The Georgia Ballet Pays Tribute to Founder Iris Hensley

Marietta native, Iris Hensley, was a woman of passion; a woman with big ideas and dreams. Those who knew Iris knew her as someone who only gave her best, and who wanted the best for the community. That’s exactly what she intended when she formed the Marietta School of Ballet and Marietta Civic Ballet company. “The ballet was to bring quality dance training and performances to a community that had very few such opportunities when she first opened her school. She was truly an arts pioneer in Cobb County and metro Atlanta” said Iris’s son and Board Chairman, Sam Hensley Jr.

In 1980, the organization was established as The Georgia Ballet. Since then, The Georgia Ballet has grown from a few dozen dancers in a small studio on Cherokee street, to a company of 24 professional dancers and 150 students, with a thriving community outreach program.

Iris was a positive influence to many, and was known for demanding a lot from her dancers. “She taught us courage, poise, dedication, and commitment. She taught us to never give less than what we were capable of giving regardless of circumstances.” said Valerie Adams, Iris’s niece and former company dancer.

GAB Artistic Director, Daet Rodriguez, and Ballet Mistress, Margit Peguero, crafted a mixed repertoire production called “Remembering Iris” to close out GAB’s 59th season and kick off the 60th season. This production will include restaging’s of Iris’s choreography including Fantasy, and I Never Saw Another Butterfly. Valerie said, “Fantasy embodies who Iris was and I think it personifies her vision for the company. It is the embodiment of dedication, courage, focus, artistic genius, and passion.” Excerpts from renowned ballets including Les Sylphides and Don Quixote will be included in the performance, as well as new choreography from the artistic staff.

The strengths and artistry of The Georgia Ballet’s company and students will be showcased through this diverse program. “Our current company members bring an athletic, energetic approach to the choreography. Their skill and technique takes the piece to a whole new level” said Rodriguez.

Remembering Iris will run Mar 8-10 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. The sensory friendly performance will be Friday, March 8 at 7 pm. This performance is tailored to children and adults with different visual and auditory sensitivities. Special group rates are available.

Visit www.georgiaballet.org/season for tickets and information on the performance, or call 770-528-0881.