Overview

Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) is a fixture on the cultural landscape of Lehigh Valley, and its artistry directly contributes to the quality of life in the region.

RDT productions are for audiences of all ages and feature professional and pre-professional dancers. All of RDT’s performances and outreach programs are designed to entertain and educate and engage and delight Lehigh Valley audiences of all ages about the art of dance and encourage young people to learn about dance as a discipline, profession, and avocation.

In-Theatre Programs

RDT is committed to bringing live dance performances to the youth of the community. RDT annually produces the holiday classic Nutcracker as well as a spring ballet or concert performance with other area dance companies. With generous support from corporations and foundations, RDT can offer these programs to the schools at a greatly reduced ticket price.

Lecture Demonstration Programs

RDT’s lecture-demonstration programs introduce students to the world of dance. Students gain knowledge of the basic steps of ballet by watching a dancer demonstrate barre and center work. The students also learn a bit about the history of dance and how dancing can be beneficial for all athletes. They learn how simple, everyday steps can be translated into dance steps and how choreography tells a story. RDT’s lecture-demonstration program encourages audience participation and actively engages the students in the world of dance.

This year RDT conducted lecture demonstrations to approximately 28 third-grade classes reaching approximately 1,200 Allentown students. RDT also produces this program for schools throughout the Lehigh Valley and youth organizations, such as Girl Scouts. These lecture demonstrations are also utilized as an audition for the TIP after-school program.

Summer Programs

RDT conducts a summer dance intensive enabling young dancers to receive professional dance instruction during the summer from nationally recognized teachers without leaving their community.