Cindy Free, Artistic Director, first
appeared with the Canton Civic Ballet under the Direction
of John Begg and Suanne Ferguson. She
performed professionally as the youngest member of The Birmingham
Ballet directed by Alfonso Figueroa. Throughout her career she studied
with many notable teachers including Robert Joffrey, Robert Barnett,
Hilda Butsova, and Gus Giordono. She has performed The Nutcracker, Swan Lake,
and Les Sylphide as well as numerous contemporary ballets. Awards include
a Birmingham Obelisk nomination and “Who’s Who - Most
Talented” among her 1979 graduating class from Vestavia Hills
High School. She studied Musical Theater at the respected
College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. She received her
Bachelor of Arts degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1983.
From 1983-84 Mrs. Free toured internationally with Up With People as a
featured dancer. As director of Birmingham Ballet, she has
choreographed numerous ballets to feature the talent of young dancers.
Several of her students have received acceptance and scholarships to
study at esteemed schools such as American Ballet Theater, The Joffrey
Ballet School, The Boston Ballet School, and the Rock School of the
Pennsylvania Ballet.
