ALABAMA YOUTH BALLET TO OPEN DOORS IN FALL ‘06

June 5, 2006

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA -- The first “youth ballet” in Alabama will open its doors this fall. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Wendy Gibb Graham will direct the School of Alabama Youth Ballet and its performing arm, Alabama Youth Ballet.

Mrs. Graham’s mother, Keren Gibb, is the former long-time school director, ballet mistress, and associate artistic director of Community Ballet Association.

In addition to the wisdom gained from her mother, Graham brings with her expertise gained over years of directing, teaching, and choreographing. Mrs. Graham received a dance scholarship to Birmingham-Southern in 1983. She joined the staff of North Alabama Dance Center in 1986, and became associate director there three years later.

Founding a dance company and developing performance opportunities for young dancers are not new to Mrs. Graham either. She co-founded and co-directed Pointe Station, Inc., and co-conceived, developed, choreographed, and directed the beloved and popular full length ballet, “Noah!” She is known for her business acumen, strong teaching skills, and brilliant choreography.

AYB’s mission includes providing excellent training and performance opportunities as important components to a child’s overall dance education, and enthusiastically encouraging staff, dancers, and parents to seek out and participate in outreach opportunities using dance as a tool with which to communicate and educate. The commitment to outreach is so great, in fact, that a Director of Outreach position has been created with a soon-to-come announcement on the person filling the position.

To register for fall classes, or for more information, contact Wendy Gibb Graham at wendy@alabamayouthballet.org or 256-881-5930.