The Georgia Ballet is a non-profit ballet company based in Marietta, Georgia. Founded in 1960 by Iris Hensley, who served as Artistic Director until 2003, it describes itself as one of the oldest non-profit arts organizations in Metro Atlanta and Marietta’s only professional ballet company. The company performs classical works including productions such as The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, and Firebird & Carmen, choreographed by Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez. The organization also presents a Field Trip Series that brings live dance performances to over 10,000 school children in the community.
The Georgia Ballet operates the School of The Georgia Ballet, offering classes for students ages 3 and up in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. Programs include a Primary Division for ages 3–5, a Recreational Division for ages 7–12, and a Pre-Professional Division starting at age 9. The Conservatory program, for dancers ages 10 and older, provides daytime training with opportunities to perform with the professional company and compete at Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition. The school also offers adult classes, a Boys & Men Division, Teen Division, and DanceAbility, a tuition-free program for special needs children ages 6–18.