Press Release for Sawnee Ballet Theatre

Cumming, GA – Sawnee Ballet Theatre invites you to an unforgettable evening of breathtaking performances honoring the life and legacy of Joan Kall Stewart, affectionately known as Miss Joanie. From Ballet to Broadway: An Evening Remembering Joan Kall Stewart will take center stage at the FoCAL Center on April 12 and 13, 2025. This special performance will showcase the grace of ballet and the glamour of Broadway, blending classical technique with theatrical brilliance.
A beloved figure in the dance community, Miss Joanie’s remarkable career spanned from the prestigious stages of Broadway to the intimate studios of ballet. Her influence continues to inspire generations of dancers, and this concert will highlight her most cherished choreographic masterpieces performed by the talented young dancers of Sawnee Ballet Theatre.
Performance Details:

• April 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM
• April 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM
• Venue: FoCAL Center - Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center, 1150 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040

Miss Joanie’s legacy is one of passion, dedication, and artistic excellence. As the founder of Sawnee School of Ballet and Sawnee Ballet Theatre, she provided a space for young artists to grow, express themselves, and develop their craft. Her vibrant career included performances in Broadway productions such as Camelot and Hello Dolly, as well as national tours of The Sound of Music and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She was also a principal dancer with esteemed ballet companies and a sought-after choreographer, leaving an indelible mark on the dance world.
The evening’s performances will not only pay tribute to her artistry but also serve as a heartfelt reflection of the impact she had on countless students. “Miss Joanie, we have long missed hearing your sayings like ‘oy vey’ and ‘strong like bull’ around the studio,” the company fondly recalls. “You gave us an outlet for self-expression and taught us the value of perseverance and teamwork. We are all the better for it.”
This production is made possible in part by the Forsyth County Arts Alliance Fund at the North Georgia Community Foundation, which has generously awarded a $5,000 grant to support Sawnee Ballet Theatre’s mission of excellence in arts education and performance.
About Sawnee Ballet Theatre: Sawnee Ballet Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit performing company that was founded in 1991 by the late Joan Kall Stewart and is run by a dedicated Board of Directors. Led by Artistic Director, Courtney Bromwich, Sawnee Ballet Theatre presents two full-length productions each year: The Nutcracker and Spring Concert. The company focuses on classical and contemporary ballet and seeks to provide high quality theater engaging the audience’s mind and spirit with timeless productions. Since its inception, SBT has made significant contributions to the arts community through instruction and performance. Together with Sawnee School of the Arts, Sawnee Ballet Theatre strives to inspire young adults with excellence in arts education and provides the preparatory training environment to enable dancers to pursue professional careers in dance.
Join us for this extraordinary tribute to a true icon of the arts. Tickets are on sale now at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36371/production/1227384
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beauty, emotion, and inspiration of From Ballet to Broadway.