Business Details
Experience World-Class Ballet in Griffin, GA
Griffin Ballet Theatre has dedicated itself to cultivating a profound appreciation for ballet and dance within the community. Founded to provide talented young dancers with a professional environment to grow and perform, the organization delivers high-quality productions that captivate audiences across the region. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we prioritize educational outreach and artistic excellence, offering opportunities for dancers to train under seasoned professionals while presenting performances that celebrate both classical and contemporary works.Our artistic leadership, including Founding Artistic Director Mitch Flanders and Artistic Director Ashley V. Barnes, brings decades of experience from prestigious institutions, ensuring a legacy of technical mastery and creative innovation. Through partnerships with local venues like Griffin Auditorium, we create accessible cultural experiences that enrich lives and inspire future generations of dancers and audiences alike.
Services
Ballet performances
Dance education
Community outreach
Event hosting
Workshop programs
Highlights and features
- We develop talent through decades-proven training programs with industry experts
- Our productions combine technical mastery with innovative storytelling
- We offer accessible performances at Griffin Auditorium's premier venue
- Artistic directors have performed with legends like Mikhail Baryshnikov
- Educational outreach programs serve diverse community needs
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Services
Ballet performances
Our professional ballet performances feature full-length classical works and contemporary pieces, performed by trained artists. Each show combines choreography, music, and theatrical elements to create immersive storytelling experiences that educate and entertain diverse audiences while preserving ballet traditions.
Dance education
Dance education programs offer classes in multiple styles for students aged 4+. Professional instructors provide technical training, performance opportunities, and mentorship to develop skill levels from beginner to pre-professional. Classes focus on foundational techniques and artistic expression.
Community outreach
Community outreach initiatives bring dance education to local schools and underserved populations through workshops, demonstrations, and collaborative programs. These efforts aim to increase accessibility to arts education while fostering appreciation for ballet's cultural significance among diverse groups.
Event hosting
Griffin Auditorium hosts public performances, private events, and community gatherings. The facility offers excellent acoustics, seating for audiences, and professional-grade staging equipment. Special events like Halloween spectacular Ghosts combine dance with themed entertainment experiences.
Workshop programs
Workshop programs provide intensive training sessions focusing on specific dance techniques or performance skills. Participants work directly with artistic staff to improve technical proficiency, learn choreography, and gain stage experience through hands-on instruction and practice sessions.
People
Mitch Flanders
Founding Artistic Director
Mitch Flanders established Griffin Ballet Theatre after performing with prestigious companies like Eglevsky Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet. With extensive teaching experience and 26 years directing the company, he has launched careers for dancers at top institutions while creating 12 original full-length ballets.
Ashley V. Barnes
Artistic Director
Ashley Barnes, a Griffin native, has contributed to the company for 25 years as dancer, instructor, and director. She has performed lead roles in major productions while developing new dance initiatives, combining performance expertise with community outreach leadership.
Questions
How do I purchase tickets for performances?
Tickets are available through the Griffin Auditorium box office or online. You can also buy tickets at the door on performance nights.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide dance classes for ages 4+ in multiple styles, summer workshops at University of Georgia, and mentorship programs developing technical and performance skills.
How can I support the organization?
You can donate funds, volunteer at events, or participate in our programs. All contributions help sustain our mission to make ballet accessible to the community.
Where are performances held?
Most performances occur at Griffin Auditorium, located at 234 E Taylor St, Griffin GA 30224, featuring optimal acoustics and seating for public events.
Are there group discounts available?
Group ticket pricing options exist for organizations and schools attending performances. Contact our box office directly for specific information about group rates.
What parking options exist?
Accessible parking is available at the 6th Street lot, First National Bank lots, and along Taylor Street and 6th Street near Griffin Auditorium.
