Founded in 1970, North Carolina Dance Theatre is the oldest professional ballet company in North Carolina. Today, the organization enjoys a national reputation for excellence in programming, education and outreach, and dance training.

Under the artistic direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride, former New York City Ballet stars, Dance Theatre has attracted superb dancers and built a versatile and diverse repertoire ranging from full-length classical ballets to innovative contemporary works. The Company has an annual budget exceeding $4 million and employs 22 professional dancers. Through its second company, North Carolina Dance Theatre 2, the group fosters the growth of apprentice dancers.

North Carolina Dance Theatre is known for exciting audiences with its contemporary series, including the annual Innovative Works. Created by Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Innovative Works features cutting-edge choreography exploring a variety of themes and styles.

Resident Choreographer Dwight Rhoden, whose choreography was recently featured on the hit Fox television show “So You Think You Can Dance” travels to North Carolina several times a year  to create and stage his ballets for the Company. Dance Theatre also performs the works of well-known choreographers including Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, Nacho Duato, Alonzo King and Twyla Tharp, to name a few. 

Through its Matinee Magic Series, Dance Theatre offers family-friendly story ballets. Dance Theatre performs the holiday classic Nutcracker every December in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 
North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance opened its doors in 1993 and has an annual enrollment of over 600 students. The School offers the highest quality of dance instruction in ballet, modern and jazz technique to students ages three through adult.

North Carolina Dance Theatre’s education and outreach program serves more than 50,000 students annually and is recognized as one of the leading programs in the United States. Extensive curriculum-based education programs and special performances for schools supplement residencies, master classes and library programs. The program supports classroom teachers by developing curriculum resources, educator guides and by offering in-service training.

In March 2009 NC Dance Theatre announced plans to begin construction on a new facility located at 701 North Tryon Street, next to the McColl Center for Visual Art. The 37,000 square foot Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance opened in June 2010 and houses Dance Theatre’s administrative and rehearsal spaces, and NC Dance Theatre School of Dance. The Center for Dance features six dance studios, three overlooking North Tryon Street, a 200-seat performance venue.

“Unstinting in range and thunder…a pleasure to behold.”
- The New York Times

“…if they decided to settle in Britain they would be among our top ballet companies.”
- The London Times

“..one of the liveliest and most brilliant – the level of dancing is outstanding – classic troupes in North America.”
- New York Post

“…performers of stunning versatility and dramatic power.”
- Dance Magazine

“…versatility and openness as well as polished technique and performing verve.”
- The Village Voice

“NCDT's dancers are magnetic.”
– The Charlotte Observer