Bringing Ballet to Life for Columbus

The Columbus Ballet creates unforgettable performances that celebrate the artistry of classical dance. By working with classically trained local dancers and partnering with leading arts organizations in Columbus, Georgia — including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Voices of the Valley, and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus — we elevate the cultural landscape of our city through the power of collaboration and performance.

We’re committed to making ballet accessible and inspiring for all in the community. From full-stage productions to community outreach and workshops, The Columbus Ballet nurtures a love for the performing arts across generations.

What We Do:

• Provide high-quality ballet educational experiences and performances featuring talented local dancers and professionals from around the world

• Collaborate with fellow arts organizations to enrich the cultural life of Columbus

• Host dance workshops and participate in outreach programs that engage and inspire our community

Why It Matters:

The Columbus Ballet is where classical dance meets community. Whether you're attending a performance, supporting the arts, or introducing someone to ballet for the first time — you’re helping keep the spirit of dance alive in Columbus.

Our History: A Legacy of Dance in the Chattahoochee Valley

The Columbus Ballet traces its roots back to 1994, when Maria Hirsch and Beth Griffin (now with Arizona Ballet) founded The Ballet Workshop, a privately-owned ballet school dedicated to reviving interest in classical dance across the Chattahoochee Valley. Just two years later, in 1996, the founders staged the region’s first full-length production of The Nutcracker in a generation — an ambitious and inspiring performance that would become a beloved annual tradition. They followed this with a repeat performance in 1997 and a spring repertory in 1998 that featured excerpts from iconic ballets Giselle and Swan Lake. That same year, The Ballet Workshop transitioned into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and officially became The Columbus Ballet.

In 2002, The Columbus Ballet partnered with Columbus State University to establish the CSU Youth Dance Conservatory, which previously served as the organization’s official school. This collaboration brought high-caliber ballet instruction and performances to more than 150 students weekly through master classes, school demonstrations, mini-performances, and community outreach — furthering the organization’s mission to promote, educate, and inspire through dance.

Over the past two decades, The Columbus Ballet has presented numerous full-length classical works, including Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Coppélia, alongside its cherished annual production of The Nutcracker. Today, The Columbus Ballet continues to serve as a cornerstone of the local arts scene, showcasing the talent of local dancers and performers and enriching the cultural life of the Columbus community through performance, outreach, and collaboration.

2025 Board of Directors

Jennifer Joyner, President

April Logan-Russell, Vice President

Mary Roddenbery, Treasurer

Dawn Steeves, Secretary

Ed Sutherland, Past President

Marjorie Newman, Board Member Emeritus

Connie Fink-Hammack

Jennifer Hayes

Billy Kendall

Kathryn Riddle

Ashley Schley

Lindsay Shockley