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press releases

July 5, 2010
The Georgia Ballet Adds Theresa Lee Crawford to School Faculty

Theresa Lee Crawford MARIETTA, GEORGIA - The Georgia Ballet announced the addition of Theresa Lee Crawford to its teaching faculty for the 2010-2011 academic year. Ms. Crawford is an expert in the famous ballet syllabus developed by her aunt, Marcia Dale Weary, founder of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB). CPYB alumni populate most American professional ballet companies, as well as many international companies. Ms. Crawford was a permanent member of the CPYB faculty for twelve years, where her gentle but strongly persistent classroom manner and her attention to technical detail became a trademark of her style. She will teach ballet classes to Georgia Ballet students ranging in skill level from beginner to advanced, ages 6-18, as well as inaugurate a special Intensive Program for 8- and 9- year olds, membership in which will be by audition, only.“This is a truly exciting development for The Georgia Ballet,” said Artistic Director Gina Hyatt-Mazon. “Ms. Crawford has personally trained countless students who have gone on to professional careers in dance. Her specialty in training children between the ages of 7 and 12 is especially noteworthy. Our new Intensive Program will be a ground-breaking resource for younger dancers interested in maximizing their skills.”

Ms. Crawford joins a stellar staff led by international stars Gina Hyatt-Mazon and Janusz Mazon, both former principal artists of John Neumeier’s Hamburg Ballet of Germany. Ms. Hyatt-Mazon has been artistic director of The Georgia Ballet since 2003; Mr. Mazon is the company’s ballet master and resident choreographer.

Founded in 1960, the school has risen dramatically in status since the arrival of Ms. Hyatt-Mazon and Mr. Mazon. The first graduate of its Boys Scholarship Program, Zachary Clark of Powder Springs, Georgia, will join the Hamburg Ballet for its 2010 season as an Apprentice. Two other boys, aged 14, will study on full scholarship this summer at the School of American Ballet in New York City and the Boston Ballet. Other students have been accepted and offered scholarships to the 2010 summer programs at American Ballet Theatre (New York City), San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, Orlando Ballet, the Kirov Academy (Washington, DC) and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Theresa Crawford

“The addition of Ms. Crawford to the already proven team assembled by Gina Hyatt-Mazon and Janusz Mazon establishes The Georgia Ballet as a destination school for any young dancer,” claims School Director Michele Ziemann-DeVos. “The Georgia Ballet is the school of choice for students who wish to make the arts a career, as well as any student whose goals are to explore his/her personal potential and love of movement and who wishes to be inspired by teachers who represent the pinnacle of dance education.”

Parents interested in enrolling their children in The Georgia Ballet school should contact their offices by calling (770) 528-0881. For information visit www.georgiaballet.org.

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The Georgia Ballet, comprised of a professional dance company and a dance school, was founded in 1960. The Georgia Ballet’s mission is to promote excellence in ballet performance and training, foster an increased public awareness and appreciation for dance, and provide dedicated and talented dancers with the opportunity for advanced level training and professional performance venues.

Photo Credit: Rosalie O'Connor

June 16, 2010
Cooking with Class: A Special Fundraising Event for The Georgia Ballet

MARIETTA, GEORGIA - The Georgia Ballet concludes its annual Appetite for Ballet fundraising series with a special event hosted by local celebrity chef and author Johnnie Gabriel. Cooking with Class, led by Gabriel and her team of talented chefs, will be held at Gabriel’s Desserts in Marietta on Sunday, June 27th. Guests will participate in a cooking class from 4:30 – 6:00pm and mingle over appetizers on the outdoor patio before enjoying a full dinner from the evening’s culinary creations.

The Georgia Ballet’s Appetite for Ballet fundraising series began in 2008 with the mission to raise local awareness and support for the organization’s educational and artistic programs. The events are hosted by members of The Georgia Ballet’s board of trustees and friends of the organization. Cooking with Class represents a perfect blending of artistry from the kitchen and the dance stage.

Gabriel’s relationship with the Ballet began last year when she made a guest appearance in A Dancing Duet, a special performance of The Georgia Ballet’s The Nutcracker to support the organization’s collaborative fundraiser with The Center for Family Resources.

