Remembering Alabama Dance Theatre founder Kitty Seale

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Kitty Seale, founder and longtime director of the Alabama Dance Theatre, died Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

Seale, known as Miss Kitty to her dancers, impacted thousands of dancers over the course of more than 30 years as a teacher, choreographer and director.

“We learned time management, we learned dedication, we learned a love for this art form, and she instilled that in all of us,” said former dancer Janie Alford.

Kitty Seale, known as Miss Kitty to her dancers, impacted thousands of dancers over the course... — Kitty Seale, known as Miss Kitty to her dancers, impacted thousands of dancers over the course of more than 30 years as a teacher, choreographer and director.((Source: Alabama Dance Theatre))

A Montgomery native and graduate of Lanier High School and Sweet Briar College, Seale was elected to the Lanier Hall of Fame in 1997 and is a 2013 Alabama Governor's Arts Award Recipient.

Seale founded the Alabama Dance Theater in 1986, emphasizing serious training for the pre-professional dancer.

In 2011, WSFA spotlighted Seale’s work with ADT. Seale told Reporter Bryan Henry ADT and teaching was her life’s mission and her calling.

“I have always loved ballet and dance. It was always a dream of mine to be a teacher," Seale said.

ADT’s award-winning company focuses not only on the 19th century classics but also new modern and contemporary works. Seale choreographed several works for ADT as well as other companies in the state and region.

Kitty Seale, known as Miss Kitty to her dancers, impacted thousands of dancers over the course... — Kitty Seale, known as Miss Kitty to her dancers, impacted thousands of dancers over the course of more than 30 years as a teacher, choreographer and director.((Source: Alabama Dance Theatre))

The Alabama Dance Theatre posted about Seale's passing on Facebook saying "She leaves behind a legacy that will be continued onwards and upwards. Miss Kitty's light will never truly be extinguished because she has a left a shining beacon in her wake."

“This house will not crumble it has very strong roots and we will continue on thanks to the foundation Kitty Seale laid at the Alabama Dance Theatre,” said Alford.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Cloverdale on Friday. Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Ms. Seale’s family requests that donations be sent to the Alabama Dance Theatre, 1018 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 or Stegall Seminary Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 241661, Montgomery, AL 36124.

Copyright 2019 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.