Under the Artistic Direction of Dan Youmans, The Atlanta Jazz Theatre, Inc. was the first dance company in Atlanta devoted entirely to the study and performance of Jazz Dance. AJT is comprised of the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Companies, and within the Senior Company is a Professional Ensemble. Each year, nationally known guest choreographers are invited to expose our dancers and our audiences to various styles of Jazz Dance.
Our Pre-Professional division and company, Atlanta Jazz Theatre gives our more serious Dancers a platform to study and perform with the intention of dancing in college or professionally. They are getting top-rate instructors from not only the Atlanta area, but nationally as well throughout the season and during the summer. Performance opportunities such as festivals, industrial shows, an our yearly concert as well as the opportunity to network and audition with dancers, choreographers, and industry professionals from across the nation at large dance conventions and performances are only a few of the wonderful opportunities provided to these talented dancers.
Since 1971, the Company has traveled from New York to Miami for performances, and the Junior Company has presented its “History of Jazz” dance showcase for nearly every public school, private school, and retirement center in the metro area. AJT’s recognition extended beyond the dance world in 1983 when it was officially commended by Governor Joe Frank Harris and the Georgia State assembly as the official Jazz Dance Company of Georgia. Mr. Youmans and the dancers of the Atlanta Jazz Theatre were invited to Barcelona , Spain to close the ceremonies of the Paralympic games and welcome the world to Atlanta . Mr. Youmans also served as Master Choreographer for the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996.
The Atlanta Jazz Theatre emphasizes versatility and its repertoire includes a range of dance mediums from Classical Ballet and Modern to Tap and Contemporary Jazz Dance. The company is presented in full concert each year. Auditions are held each Spring for the upcoming season . Auditions are open to all eligible dancers in the Atlanta area.
2024-25 SEASON AUDITIONS
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2023
JUNIOR (ages 8-12)
3:00-4:30 pm
INTERMEDIATE, SENIOR, AND PREPRO (ages 12 and up)
5:00-6:00 pm
The Atlanta Jazz Theatre Dance Company was formed in 1971 to give the serious dance student and those considering a career in Dance a vehicle for performance throughout the year. Auditions are held each spring to select the companies for the following season and are open to any dancers in the Metro area who qualify to the age and experience requirements. Each member is required to sign a contract for one year to obligate themselves to the Directors and other Company members for all classes, rehearsals, and performances. The Company is presented in Concert at least once during the season, plus numerous performances in Arts Festivals, Holiday Shows, Industrial show, and benefits. AJT strives to instill in each member a sense of self-confidence, professionalism, advancement of technical abilities, organizational skills, responsibility, and a feeling of group pride and accomplishment. Audition is given in two portions, the ballet class first followed by the jazz class portion.
All AJT members are required to attend Summer Intensive Workshop classes and all classes during the school year assigned to them. A minimum of one jazz class and two ballet classes per week are required, plus additional rehearsals on weekends. Guest Choreographers are brought in each year to expose the dancers to different styles of Jazz. No cheerleading, drill team, swim team, tennis team or other such activities are allowed if they interfere with the ability to attend classes or rehearsals. We need dedicated Dancers serious about their commitment and training. The Atlanta Jazz Theatre is the resident performing company of Dan & Company Studios. Artistic Director, Tina Youmans Hidalgo.