"I am so excited to be working with and supporting the talented folks at The Georgia Ballet,” says Gabriel, “My experience as a guest dancer with them in The Nutcracker last December afforded me a glimpse of the dedicated professionals we are fortunate enough to have in our community. I am certainly not a dancer, but I am a cook and love to entertain. I'm thrilled to be able to support the dance community and do the things that I love to do at the same time. We'll launch our cooking classes at Gabriel's in the fall....this will be a great warm-up for us while benefitting our own true artists!"

Limited quantity tickets for Cooking with Class are available for $75.00. InInformation about the event can be found online at www.georgiaballet.org or by calling 770-528-0881. Reservations accepted until Wednesday, June 23rd.

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The Georgia Ballet, comprised of a professional dance company and a dance school, was founded in 1960. The Georgia Ballet’s mission is to promote excellence in ballet performance and training, foster an increased public awareness and appreciation for dance, and provide dedicated and talented dancers with the opportunity for advanced level training and professional performance venues.

March 23, 2010
Students at The Georgia Ballet School Receive Over $27,000 In Scholarships To Prestigious Dance Summer Programs

MARIETTA, GEORGIA – Fifteen students from The Georgia Ballet School were invited to train with nationally recognized ballet programs this summer. The dancers are current students in The Georgia Ballet’s school program and study under the direction and guidance of Artistic Director Gina Hyatt-Mazon and Ballet Master Janusz zon (both former principal artists of Hamburg Ballet under the direction of John Neumeier) and School Director Michele Ziemann-DeVos. The student dancers received the scholarships based on merit.

The Georgia Ballet, founded in 1960 by Iris Hensley, is a non-profit organization that offers professional ballet performances, a school of the highest caliber for the metropolitan Atlanta area, and an outstanding Arts in Education outreach program. Serious students study ballet between five and six days a week from August to May and commit themselves to mastering a rigorous and demanding program.

Each summer, intermediate and advanced students are encouraged to use their time off from school to focus even more intensively on their dancing. Many supplement their regular training with summer programs at nationally renowned ballet schools. These intensive programs range in length from three to six weeks, during which the serious young dancer often trains eight hours a day.

The students from The Georgia Ballet were hand selected by such prestigious schools and summer programs as: American Ballet Theatre (New York City Program), Boston Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell, Houston Ballet, Interlochen – Dance Program, Kirov Academy, Orlando Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and the School of American Ballet (the official school of the New York City Ballet).

The fifteen students that will attend the summer programs from The Georgia Ballet School are: Andrea Benitez, Samantha Blake, Sophia Blake, Matthew Brague, Austin Carter, Cara Cook, Constance Doyle, Jenny Hawk, Emilie Mazon, Sarah Otto, Erin Robinson, Alexandra Sams, Josiah Savage, Alexandria Szabo, and Elizabeth Tenoschok. A selection of these students have received partial and even full scholarships to the dance programs. The scholarships are based and awarded on merit and accomplishment.

For more information about The Georgia Ballet, The Georgia Ballet School, and various Arts in Education programs, call 770-528-0881 or visit www.georgiaballet.org.

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The Georgia Ballet, comprised of a professional dance company and a dance school, was founded in 1960. The Georgia Ballet’s mission is to promote excellence in ballet performance and training, foster an increased public awareness and appreciation for dance, and provide dedicated and talented dancers with the opportunity for advanced level training and professional performance venues.

March 12, 2010
Let's Dance! A New Program to Keep Kids Active Through Dance

MARIETTA, GEORGIA – The Georgia Ballet announces a new free program to keep kids active through the art of dance. “Let’s Dance!” follows the national initiative to ensure that our country’s children lead healthy and longer lives. “Let’s Dance!” is a dance lesson that is free of charge for local schools and created specifically to encourage children to get fit and stay active.

It’s more important than ever for our nation’s children to stay active and moving. Childhood obesity rates are growing every day. What’s the best way to keep your kids active? Supply them with fun activities that increase their health and wellness. Health is a habit, and if we can start that habit early, they will live healthier lives!

Local children can benefit from this revolution! The Georgia Ballet has been established as the finest in ballet training in Cobb County for 50 years. Founded by Marietta native Iris Hensley, we continue to pursue her dream of the art of dance reaching everyone, both young and old. The Georgia Ballet is led by Artistic Director Gina Hyatt-Mazon, world renowned ballerina and former principal artist of Hamburg Ballet. Under her guidance The Georgia Ballet provides Cobb County with the ultimate in artistic achievement both on the stage and at The Georgia Ballet School.

