Our Story

Introduction

Local dance studios continue to be the platform by which world-class artists are born. Ensuring the opportunity to receive a legitimate dance education outside of metro areas is essential to locating artists of the future. We sincerely believe in the talent and dedication of the youth in Northwest Georgia. The Theodora Dance Conservatory will provide a home for this talent to grow while giving back to the community that we live in for generations to come.

Our Mission

The Theodora Dance Conservatory is committed to bringing superior classical ballet training, along with opportunities to explore new and diverse movement, to our local community in an accessible manner. With compassion for our artists, and an unwavering dedication to excellence., we endeavor to transform the world around us.

Our Story

The Theodora Dance Conservatory was born to fill a void when a dance school in a neighboring county closed its doors permanently due to Covid-related business loss. The pre-professional ballet program that had served its community for over 20 years no longer had a home. We thought of the countless dancers we had trained over the decades who were now consummate professionals in the dance field. Where would they be if we hadn’t been available? We felt a deep sense of loss for a future generation of artists.

I thought back to my own path. My great-grandfather, Theodore Zablotsky — an immigrant who came to America leaving his homeland and his job as a librarian behind. He took a job as a coal miner in Pennsylvania to give his family a better life… an opportunity to dream. I can’t help but feel my passion for classical ballet has its roots somewhere deep in my heritage, and the opportunity to open a dance education center… a gift from Theodore all these years later.

I was also reminded of the meaning of the name Theodore. It means “god-given”. I thought about my life-long love for ballet and how the art of dance has significantly shaped every step of my journey. I contemplated how to best continue to sow its beauty back into society. I considered all the children with god-given talent and hearts for dance that I have taught, and all the children I have yet to cross paths with.

So with a deep breath and an abundance of hope, we decided to dream… and The Theodora Dance Conservatory was born. It was born out of necessity. It was born out of love. It was born out of gratefulness for what dance brings to the human experience and the welcomed responsibility we have to nurture it.