History
Evelyn Le Mone
(1907-2005)
Pasadena Dance Theatre was founded in 1958 by Ms. Evelyn LeMone. From a very early age, Evelyn wanted nothing more to do but dance. Years of training from repeated trips into Los Angeles to study with the top teachers of the time, led to her career as a noted performer, choreographer, and educator. She eventually became the owner of LeMone Ballet Center and Artistic Director of Pasadena Junior Ballet Company, which evolved into what is now Pasadena Dance Theatre. With her vast training in many forms of dance, she developed her own "Free Style Ballet" form, which lead her to be the President of the largest dance teachers association in America, and to a professorship at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts.
Throughout her career, she created full-length ballets with innovative costumes, sets, and strong storylines such as The Emperor's Nightingale, Twelve Dancing Princesses, and her annual Christmas Ballet: The Search for the Bluebird. Evelyn’s exceptional teaching helped many PDT students achieve professional careers in ballet companies, movies, television, and stage work. This strong foundation paved the way for her successors to continue PDT’s commitment to building excellent dance training and community.
Since the 1980's, PDT has presented the timeless holiday classic The Nutcracker at the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. The organization continues to offer year round training and performing opportunities for pre-professionals, professionals, and adults.
​Pasadena Dance Theatre deeply appreciates the dedication and passion of our founder Ms. Evelyn LeMone, our former directors, and all of our faculty, students, and families who have all helped advance our mission "to advance the art of ballet and dance by fostering a respectful, welcoming environment where young people can train, perform, and gain life-long skills. Through professional performances and educational programs, we cultivate resilience, passion, determination, and expression in dancers and movers of all ages and backgrounds".
As we embark on a new chapter, we honor the strong legacy of our institution and welcome our new Artistic Directors Jean Michelle Sayeg and Eric Shah.​ PDT also holds much gratitude for our Alumni who continue to support and participate in the studio they once called home!