The Georgia Ballet is now offering local schools a great opportunity! Professional instructors are ready to come into pre-schools, Montessori schools, and more to teach a dance lesson for students: free of charge! Students will be a “dancer for a day” as they experience the joy ofbeing active and moving to music.

“This program is only a small part of our effort to broaden the reach of ballet in our community” said Michele Ziemann-DeVos, Executive Director of The Georgia Ballet. “It is so important to ensure that the young generations are active. Whether they decide to pursue dance training further or not, even a half hour of activity and movement can make a big difference”.

Schools that choose to take advantage of “Let’s Dance” will have the first opportunity to continue the program for a nominal fee at their location. For more information on “Let’s Dance” contact The Georgia Ballet at 770-528-0881 or visit www.georgiaballet.org.

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The Georgia Ballet, comprised of a professional dance company and a dance school, was founded in 1960.The Georgia Ballet’s mission is to promote excellence in ballet performance and training, foster an increasedpublic awareness and appreciation for dance, and provide dedicated and talented dancers with theopportunity for advanced level training and professional performance venues.

January 18, 2010 Spectrum: Mythos, An Evening of New Works to Support New Fundraising Initiative for The Georgia Ballet

MARIETTA, GEORGIA – Join The Georgia Ballet for an incredible evening of extraordinary performances that showcases the professional company in contemporary and inventive new choreography! Spectrum: Mythos, An Evening of New Works will be presented Friday, February 5th and Saturday, February 6th at 7 p.m., and takes place at The Georgia Ballet studios in Marietta.

The evenings include a one hour dance showcase performance, live music, food and drink, and a silent auction. Spectrum: Mythos, An Evening of New Works will support a new Georgia Ballet fundraiser initiative called “Keep Us Dancing” to support The Georgia Ballet professional dancers. The initiative’s goal includes raising money to support the activities, compensation and pointe shoe fund for the talented company dancers. Join hands with The Georgia Ballet and the Cobb community to keep our beautiful dancers "on their toes"!

The performance is a true arts collaboration and includes new pieces from choreographers all over the metro area. The evening includes showcase performances from choreographer Min Kim, the Assistant Professor of Dance at Kennesaw State University, Joanna Brooks of Brooks and Company Dance in Atlanta, Lynne Brague, esteemed faculty member at The Georgia Ballet, and The Georgia Ballet’s own resident choreographer Janusz Mazon. The evening’s works round out with pieces by local choreographers and The Georgia Ballet professional company members, as well as a performance by Kennesaw State University Dance Department students.

Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction benefit The Georgia Ballet, a non-profit professional arts organization in Cobb County. The silent auction will be held both evenings. Tickets are $15 each in advance or $17 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online for no extra fee at www.georgiaballet.org or by calling 770-528-0881. Spectrum: Mythos, An Evening of New Works will be held at The Georgia Ballet studios at 1255 Field Parkway, Marietta, GA. For more information please call 770-528-0881.

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The Georgia Ballet, comprised of a professional dance company and a dance school, was founded in 1960. The Georgia Ballet’s mission is to promote excellence in ballet performance and training, foster an increased public awareness and appreciation for dance, and provide dedicated and talented dancers with the opportunity for advanced level training and professional performance venues.

November 4, 2009

The Georgia Ballet Presents the 50^th Anniversary Season

MARIETTA, GEORGIA - The Georgia Ballet will fill your heart with glee this holiday season with their production of The Nutcracker December 4^th-6^th at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta, GA. This colorful production will brighten your spirits and send you on a memorable journey with Clara and her Nutcracker.

The Nutcracker features original choreography by Iris Hensley, the founder of The Georgia Ballet which is now celebrating its 50^th anniversary. This delightful performance will have you hypnotized with all of the dancing snowflakes, angels and the energetic holiday music that we all know and love. This holiday favorite is the perfect gift for all ages, and remains a timeless tradition.

