Providence Creek Ballet Theater

Providence Creek Ballet Theater (PCBT), located in Clayton, DE, is a non-profit dance studio that has grown significantly since its inception as an after-school ballet program at Providence Creek Academy. Founded in 2004, PCBT initially introduced students to ballet through performances in school concerts but rapidly expanded to offer a variety of dance genres, including pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and tumbling. Today, the studio's nine-month school year program serves dancers from Creative Movement to Performance Company levels, supported by a robust curriculum centered on classical ballet.A transformative moment for PCBT came in 2011 with the appointment of Stephanie Artigliere as Artistic Director. Under her leadership, PCBT entered a new era of growth and artistic achievement. That same year, she launched the Summer Intensive Program, which has become a cornerstone of PCBT's training, featuring esteemed guest artists and fostering a vision of expanding dancers' horizons.In 2012, PCBT began participating in prestigious festivals such as the Delaware Dance Festival, Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest, and Regional Dance America (RDA), where dancers gained exposure to diverse dance styles, master classes, and scholarship opportunities. A hallmark of PCBT is its commitment to excellence in performance and choreography. Its production of The Nutcracker, first staged in 2012, has evolved into a cherished community tradition, blending original choreography with innovative theatrical elements. PCBT's collaborations with professional dancers and acclaimed choreographers, including Christine Aumiller and Victoria Silva, have elevated its productions to new heights.In 2016, PCBT achieved recognition as an Regional Dance America (RDA) Intern Company and later adjudicated as a full Performing Company in 2018, performing on national platforms. The dedication of PCBT's educators and students has led many alumni to earn scholarships, attend national summer programs, and be accepted into prestigious arts schools and numerous universities across the states. Notably, Sophia Wicks, a PCBT alum, has had several pieces performed at RDA Festivals, including the honor of having her work featured as the closing piece at the National Festival in 2024.Through its focus on artistic and technical excellence, PCBT has grown from a small community initiative into one of Delaware's most prominent dance institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for aspiring dancers.