The Sumter Civic Dance Company
was established for the purpose of providing
entertaining and educational activities for the citizens of Sumter and the surrounding areas through performances and demonstrations. Since 1979, originally known as the Freed Spirits Dance Theaters, the dance company has trained and included over 150 members who have shared their love, talent, and youthful enthusiasm for the arts with thousands of people locally and across the entire United States. Performing members are selected by audition regardless of race, socio-economic status, gender, religion or national origin. Non-performing members consist of individuals who request membership and who actively support the enhancement of the arts and the dance company. To its credit, The Sumter Civic Dance Company has expanded its duties by reaching out to children in several after-school programs such as the YMCA to expose them to the art of movement. The dance company is one of the few dance companies in the state to be asked to perform at the world-renowned Spoleto in Charleston, SC. They also have the distinct honor of being on the prestigious Artists in Education roster, sponsored by the South Carolina Arts Commission, which enables all of the Sumter Civic Dance Company members to teach and perform in South Carolina Public Schools.