-term options before enrolling.
Before You Go
For more nights out, see the island’s other stages on the arts and theater page, including the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.
Nearby and related
Hilton Head Island theater guide: the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Sea Glass Stage, May River Theatre, the symphony and Art Cafe, with tickets.
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head: upcoming shows with dates, tickets, box office hours and student rush at 14 Shelter Cove Lane.
Lean Ensemble Theater on Hilton Head: Primary Trust through Nov. 8, show times, box office, rush tickets and subscriptions at 3000 Main Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hilton Head have a ballet company?
Yes. Hilton Head Dance Theatre, a nonprofit founded in 1986, performs classical ballets including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty.
When is The Nutcracker on Hilton Head?
In recent years the Dance Theatre has staged it in November at the Seahawk Cultural Center. Check hiltonheaddance.com for this year’s dates and tickets.
Where is the Hilton Head Dance School?
At 24 Palmetto Business Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Call (843) 785-5477.
Does Hilton Head Dance Theatre teach beginners?
The Dance School teaches all ages and levels using the ABT National Training Curriculum.
Who runs Hilton Head Dance Theatre?
Artistic directors Karena Brock-Carlyle and John Carlyle.
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