DECATUR CITY DANCE

Decatur School of Ballet is the official school of Decatur City Dance (DCD). Under the artistic direction of Leslie Palmer Gourley, DCD is the oldest performing dance company in DeKalb County and is currently in its 70th season. The company is a nonprofit corporation financially supported by contributions, grant funds, membership dues, and ticket sales. Six performing groups are under the company umbrella. AboutFace (directed by Toya Willingham) presents contemporary, modern and jazz, The Nexus Group (Nexus Premiere, Nexus Apprentice, and Nexus Contemporary, directed by Leslie Gourley and Jessica Reese) present ballet, jazz, and contemporary, and The Rhythm Keepers and The Junior Rhythm Keepers (directed by Kyme Hersi-Sallid) present tap. As a community arts organization, DCD provides quality performances for metro Atlanta audiences and outreach programs for retirement homes, schools, and community groups. 

 

Dancers become members of DCD by audition. They are talented dancers who are either professional performers or want to make a commitment to dance as one of their special extracurricular activities. Many company dancers started their dance training at our school at an early age and progressed into the performing company. Many teachers in the school have worked with the company as performers and/or choreographers.