MOULTRIE — South Georgia Performing Arts (SGPA) is beginning their eleventh year as a ballet company and school of dance. SGPA began offering classes in Moultrie several years ago and will open its new studio downtown on the square this Saturday, Aug. 23.

As a member of the arts community in Colquitt County, SGPA has performed for Spring Fling, participated in the annual Christmas Parade and toured two major productions to the area. In January of 2004, it brought Act II of The Nutcracker to Withers Auditorium and last April delivered the Ribbons and Strings performance as a fundraiser for the Colquitt County Arts Center.

Founder Alison Bundrick formed the company and school of dance in 1998. Her vision, she said, was to develop a school which would offer the highest quality instruction for area dancers.

“I have always believed that dance teaches life skills; discipline, work ethic, commitment to excellence and team work. By creating a professional, quality environment we give our dancers a chance to experience the joy that comes from hard work and the pursuit of excellence. Whether our students want to become professional dancers or just enjoy performing for their family and friends we feel our program provides each student with the opportunities and training to excel in every aspect of their life,” she said.

Students will be able to study ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement, and hip hop. Advanced level dancers may also register for point classes and audition to be a member of South Georgia Ballet. Instruction is available for children ages three and up, beginner through advanced. This year’s students will perform in Beauty and the Beast, along with several mini-performances during the school year, including Lighting on the Square, the Christmas Parade and Spring Fling.

The school serves seven counties with over 250 students. Always first and foremost, Bundrick’s primary goal was the training she wanted to offer her dancers, she said. She also said she wanted to create a professional atmosphere for training dancers in classical ballet and other forms of dance such as tap, jazz and contemporary ballet.

Bundrick said she has been fortunate to have a talented instructional staff to teach in the school and the company. She holds a bachelor’s of fine arts in dance pedagogy from Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s of fine arts in dance from Florida State University. In addition, she studied with Royal Winnipeg Ballet, where she attained her teacher certification and her associate status with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Megan Powell, assistant ballet mistress, graduated from Brenau University with a degree in dance pedagogy and will serve as director of the Moultrie studio. She has an extensive performing career, dancing lead roles in such ballets as Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Paquita.

“I am very excited about teaching in Moultrie. I fell in love with the community last season during our Spring Fling and Ribbons and Strings performances. Once I saw the Moultrie students on stage during The Wizard of Oz I was hooked. Their enthusiasm, talent, and joy were apparent. I can’t wait to start classes with them,” Powell said.

Bundrick said she also envisioned a full season of productions, eventually performing the holiday classic The Nutcracker and a spring ballet. She wanted to create more than just a performing company, she wanted to reach out to bring classical ballet and a live performance experience to those who may not ordinarily get the chance to attend a production, she said.

In addition, SGPA regularly invites guest artists to perform with the school and company.

“Bringing in working professionals for our performances raises the level of professionalism for our shows, adds an exciting element for our audiences and affords my dancers the chance to work with and observe professional dancers in action, both on stage, back stage and in rehearsals. It is an essential element of their training,” said Bundrick.

Bringing master teachers to Moultrie will be an important part of the school’s outreach and mission, Bundrick said.

SGPA’s move downtown is designed to improve visibility in the community, provide for new growth and take the Moultrie program to the next level. Working closely with the students, parents and community, SGPA will work to serve the dancers of Colquitt County today and in the future.

“The possibilities for our program in Moultrie are endless. We are committed to bringing quality dance training and performing opportunities to the dancers of Colquitt County. Our goal is to be a thriving dance program serving the arts community of Moultrie and beyond,” Bundrick said.

Open houses are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon and Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 3 to 6 p.m. For more information call 229-378-ARTS (2787) or visit their website at www.sgpa.us.