The Georgia Ballet will hold performances of The Nutcracker on Friday December 4^th at 7:30, Saturday, December 5^th at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30. Performances continue on Sunday with a matinee at 1:30 p.m. All of these performances will be held at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta. Join us on the stage after the Saturday matinee for a dance class like no other: Mrs. Claus Teaches Ballet! Bring your little ones to spin like snowflakes and march like toy soldiers with Mrs. Santa Claus. This event is free with admission, but reservations are required.

In addition to The Nutcracker, The Georgia Ballet will help raise money for families in need by hosting A Dancing Duet: An Evening in Support of Dance and Families with The Center for Family Resources. The event is a momentous collaboration based around The Georgia Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. The evening will begin with a special performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 6^th at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception for select ticket holders. The event co-chairs are Robin Moore, Board Member of The Georgia Ballet and Naomi Smith, Board Member of The Center for Family Resources.

For this one special performance only, The Georgia Ballet will have guest appearances by several local celebrities making their dancing debut. They include: CNN Newsroom Anchor Tony Harris, President of Southern Polytechnic State University Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, Cobb County Commissioner Tim Lee, renowned chef and author Johnnie Gabriel. All proceeds from the event go to benefit The Georgia Ballet and The Center for Family Resources.

Limited quantity tickets for A Dancing Duet: An Evening in Support of Dance and Families will be available for $50 and $75. Included in the $75 Angel Section ticket is an invitation to the Crepes & Champagne post-performance reception at The Mansour Center immediately following the performance.

To find out about tickets and prices for The Nutcracker as well as information about A Dancing Duet: An Evening in Support of Dance and Families call The Georgia Ballet office at 770-528-0881 or visit www.georgiaballet.org.

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The Georgia Ballet, comprised of a professional dance company and a dance school, was founded in 1960. The Georgia Ballet’s mission is to promote excellence in ballet performance and training, foster an increased public awareness and appreciation for dance, and provide dedicated and talented dancers with the opportunity for advanced level training and professional performance venues.

Founded in 1960, CFR has helped thousands of low-income families with employment, education, and housing services; leadership development programs; mentoring opportunities; and temporary financial and food assistance. Guided by organizational values of Family, Integrity, Results, Service and Teamwork, the staff at CFR is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by helping families acquire the resources they need to become independent and self-sufficient.

October 23, 2009
The Georgia Ballet to begin 50th Season
Marietta Daily Journal

MARIETTA - The Georgia Ballet kicks off its 50th anniversary season on Saturday and Sunday with the production of "A Sleepy Hollow Story," based on the classic American tale, in the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at Marietta's Cobb Civic Center.

Originally premiering in 2006, "A Sleepy Hollow Story" has been one of the Marietta-based ballet company's most popular productions. Based on Washington Irving's folktale, it features choreography by resident choreographer Janusz Mazon. "Enigmatic Tangos," a new work by Mazon, as well as the Spanish-themed classic, "Paquita," will be on the same bill as "A Sleepy Hollow Story" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Georgia Ballet, composed of a professional dance company and a dance school, was founded in 1960 as the Cobb/Marietta Ballet. Inspired by her love of dance, Marietta native Iris Hensley was its founder.

Hensley served as its artistic director until she died in August 2003. She received her training in Atlanta, New York, Washington, D.C., and with the National Ballet of Canada. She had a noted and varied background as a dancer, teacher and choreographer.

Hensley was a visionary, said her friend, Joan Harrell of Marietta, a ballet board member for 24 years. Hensley saw a need for the Marietta area to have its own ballet company, Harrell said.

"I've seen it go from practically no board members and no money, to a thriving company and school today," Harrell said. "I'm so proud of how the ballet has come this far."

Michele Ziemann-Devos, the company's executive director, said the ballet has survived for 50 years because of the sheer passion and commitment of its artistic leadership, staff, faculty and artists.

Ziemann-Devos, Janusz Mazon and current Artistic Director Gina Hyatt-Mazon, all worked with Hensley.

"Founder Iris Hensley's devotion to and belief in the empowerment that great art - and great art education - can endow to an individual, as well as a community, is alive and well here at the ballet," said Ziemann-Devos, who's been with the company for 13 years.

Patti Pearlberg, wife of Marietta City Councilman Van Pearlberg, is a ballet board member. The Atlanta native said she took ballet classes until high school and considers herself a "longtime ballet aficionado."

