History

	The Andalusia Ballet Association was founded in 1982 and officially incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1984 with Meryane Martin-Murphy as artistic director. The Association's purpose is to promote and foster the art of dance in the Covington County area. Ideally located adjacent to the Academy at Andalusia Ballet, the Association operates with a 20-25 member board, part-time secretary, and the efforts of countless volunteers. A theme auction/ dinner benefit is held each fall as a major fund-raiser for the upcoming season. In addition to tickets sales and other fund-raisers, the ABA is supported by area businesses, and corporations, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the generous donations of its membership. Andalusia Ballet, the official performing group sponsored by the Association, is made up of the Senior and Junior companies. Young dancers are selected by audition each August for the upcoming season.		Members of Andalusia Ballet's Sr. Company
			The Andalusia Ballet Association season consists of two major productions - a fall program such as the traditional holiday classic, The Nutcracker or a choreographed presentation of Handel's Messiah; performed with a community chorus and orchestra, and "Spring Showcase," an annual repertoire performance of both classical and contemporary dance. Andalusia Ballet is fortunate to have a theatre of the calibre of the Dixon Center in which to perform.
	During the past 25 years, the Association has presented such well known ballets as The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Cinderella, Paquita, Les Sylphides and A MidSummer Night's Dream, along with an additional variety of classical and contemporary original works. The Association's goals of presenting concert quality performances and providing dance training by professional teachers are met by the many projects sponsored by the Andalusia Ballet Association. Guest dancers, teachers, and choreographers are engaged to work with area students. A special performance, made possible by our corporate sponsors, is presented each year for fifth grade students throughout Covington County. The Gitenstein Foundation and the R. F. Martin Memorial Scholarships awarded annually, give talented, deserving young students the opportunity to study ballet.
			This year Andalusia Ballet celebrates its 25th Anniversary Season. By inspiring children, teaching the discipline of dance, and bringing to our audiences the experiences of professional dance, the Association continues to make a major impact on the cultural environment of our community.