About us

Our new visual identity is much more than just a website – it’s the measure of our creative DNA. The genesis of the new visual identity equally focuses on Charleston Ballet Theatre Center for Dance Education’s traditions, values and personality. Native Charlestonian Don Cantwell returned from studies in New York in 1967 and formed the Charleston Civic Ballet, the predecessor of the professional company. He later married Patricia Downs, a ballerina who was discovered at age 13 by the legendary George Balanchine. Patricia taught in the school, danced all of the principal ballerina roles, and conceived the idea of a full-time professional ballet company for Charleston. Don and Patricia were joined by Jill Eathorne Bahr, one of the country’s foremost choreographers in 1987. Her acclaimed ballets are in the repertoires of Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and North Carolina Dance Theatre.