The best, most respectable studio in town; 6 years in, and we've recruited {almost} all our friends....working on the rest. With a team of experienced and professional instructors, CDT educates their students in not only the art of various types of dance, but how to model courtesy, respect, teamwork, leadership, poise, class, and grace. Offering 2 recitals each year, they prepare their dancers to showcase their talents, perform with other artists throughout the school, and offer an amazing experience for the captive audience. Graduating CDT dancers have carried on to fulfill professional dance and cheer careers, as well as return as instructors to carry on the talent. Releve' Dance Co, exclusive study room for all dancers, summer classes also available, and so much more; this place has thought of it all. Honestly, hands-down the absolute best dance program with the most affordable costs in town; we've tried - simply no studio better. read more

I have been a dancer/dance teacher for almost 25 years and both of my kids dance at CDT (my older for 7+ years). We were lucky to stumble upon CDT after a couple other experiences with studios in the area and have been so happy since! The director is talented, patient and genuinely cares for each and every child at her studio. The instructors are top notch, producing choreography that teaches technique and skill but is also very entertaining to watch (at BOTH recitals) and fun for the kids to perform. My children have always felt comfortable approaching their teachers with any questions or issues they might have. The studio is clean, the dance floors are high quality and the atmosphere is warm and very family friendly! We are so grateful to have this wonderful studio in our area and I always recommend it to friends looking for a great dance experience for their children! read more

CDT offers training year round that is progressive from year to year . Dance is a performance art therefore we perform 2 recitals a year . Venues and staff have costs therefore we charge a fee to cover said costs. Our training and technique classes ensure our dancers are able to learn choreography quickly and perfect them. With grounded technique taught in all classes, technique can be refined , dynamics perfected and the right performance quality found. To quote the great Alvin Ailey " making dances is an act of progress;it is an act of growth, an act of music, an act of teaching,an act of celebration, an act of joy" We pride ourselves as being very approachable and appreciate any input that can help us perfect our program. After 20 years in business in Salem we are always available to our clients and excel in customer service. read more

CDT (City Dance Theater) has been my daughter's home away from home for the past 7 years. She will be starting her 8th year dancing with CDT in the fall. The staff is amazing and friendly to work with. The recitals are stunning. I look forward to recital every year to see what changes have been made to the winter recital, to what theme will be the spring recital. I love how they let the dancers be dancers. They learn at the age & skill level they are at. My daughter has learned so much over the time she has been at CDT. She is confident, she is graceful, but most importantly her love for dance has only grown because of Zoe and her staff. I have never had a negative experience at CDT. I highly recommend them to anyone. read more

CDT has been our second home. I started searching for dance lessons when my then 3-yr old begged for them. We tried numerous studios in the Salem area, but it wasn't until we walked into CDT that I found a place a felt would nurture my daughter's spirit as well as give her training that was age appropriate. Fifteen years later, I am beyond grateful for everything the teachers and dance community at CDT have poured into my dancer. They have gifted her not only with a solid dance training, but a healthy body image, a strong character, a community of friends, poise, a team spirit, and an excellent work ethic. Oh, and a shelf full of dance awards. CDT is the one place I know that you will get way more than you pay for. read more

My daughters left a different studio to dance at CDT after 5 years of dancing elsewhere. Moving to CDT was the best move we could have made. The owner and other teachers are great instructors and even better human beings. Not only are my girls learning a ton about dance, but they are also learning about self-discipline, respect for themselves and others, and compassion. The environment is so supportive of the dancers; the older girls act as mentors to the younger girls and model hard work and a "team" mentality. I love that there is a focus on strength and power as dancers, not size and thiness. We love it here. read more

We LOVE CDT!!! We had a poor experience at another local studio, and put ballet on hold for a couple of years. When we started at CDT, both of my girls fit right in and loved it immediately! We have been at CDT for almost 2 years and have not had a single negative experience! I love that CDT provides a safe, family-friendly environment for my daughters while they spend their time at the studio. The teachers are not only knowledgeable, but they genuinely care for their students! We will be at CDT as long as my girls want to continue dancing!! read more

It is so hard to express in words or stars the experiences my children have been able to experience at CDT. It has been a great place for their technique and passion to grow. In a lot of ways their dance peers and teachers have become their second family! My favorite part of dancing with CDT is how much the teachers take a personal interest in each child as an individual. They allow them to push themselves and come alongside them encouraging and teaching them more! I could not ask for a better studio to watch them grow in! read more

My eight-year-old daughter has been dancing here for several years. When she first expressed an interest in dancing I was concerned, after seeing sensationalized and trashy shows like Dance Moms, that the dancing would not be age-appropriate. Have no concerns on that front. Zoe, the owner and lead instructor, clearly cares for the welfare of her students. This is echoed by the rest of her staff. It's clear that this is a fostering environment as the older students care for and shepherd the younger ones. read more

My daughter has been dancing with CDT for 7 years. Not only has she received excellent instruction, but the studio is a very family like environment. I was a dancer and so we tried several schools in town before falling in love with CDT. She enjoys attending classes 12 hours a week, having made friends there and I love that she has instructors who care about her personally as well as a student. I highly recommend CDT to anyone looking for excellent instruction and a caring environment. read more

There isn't a better dance studio that CDT! My daughter has been dancing with CDT for three years and I can't imagine finding another dance studio that is more professional and caring. Every single teacher my daughter has been amazing. Zoe and her crew are incredible!!! Not only has my daughter made friends with other dancers her age, the amount of mentoring that the older dancers give the younger dancers is heart-warming. CDT is a family and I am proud to be a member. read more

I love hearing the owner speak. She could say "dirty sock" and make it sound lovely. Because Miss Zoe is lovely. She shapes and molds children into graceful and disciplined little children. I've had the pleasure to work with her though my Non Profit Volunteering through the Miss Marion Polk Scholarship Program. So many of my friends, clients, and peers also give her 5 stars. She deserves a sixth star! Thank you Miss Zoe!!!! read more

My daughter has been dancing at CDT for 7 years. Zoe and the other dedicated, professional instructors, have fostered in her a passion for dance, as well as the life skills of discipline, teamwork and accountability. I can say from experience that CDT is the best studio in the Salem-Keizer area and we gladly plan on sending our child there for the next 7 years, at her adamant request. read more

I've known Zoe for almost 20 years. She used to work at McNary teaching theatre students how to dance in shows. She has taught my daughter for almost 5 years now and I could not be more blessed to have such an amazing woman helping guide my little girl to her passion. I don't think you'll find a more dedicated group than those that teach at CDT. read more

My daughter has been a student at CDT for 12 years. The studio has been her second home. Dance has taught her to persevere and the many great teachers we have to thank for that. The director, Zoe, is a wonderful teacher, business woman, mentor and friend. Highly recommend!!! read more

My daughter has been dancing at Zoe's studio for 7 years. We absolutely love the staff. She has developed such confidence in herself thanks to the encouragement and guidance of the instructors here. We love CDT!!! read more

being at city dance theatre has been such a blessing for our daughter...she just loves it and its her absolute passion...we adore the teachers too...overall amazing place!! read more

CDT is the best! Great instructors, great families, we are so happy to have found this dance studio. We look forward to being a CDT family for many years to come. read more