"It's grown out of a sense of how important I think it is to expose our children to the arts," she said of her interest.

The nonprofit Georgia Ballet is made up of a regional professional ballet company of 15 dancers from around the country and a school. It also boasts arts in education outreach programs that serve 17,000 Cobb and metro Atlanta students each year, said Ziemann-Devos. It operates with an annual budget of $750,000. It was honored as one of four metro Atlanta arts organizations to receive a $75,000 grant from the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund this year.

Mark and Cindy Jamerson of Dallas are season ticket holders who have sent their 11-year-old daughter, Jody, to Georgia Ballet classes since she was 6.

"She absolutely loves it," Cindy Jamerson said.

She said Jody, an upper school student, will be performing as a schoolgirl and village child in "A Sleepy Hollow Story."

The company is also bringing back "The Nutcracker," for the holidays (Dec. 4 through Dec. 6). The Dec. 6 performance will be a joint fundraiser with the Center for Family Resources. Cobb Commissioner Tim Lee, Southern Polytechnic State University President Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, celebrated chef Johnnie Gabriel and CNN anchor Tony Harris will take the stage to raise funds for the CFR and ballet. A season bonus in February is "Spectrum," an annual fundraiser run by the professional dancers of the Georgia Ballet.

Show tickets can be purchased on the Georgia Ballet's Web site at www.georgiaballet.org or calling the office at (770) 528-0881.

October 8, 2009
The Georgia Ballet and The Center for Family Resources Announce A Dancing Duet: A Collaboration to Benefit Families and the Arts Featuring Atlanta Celebrities

MARIETTA, GEORGIA - The Georgia Ballet and The Center for Family Resources announce a special fundraising event in celebration of each organization’s 50th anniversary. A Dancing Duet: An Evening in Support of Dance and Families will be held on December 6th at 5:30 pm at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center, and will feature Atlanta area celebrities dancing and twirling on stage with members of The Georgia Ballet.

The event, A Dancing Duet: An Evening in Support of Dance and Families, is a momentous collaboration based around The Georgia Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. The evening will begin with a special performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception for select ticket holders.

For this one special performance only, The Georgia Ballet will have guest appearances by several local celebrities making their dancing debut. They include: CNN Newsroom Anchor Tony Harris, President of Southern Polytechnic State University Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, Cobb County Commissioner Tim Lee, renowned chef and author Johnnie Gabriel, and others soon to be announced! All proceeds from the event go to benefit The Georgia Ballet and The Center for Family Resources.

“I am honored to be invited to be part of this special event. My last ballet performance was in fourth grade, and I never imagined I'd have a chance to dance with such a prestigious company as The Georgia Ballet”, said Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, celebrity participant with A Dancing Duet. “The Nutcracker is a wonderful tradition, and being able to help support both The Georgia Ballet and The Center for Family Resources is particularly special. This event fits especially well with a time of year that is associated with giving and with family”.

Both non-profit organizations are very excited about the new collaboration. Most importantly, they hope to provide the community and patrons with a marvelous holiday experience, filled with toy soldiers, dancing candies, waltzing snowflakes, and magical dreams, all while sharing their vision of important community, family, and arts activism.

“It is so momentous that The Georgia Ballet and The Center for Family Resources are both celebrating our fiftieth anniversaries! The significance of each of our milestones cannot be overstated, “said Michele Ziemann-DeVos, the Executive Director of The Georgia Ballet. “We have each been joyfully and passionately serving our communities for a long, long time. We look forward to dancing with our stars and celebrating together with CFR to support the important work in which we both engage!”

“We are excited about this unique opportunity to collaborate with The Georgia Ballet and celebrate five decades of work in this community”, said Jeri Barr, CEO of The Center for Family Resources. “Our services have become ever critical in this economy and this collaboration will serve to support the efforts of CFR and the wonderful arts programs offered by The Georgia Ballet.”

Limited quantity tickets for A Dancing Duet: An Evening in Support of Dance and Families will be available for $50 and $75. Included in the $75 Angel Section ticket is an invitation to the Crepes & Champagne post-performance reception at The Mansour Center immediately following the performance. The performance will take place at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb County Civic Center.

