Our History
Classical,
Physical, Triumphant
Armed with a passionate dream
to see a world-class contemporary ballet company come to
life, Arts Triumphant founders, Colin & Yvonne Williams
arrived in Jacksonville, Florida in 1992.
Arts Triumphant Dance Theatre (ATDT) began as a
conservatory for students serious about advancing the art
of dance. That summer, Art Triumphant hosted its first
annual Summer Dance Intensive.
Incorporating in 1996 as a non-profit organization, Arts
Triumphant presented its first main stage performance,
Dancing the Dream, at the Florida Theatre. Over 1,000
people shared in the magic and applauded the arrival of
Jacksonville’s very own contemporary ballet company. That
year ATDT also moved into its first studios and quickly
began to draw students from throughout the city.
In 1998 ATDT renovated an old retail store and transformed
it into a state-of–the-art 12,000 square foot facility,
housing three of the areas largest studios.
In the fall of 2000, Arts Triumphant premiered its first
full-length original ballet de’ action Sacred Symbols. This
epic story, written, directed and choreographed by Artistic
Director, Yvonne Salcedo Williams, was inspired by the true
story of Holocaust survivor, Klara Bundi. This stirring and
timeless story reveals that friendship, honor, courage,
hope and most of all, unconditional love are worth fighting
for.
From 1996 – 2002, Arts Triumphant staged numerous
full-length dance productions in Jacksonville. From the
very beginning a great emphasis has been placed on sharing
the joy of dance by performing in area schools, churches,
synagogues, retirement homes and theatres, including:
Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network,
Mount Zion Retirement Community,
Congregation Beth Shalom, Israel’s Jubilee, Earth Day
Celebration, Sultan’s Pool Amphitheatre, Jerusalem &
Debron Conference Center, Holland.
Colin & Yvonne have always envisioned a place where
dancers could unplug from their hectic lives and recharge
and reconnect with the source of their creativity. The
mountains of West Virginia provide such a refuge. In the
spring of 2002 Arts Triumphant relocated to Berkeley
Springs, West Virginia. This picturesque town is located in
the eastern panhandle of West Virginia…miles from nowhere,
and yet only 90 minutes from Washington D.C.
In the Summer of 2007, Arts Triumphant its new studio, The
Dance Barn at Lions Oak with its 14th Annual Summer Dance
Intensive. The studio will provide space for BalletSport
classes, retreats and private instruction.
What People
are Saying...
"Arts Triumphant Dance
Theatre is truly energizing the cultural landscape of our
city. It is better than some of the dance I've seen in New
York City."
Marty Lanahan,
Jacksonville City President, AmSouth Bank
"The diversity in style was
impressive - the amount of preparation and the resulting
excellence was inspiring."
Mike Weinstein,
Director, Jacksonville Super Bowl Host Committee
"Yvonne's choreography is a refreshing blend of classical
and contemporary dance styles. It is rare to see this
caliber of performing arts here.
Delores Barr Weaver
Chair & CEO, Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation
"The city's artistic
community can only benefit from Arts Triumphant's
energy."
Nick Marino,
Florida Times Union
"Arts Triumphant Dance
Theatre delivered a powerful performance… beyond the
mesmerizing dancing, cutting-edge choreography and
beautiful stage work, Arts Triumphant captured the
audience."
Boaz Dvir,
Editor, The Business Journal
"It gave me a new
impression for what the art of dance can do in being a
medium for expression. The emotions that were triggered
through the music and dance were new to my interpretation
and understanding. Royal Passion was an unexpected
emotional treat. I would hope it could have the same
emotional impact on the city as it had on
me."
Mac MacGehee,
President, Mac Paper