History of The Charlotte School of Ballet

The Charlotte School of Ballet opened in September of 1968 by Gay Porter, offering two types of programs-- recreational and vocational. The recreational program is designed for the once- or twice-a-week student who enjoys dancing for fun, with a recital once a year. Children's ballet examinations are offered to these students.

The vocational program is designed for the serious ballet student who's priority is classical ballet. Examinations in both The Royal Academy of Dancing and the Cecchetti methods are encouraged for these students, as well as membership in the Charlotte Youth Ballet.

Gay Porter-Speer, Director

Gay received her training in her native London, England at Arts Educational School and the Royal Academy of Dancing. Her professional performing career began at Stratford-on-Avon, followed by engagements at Oxford, touring the British Isles, and two and a half years in the original productions of The King & I and Kismet in London's West End.

After engagements in film, television, and an Esther Williams aqua spectacular, Gay went to Spain with the Royal Festival Ballet. She later toured Germany and danced in Paris before coming to the United States.

Gay has directed productions for the Charlottetown Players and C.P.C.C. She founded the Charlotte Regional Ballet and the C.P.C.C. Ballet Department. Currently she is artistic director of the Charlotte Youth Ballet for which she created numerous original ballets.