Community and Education
Inspiring and engaging
Inspiring the next generation and engaging the community
Ballet Spartanburg believes in the power of arts education and sees it as a valuable asset for the community. Maintaining education and outreach programs demands great energy and ingenuity in this economic climate. Your support is the foundation upon which we build our vision and our future. It is your involvement through contributions that allow us to impact over 15,000 children and adults annually through programs such as:
- Dance/Movement classes for Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological disorders such as Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- A Sensory Sensitive performance of The Nutcracker for students who have sensory and other neurological and/or physical issues
- An outreach program that provides lectures/demonstrations for schools (over 10,000 youth reached annually)
- Summer and after-school programs partnering with Kids’ Clubs of the Upstate
- School residencies for Title One Schools
- In-school dance performances in partnership with Chapman Cultural Center’s MUSE Machine program
- Performances at community events and festivals such as Spartanburg County Library System, Barnes and Noble, and Spartanburg International Festival
- Annual FREE performances of Peter & the Wolf for all K-4 students in Spartanburg County Schools thanks to our generous donors
- Scholarships to ensure talented, underserved students’ desire to dance
Carlos Agudelo, 2023 SC Governor's Award for an Individual
Ballet Spartanburg's Artistic Director, Carlos Agudelo, was awarded the South Carolina Governor's Award from the South Carolina Arts Commission on May 23, 2023, at the Chapman Cultural Center. The award was presented by Mr. David Platt, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission. "We recognize the unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, devotion and love for dance that Carlos has gifted to our community out of his passion for all to experience the arts for the past 32 years. We are overjoyed that Carlos has been recognized by the South Carolina Arts Commission, " Teresa S. Berline, Executive Director. "The South Carolina Arts Commission is an extraordinary organization in our state which promotes and advocates opportunities in the arts which values equality, access, diversity and inclusion. Ballet Spartanburg is honored by the support of the South Carolina Arts Commission and the recognition of Carlos Agudelo."