Graceful Expressions Dance Company, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, serves as the proud home of Carolina Dance Theater, Cary’s premier professional dance company. This unique organization offers young dancers an unparalleled opportunity to cultivate holistic training, gain invaluable performance experience, and develop essential leadership skills, effectively preparing them for future success in college or professional careers. A core tenet of their mission is community service through dance, fostering leaders who are equipped to excel in their chosen paths after graduation.
In the spring of 2023, Carolina Dance Theater was established within Graceful Expressions, marking a significant milestone for the Cary arts community. This professional company was brought to life through the generous support of local donors and crucial grants from the Town of Cary and the United Arts Council of Wake County. Their highly anticipated world premiere at the Cary Arts Center showcased captivating original works by artistic director Willie Hinton and acclaimed choreographer Kathryn Lanier. Adding to the evening’s brilliance was a special guest performance by Fred Davis, the current director of Tennessee Dance Theater and a former dancer with the prestigious Dance Theater of Harlem.
Carolina Dance Theater’s dancers are not merely performers; they are creators and community contributors. They regularly perform original pieces, often collaborating with other local artists such as the Cary Town Band, on established stages and at various community events. Beyond performance, these young artists are actively involved in the behind-the-scenes aspects of dance production. They gain hands-on experience in choreography, costume creation, prop design, stage management, and the intricate process of setting and rehearsing dance pieces. This comprehensive training empowers them to then give back to the community, utilizing their talents to make a tangible difference. Dancers from Carolina Dance Theater lead and participate in outreach programs at organizations like The Carying Place and the Raleigh Rescue Mission. Annually, they host an inclusive and joyful Dance Party specifically designed for families with children who have special needs, fostering an environment of inclusivity and celebration. Each spring, the dance companies organize a benefit performance, dedicating the proceeds to dance or education-related causes that resonate deeply with the dancers themselves. Their past initiatives include building swing sets for children in Kenya, constructing dance floors for an inner-city studio in Akron, Ohio, and funding a transformative trip for two directors to collaborate with children in a dance program within one of Nairobi, Kenya’s most impoverished areas. These dedicated young dancers are demonstrably changing the world through their passionate commitment to their art and their community.
This impactful work is sustained through audience attendance at performances, the generosity of individual donations, and the ongoing support from the Town of Cary. Individuals interested in becoming a donor and supporting the inspiring mission of North Carolina Dance Theatre can make checks payable to Graceful Expressions Dance Company and mail them to 2438 SW Cary Pkwy, Cary, NC 27513. Donations at any level are appreciated, and the following suggested levels illustrate the direct impact of contributions:
- $30 can purchase essential props for performances and rehearsals.
- $60 can provide a dancer with a beautiful and professionally crafted costume.
- $75 can replenish supplies for their enriching outreach classes, benefiting the community directly.
- $100 can fund a master class, providing dancers with invaluable advanced training.
- $200 can cover the cost of an hour of crucial theater rental space for rehearsals or performances.
- $500 can contribute to the creation of a professional backdrop, enhancing the visual impact of performances.
