You don't have to know much about ballet to know that the Georgia Ballet attracts extraordinary talent, evidenced by their staff and students. The most recent to join the Georgia Ballet as a member of the teaching faculty for the 2010-11 academic year is Theresa Lee Crawford

Crawford is an expert in the famous ballet syllabus developed by her aunt, Marcia Dale Weary, founder of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. CPYB alumni populate most American professional ballet companies, as well as many international companies.

Crawford was a permanent member of the CPYB faculty for 12 years. She brings gentle a but strongly persistent classroom manner and attention to technical detail, a trademark of her style, to The Georgia Ballet. She will teach ballet classes to 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 by audition only.

"I decided to join the Georgia Ballet after I had the pleasure of guest teaching there this June. The students are well-trained and possess an openness to learning that is very rare. The directors have integrity and aspire to provide the best training possible for their students," said Crawford.

Crawford cites many benefits from the study of classical ballet as a child beyond poise and posture. "Ballet can improve thinking processes and overall physical health and strength. Many doctors will prescribe ballet lessons for foot or leg problems," she said. "Ballet exposes children to the world of classical music and the rich history of this beautiful art form."

"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 groundbreaking resource for younger dancers interested in maximizing their skills."

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

Founded in 1960, the school's dramatic rise in status is attributable to the talents of the Mazons. The first graduate of its Boys Scholarship Program, Zachary Clark of Powder Springs, will join the Hamburg Ballet for its 2010 season as an Apprentice. Two other boys, both 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.

"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," said 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."

"I hope to be a supportive addition to wonderful faculty of the Georgia Ballet," Crawford said.

The Georgia Ballet is located at 1255 Field Parkway in Marietta. For more information, call (770) 528-0881 or visit www.georgiaballet.org.