June 12, 2009
Antique 1920’s Baby Grand Piano Donated to The Georgia Ballet

MARIETTA, GEORGIA – The Georgia Ballet received a wonderful surprise in June when an antique baby grand piano arrived at the ballet studios. The piano will be used in the largest studio during classes for students and professional dancers. The stunning antique piano was donated in May by Mr. Gerald and Callie Lynch of Atlanta, Georgia.

Mr. Lynch works for UBS Financial Services in Atlanta. The couple was introduced to The Georgia Ballet through The Georgia Ballet Guild President Keith Miller, and after witnessing the uncommon grace and discipline of the school’s students in their annual recital, decided that The Georgia Ballet would be the perfect home for their beloved piano.

“This is an incredible gift to The Georgia Ballet”, said Michele Ziemann-DeVos, the Executive Director of the organization. “To dance to the music made possible by this wonderful instrument is an opportunity that most ballet students never have the chance to experience. Live music in the ballet classroom is part of an elite dance education, and will add to the value of the exceptional training they receive here.”

The piano was made by J.C. Fischer of New York. J.C. Fischer is one of the oldest and most respected piano makers in the United States. The maker is noted for their qualities of simplicity and grace in the case design. The piano now residing at The Georgia Ballet is a circa 1920’s art case piano, which was the J.C Fischer company’s special product.

The Georgia Ballet staff accompanist, Tara Briner, particularly enjoys the new piano. The day after it arrived, she was ushered into the studio to view the piano as a complete surprise. “The joy on her face was evident when she saw the new addition to our studios”, said Gina Hyatt-Mazon, the Artistic Director of The Georgia Ballet. “We cannot thank Mr. Lynch and his family enough for such a thoughtful donation”.

Georgia Ballet students are now enjoying the full benefits of the beautiful piano. Students and professional dancers alike are turning and leaping to the accompaniment of the harmonious instrument during the summer programs at the school which run until August 14.

June 9, 2009
The Georgia Ballet Announces 50th Anniversary Season

MARIETTA, GEORGIA – The Georgia Ballet is pleased and excited to announce its 50^th Anniversary Season. In celebration of the 50^th Anniversary, the company is bringing back one of its most popular ballets, A Sleepy Hollow Story, as well as the timeless classic, The Nutcracker.

Kicking off the season in October is the return of the highly successful A Sleepy Hollow Story, with choreography by Janusz Mazon. Originally premiered in the 2006-2007 season, A Sleepy Hollow Story is based on the American folktale by Washington Irving. When schoolmaster Ichabod Crane arrives in town, strange things begin to happen in the quiet village of Sleepy Hollow. Mr. Mazon’s choreography comes to life in this bewitching adaptation that children, parents, and arts aficionados will all enjoy. A Sleepy Hollow Story will be performed on the same bill as the fiery, Spanish themed classic, Paquita, as well as a new work by Janusz Mazon. Performances are October 24^th at 7:30pm and October 25^th at 2pm.

The Georgia Ballet will ring in the holidays with their adaptation of The Nutcracker. The Georgia Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker features dancing snowflakes, giant toy soldiers, a growing Christmas tree, and a delectable Land of the Sweets. The Nutcracker features choreography by Iris Hensley, the founder of The Georgia Ballet.

“This is a very special year for us to be performing Iris’ timeless version of such a beloved story and tradition”, said Gina Hyatt-Mazon, the Artistic Director of The Georgia Ballet. “We are so honored to be celebrating 50 years of quality arts education and performances. Performing for our audiences on stage presents the perfect opportunity for us to share our love of what Iris brought to life so many years ago.” The Nutcracker will be performed December 4^th-6^th at the Jennie T. Anderson theatre at the Cobb Civic Center.

A special season bonus in February is Spectrum, an annual fundraiser run by the professional dancers of The Georgia Ballet. Original works are premiered every year, and the performances conclude with a silent auction and refreshments. More information about Spectrum will be available on the website in the coming months.

Tickets for all performances go on sale August 17^th, 2009. Tickets can be purchased by visiting The Georgia Ballet website at www.georgiaballet.org, or by calling the office at 770-528-0881. The first two performances in the series take place at Cobb County Civic Center’s Jennie T. Anderson Theatre located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060. $15.00 Rush tickets will be available at the door the day of the show to all college students who present their ID.