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Children’s Dance Theatre (CDT), a company of dancers ages 8 to 18, is the major performing arm of the Tanner Dance Program. CDT presents a new work each year with original choreography, music, and costumes at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre and other professional venues throughout Utah. The company has earned state, national, and international recognition, and is the second-oldest performing arts organization in Utah. CDT’s mission is to develop young people into creative problem solvers, powerful performers and compassionate community members, while providing professional and engaging performances for audiences of all ages.

 

Join our legacy of excellence in dance! Our company of nearly 200 dancers participate in our fully produced annual concert at Utah's acclaimed Capitol Theatre along with other  performance opportunities  in professional venues throughout the year. Tanner Dance offers the unique tradition of live musicians in class, and students additionally benefit from original scores for their choreography and collaborating with professional musicians. Our costume shop continues to construct expertly designed costumes to enhance the dancer's experience. CDT dancers have opportunities to travel and perform in conferences around the world. Past tours include Taiwan, Denmark, The Netherlands, Slovenia, Jamaica, Brazil, Canada, New York, Washington DC, and Seattle.

We remain committed to Virginia Tanner's original mission to give students the opportunity to share their own voices through the medium of dance. We have retained our position as an internationally-recognized leader in arts education. Our methodology develops young dancers into engaged adults through creative exploration. CDT is the premiere program for the development of young performing artists.

CDT Calendar

Youth Protection and Background Checks

All adults working with minors are required to complete the online Youth Protection Training prior to volunteering with Tanner Dance. The training will need to be completed each year that you volunteer with us. The University of Utah also requires a background check every 3 years.

To get started with this process, please fill out this form for the 2026-2027 school year here.We will then request a background check form which will be sent to you from application@certiphi.com. We will then add you to our Youth Protection and Program Support (YPPS) system which will send you a link to complete the Safety of Minors training.

You may claim ½ hour of volunteer time for completing the background check through Certiphi and you may also claim ½ hour of volunteer time for completing the Safety of Minors training.

Volunteer Recording System

Volunteer opportunity sign-ups and hours recording are now handled through TrackItForward. The 15 hour requirement will start over each June. Please use the form below to record volunteer hours.

Open Auditions for CDT 2026-2027

Held at Tanner Dance: Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts & Education Complex, 1721 Campus Center Drive, Salt Lake City
Please wear black dance clothes and have hair pulled back. The audition will include a technique class and improvisation.

Monday, April 20
Incoming 7th-8th grade dancers, 6:00 - 7:30 PM: Register HERE
Incoming 9th-12th grade dancers, 7:30 - 9:00 PM: Register HERE

Tuesday, May 12
Incoming 2nd grade dancers, 6:30 - 7:20 PM:

Wednesday, May 13
Incoming 3rd-6th grade dancers, 4:30 - 5:30 PM: Register HERE

Your donations help support the Children's Dance Theatre