Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Savannah, GA
Established in 1958, Madeleine Walker Coastal Ballet Theatre has dedicated over six decades to cultivating dance excellence. Our studio specializes in ballet, jazz, and modern technique, offering structured training for dancers aged 4 through adult. Under the leadership of artistic directors with extensive professional backgrounds, including training with renowned institutions like The Rock School for Dance Education and New York City Ballet, we maintain rigorous technical standards. Our faculty comprises certified instructors with ABT National Training Curriculum and Vaganova syllabus credentials. With a legacy of producing professional dancers and choreographers, we combine classical training with contemporary approaches.Our students benefit from performance opportunities in productions like The Nutcracker and Spring Gala. We emphasize artistic growth alongside technical mastery in a supportive environment. The studio continues its tradition of excellence through intergenerational participation, welcoming families who return with their children and grandchildren. Our commitment to dance education remains rooted in the foundational principles established by founder Madeleine Walker. Through guest teaching engagements and community involvement, we extend our impact beyond the studio walls.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Technique
Modern Dance
Tap Instruction
Summer Dance Programs
Pointe Training
Choreography Services
Performance Coaching
Private Lessons
Dance Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of continuous dance education excellence
- Our faculty includes certified ABT and Vaganova method instructors
- Students gain performance experience in annual productions like The Nutcracker
- We maintain rigorous technical standards with personalized instruction
- Our alumni have become professional dancers and artistic directors worldwide
What people say
Professional instructors
Excellent performances
Dedicated teachers
Strong technique focus
Services
Ballet Technique
Our ballet program develops technical mastery through structured training. Students learn proper alignment, turnout, and classical vocabulary. Certified instructors use Vaganova and ABT methods to build strong foundations for dancers aged 4 through professional levels.
Jazz Technique
Jazz classes combine technical training with performance skills. Students explore various jazz styles while developing strength, flexibility, and musicality. Certified instructors emphasize safe technique and creative expression for dancers aged 9 through adult.
Modern Dance
Modern dance instruction focuses on expressive movement and body awareness. Classes incorporate elements from Cunningham, Horton, and Limn techniques. Students develop versatility through improvisation and choreography studies for ages 12 through professional dancers.
Summer Dance Programs
Our summer intensive programs offer concentrated training in ballet, jazz, and modern techniques. Daily classes include technique, pointe, and repertoire sessions. Students participate in master classes with guest artists and prepare for annual performance opportunities in a supportive environment.
Performance Coaching
Performance coaching develops stage presence and production skills. Students rehearse classical and contemporary repertoire while learning stagecraft fundamentals. This program prepares dancers for annual productions like The Nutcracker and Spring Gala with professional-level performance standards.
People
Gaye Baxley
Artistic Director
Internationally trained with New York City Ballet and Royal Ballet instructors, Gaye Baxley brings decades of professional experience to her role. A former principal dancer with Edward Villella's companies, she has trained dancers in Savannah for over 25 years.
Ann Inglis
Artistic Director
A former New York City Ballet dancer under George Balanchine, Ann Inglis has extensive performance and teaching experience. She has served on the faculty of North Carolina School of the Arts and maintains strong classical training standards.
Erin Demers
Jazz and Tap Instructor
With 14 years of teaching experience, Erin Demers specializes in jazz and tap instruction. A certified personal trainer and Tremaine Dance Competition award recipient, she brings energy and competition expertise to her classes.
Elizabeth Newkirk
Modern Dance Instructor
Elizabeth Newkirk offers modern dance instruction with professional experience from Laura Dean Dancers and City Center Dance Theater. She has taught and choreographed extensively across the United States and Europe.
Armando Luna
Master Dance Instructor
With 35 years of professional experience, Armando Luna has danced with major companies including Atlanta Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. He has created over 50 choreographic works and taught generations of professional dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and lyrical dance instruction with specialized training for students aged 4 through professional levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual productions including The Nutcracker, Spring Gala, and Sleeping Beauty performances with multiple castings available.
What are your instructor qualifications?
Our faculty includes certified ABT teachers, Vaganova method instructors, and former professional dancers from major companies like New York City Ballet.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide summer dance intensives with daily technique classes, choreography workshops, and master sessions with guest artists.
How are class levels determined?
Levels are based on age, technical ability, and instructor recommendation. Students progress through our structured curriculum with regular evaluations.
What performance attire is required?
We maintain specific dress codes for each discipline. Details are provided in our registration materials and available on our website.
