Centre Dean & Faculty
Centre Dean
Sharon Story
Dean of Centre for Dance Education,
Ballet Mistress
Sharon Story joined Atlanta Ballet after a professional dance career that spanned more than 20 years as a dancer, teacher, private coach and arts manager. Sharon began training at the Georgia Ballet under the direction of Iris Hensley. She continued her professional training under full scholarships in New York City with Joffrey Ballet and School of American Ballet under a full Ford Foundation scholarship. She has been a member of Joffrey II, Stars of New York City Ballet, Atlanta Ballet (under the direction of Robert Barnett) and Boston Ballet. During her tenure with Boston Ballet, Sharon traveled with Rudolf Nureyev around the world. She received her training and inspiration from such legendary and distinguished mentors such as Rudolf Nureyev, Robert Joffrey, Violette Verdy, Jean Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride, Robert Barnett, Bruce Marks, Anna Marie Holmes and Fernando Bujones.
In 1996, in addition to her role as ballet mistress, John McFall's vision and mentorship brought Sharon to her current position as Dean of the Centre for Dance Education, which has rapidly grown to the sixth largest dance school in the nation. She is committed to providing a non-competitive atmosphere and access to dance education that is shaped by the community needs, is innovative, and inspires the commitment and excellence that are the trademarks of Atlanta Ballet.
Sharon is listed in the 2002 Who's Who in Arts and Business. Under Story's direction the Centre achieved accreditation with National Association of Schools of Dance.
Sharon Story. Atlanta Ballet 04-05 Company. Photo by Charlie McCullers. Centre Photo by Kim Kenney.
Artistic Director
John McFall
Artistic Director
For thirteen years John McFall's artistic vision has gracefully guided Atlanta Ballet as it continued to grow as one of the premiere dance in the United States. In that time, his imaginative and innovative programming have inspired audiences throughout Georgia, the Southeast and even New York city. A hallmark of John's, has been his collaborative spirit which has fused the art of dance, with such performers as the Indigo Girls, the Red Clay Ramblers, the Atlanta Boy Choir, The Michael O'Neal Singers, Newbirth Missionary Baptist Church and Big Boi. Through these creative partnerships, John and the Company have stayed in step with the vibrancy of the city of Atlanta. In 2008, John is breaking new ground by bringing together another Atlanta legend, Big Boi of OutKast who will perform on-stage with the fabulous Atlanta Ballet dancers. John has opened the door for tomorrow's dancers through the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education, where hundreds of young dancers are able to experience the joy of dance for themselves. The Centre has produced many professional dancers who have gone on to join Joffery, Alvin Ailey and even the ranks of the Atlanta Ballet professional company and more than nine whom have joined the company. The Centre also provides outreach initiatives that brings dance to thousands of students throughout metro Atlanta each year. He is committed to building a distinctive profile with the highest standards for the Company and students.
John McFall's Repertory for Atlanta Ballet:
Peter Pan
Nutcracker
Requiem and this too shall pass
Prisma
Precipice
The Great Attractor
Stella
Jupiter
Swan Lake
Giselle
Sleeping Beauty
The Great Gatsby
Centre Faculty
Direction
Led by John McFall, the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education features a team of over 40 professional instructors at our Midtown, Buckhead, and Cobb studios. The Centre's instructors are dedicated to providing a nurturing experience in the art of dance that will aid in the physical, intellectual and spiritual development of students at all levels. Our instructors are among the best in Atlanta including current and former members of Atlanta Ballet and other professional dance companies around the world. For a complete list of faculty, please contact the Centre.
Administration
John McFall, Director
Sharon Story, Dean
Courtney Necessary, Director of Summer Program Administration
Heather Conley, Cobb Centre Principal
Tori Soles, Director of Centre Administration
Betsy Rothermel, Registrar
Kate Gaul, Buckhead Principal
Carla Cuba, Kids In Step Coordinator
Shannon Maiolo, Education Associate
Principal Faculty
Rosemary Miles and Armando Luna
Professional Instructors
Sule Adams, Gerard Alexander, Kendra Andrews, Laura Barbee, Deena Baskerville, Susan Beebe, Harmony Clair, Heather Conley, Emily Harrison Cook, Zuri Creer-Mikell, Carla Cuba, Terrell Curry, Lonnie Davis, Katherine Gant, Kate Gaul, Kayla Harkness, Alera Harrison, Laura Hicks, Sarah Hillmer, Jamie Horban, Michelle Jericevich-Powell, LeZette Jordan, Reiko Kimura, Victoria Leigh, Armando Luna, Dora Manela, Karina Martinez, Julia Mayo, Rosemary Miles, Terri Miller, Ruth Mitchell, Courtney Necessary, Mary Rau, Allyson Raymond, Terese Reynolds, Betsy Robinson, Jaime Robtison, Roscoe Sales, Stacey Slichter, Laura Strawbridge, Carol Szkutek, Amber Thompson, Rober Van Fleteren, Martine Weber, Lloyd Whitmore, Sarah Noelle Williamson.