About Us

Our Mission
Decatur City Dance, an established dance company, brings the art and experience of dance to the community through the performance of original choreography in eclectic and varying styles. We value professionalism, innovation, and collaboration. 

Our Story
Decatur City Dance is the oldest performing dance group in DeKalb County, first established a Junior Company of Atlanta Civic Ballet in 1952 by Hilda Gumm. It became an independent artistic entity in 1962 under the guidance of Hilda Gumm and Marie Roberts.

Under the Decatur City Dance umbrella are five performing groups of accomplished adult and teen dancers: AboutFace (contempary jazz), Apprentice and Junior Ensembles (ballet, jazz, and modern), Rhythm Keepers (tap), and Junior Rhythm Keepers (tap).  

During its five decades, Decatur City Dance has presented original choreography of varying styles appropriate for all ages, including the story ballets of Winnie the Pooh, The Little Princess, and A Day with Mother Goose. The companies have performed both on traditional theater stages around metro Atlanta as well as in spaces as diverse as the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, North Dekalb Mall, Cannon Chapel at Emory University, and Oakland Cemetary.

Decatur City Dance is a nonprofit corporation, based in Decatur, Georgia, financially supported by contributions, grant funds, membership dues, and ticket sales. Its members are talented dancers, many of whom started their dance training at Decatur School of Ballet. Open auditions are held annually. For eligibillity requirements please contact Decatur City Dance.     

Our Community

"The residents are totally delighted, not just with the dance, but also with the choreography, costumes, and the enthusiasm and energy of the dancers.  They often say how much it takes them back and makes them feel young again."  

--Renee Kirlin, Activities Director, Decatur Christian Towers

"My favorite annual event is 'Breakfast with Santa'.  Decatur City Dance brings an added dimension to such community events by presenting an engaging dance experience." 
--John Joyner, Attorney, community resident, and volunteer

"Decatur City Dance is a vital member of our community offering a cultural arts experience through their performances.  Decatur values the arts and its sense of community, and we consider Decatur City Dance a strong partner in both." 
--Linda Harris, Assistant Director  Community and Economic Development, City of Decatur