Our History

The early days

In 1973, several dancers came together because they shared an important common bond — their love of dance. The newly formed alliance made a commitment to respect distinct dance traditions by giving each artist the freedom to pursue her chosen idiom. Founding members included Ann Dunn, the company’s first Artistic Director, who was soon joined by Bonnie Boilini Baxter and Jill Engel Tulchinsky. Their vision guided the young company throughout its early years. Performances and classes were held at Dancenter, a 100-year-old church converted to dance studios and theater space. SDT remained there until 1981 when the company moved temporarily to Center Century before relocating to its current home at the Colfax Cultural Arts Center, a cooperative arts and neighborhood complex with national historic site status.

Timeline

of important milestones

1974

An alliance of dancers is formed under the leadership of Ann Dunn, the group’s first Artistic Director.

1975

Articles of Incorporation are established under the name of Southold Dance Theater; first Board of Directors is formed

1977

Non-profit 501 (c) (3) status received

1978

SDT launches a touring program of elementary schools in northern Indiana

1979

An apprentice company is formed as a training program for future company members, the precursor of today’s company. A volunteer support group is formed Southold Dance League

1980

First classical production of The Nutcracker Ballet
1st Annual Holiday Walk Tour of Homes

1981

SDT names Bonnie Boilini Baxter as Artistic Director
Introduction of the Youth Concerts program for area schools

1982

Jill Engel Tulchinsky becomes Ballet Mistress for the company

1984

SDT moves in as the anchor tenant for the newly renovated Colfax Cultural Center developed by the South Bend Heritage Foundation

1986

SDT adds musical accompaniment by the South Bend Symphony Orchestra to The Nutcracker Ballet

1987

Nutcracker Nostalgia, SDT’s annual Patron Gala, begins

1988

JoAnn McCarthy Barkes takes on the role of Ballet Mistress for the company

1990

SDT Adult Ensemble reintroduces school touring program with Peter and the Wolf

1991

South Bend Tribune becomes principal sponsor of The Nutcracker Ballet. SDT Board of Directors establishes an endowment fund.

1992

SDT introduces the Family Concert in appreciation of widespread community support

1993

SDT Board creates the first strategic plan for the organization, adopts a new mission statement Creation of Marijke Niles Artist Fund, an endowment for the support of outstanding artists

1995

Debut of new sets commissioned for The Nutcracker Ballet

1997

Bonnie Boilini Baxter and JoAnn McCarthy Barkes share artistic leadership as co-directors. Exploring Dance Outreach program begins in cooperation with Charles Martin Youth Center

1998

SDT completes challenge grant from the Brenay Philanthropic Fund to begin an organizational endowment fund at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph Co.

2000

SDT’s Board of Directors acquires Southold Dancenter, the school that had served Southold Dance Theater, continuing the long-range strategic plan for the organization. The school is now called The School of Southold Dance Theater. Patrick Hinson is hired as the Director of Ballet while Bonnie Boilini Baxter assumes the position of Director for the organization. Southold moves back into the newly renovated Morris Performing Arts Center and is named the resident dance company.

2001

Marcus Galante named Southold’s Artistic Director.

Malana Maher named Southold’s Executive Director.

2002

Kimmary Williams and Jacob Rice named Co-Artistic Directors

2005

Alexei Kremnev named Artistic Director, Anna Reznik named Artistic Associate

2008

Erica Fischbach named Artistic Director

2016

Calin Radulescu named Interim Artistic Director

2017

Calin Radulescu named Artistic Director