It all began in Chicago's Historic Bronzeville neighborhood. Sammy Vashon Dyer's desire to train dancers of color led to the beginning of The Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre (SDST), offering "low cost" dance instruction. Sammy, a renowned choreographer, stage show producer, and tap dancer/instructor opened his studio in 1933 at 34th and Michigan. Dance classes in tap, ballet, acrobatics and jazz were taught in a one room studio.
In 1950, Mr. Dyer created "The Dyerettes", which was the first African American female dance troupe of its kind. The Dyerettes experienced prejudices and segregation of their era, however, despite these challenges, THE DYERETTES PREVAILED! They toured internationally and opened shows for such great entertainers as Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, and Sarah Vaughn. Additionally, The Dyerettes opened for shows at the historic Regal Theatre on 47th Street in Bronzeville. These shows were choreographed by Sammy Dyer.
The Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre operated for many years on 34th and Michigan, then relocated to 21st and Michigan, which was then the Chest Recording Studio, then to 27th and Michigan in the old Firestone Bldg, and finally to 2411 S. Michigan.
Per Mr. Dyer's request, the school was passed to Shirley Hall Bass, upon his demise. Shirley was a Dyerette and a pioneer in the establishment of the SDST Bahamian Cultural Exchange in 1968. At the death of Miss Bass, the school was placed under the directorship of Dyerette, Muriel Foster, who continued the traditions of Mr. Dyer until her retirement in 2020.
The school is currently in its 92nd year, offering classes at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 47th and King Drive, under the direction of Elaine Blair.
Throughout the years, many staff and students of SDST have made great accomplishments in dance and theatre including performing with Gregory Hines and Savion Glover and in performances such as "Motown in Motion", "Show Boat", and "Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk".
Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre has a large variety of classes for every skill level from beginner to professional. Whether you are interested in a career in dance or looking to have some fun through a great form of exercise, we have a class that’s right for you.
