Director | Sherri Davis
As the founder and director of the Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts, Sherri Davis embodies a deep passion for dance and the performing arts, inspiring aspiring artists to discover the joy of movement. With over 35 years of experience as a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator, Ms. Davis has cultivated a rich background in various artistic disciplines, including opera, theater, classical ballet, and contemporary dance.
At the age of 13, Ms. Davis received a full, residential scholarship to the Tidewater Ballet Association of Virginia where she left her home to study dance full time. Additionally, she trained with Mississippi Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet of New York, School of American Ballet of New York, and the Pennsylvania Ballet under full scholarship. Ms. Davis has also received a scholarship to the prestigious school of American Ballet Theatre of New York.
Ms. Davis has performed with such prestigious companies as Georgia Dance Theatre, Mississippi Ballet Theatre, Richmond Ballet, and Virginia Ballet Theatre and as a guest artist with various companies and venues throughout the Southeast. Additionally, Ms. Davis has been a guest artist with the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Symphony.
As Artistic Director and choreographer, Ms. Davis has re-staged and choreographed full length ballets, contemporary works and created original works for the stage with critical acclaim. These works include her original full length ballets such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and The Three Musketeers. Ms. Davis has presented world premieres of her original full-length ballets of West Side Story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Jane Eyre to sold out audiences. In the summer of 2024, Ms. Davis created the full-length ballet An American in Paris which further demonstrates her commitment to bringing both original and reimagined works to life.
Ms. Davis has also written and produced her original full length ballet, The Growing Up of Annabell Potts, a poignant tale set in the South, capturing the bittersweet experience of a young girl as she navigates the transitions of childhood amidst the looming specter of war. This theme of personal growth against the backdrop of societal challenges adds depth to her work, highlighting the emotional landscape of coming of age. As a contemporary choreographer, Ms. Davis has created original contemporary works such as Trio, Angels, The Rock Ballet, and Resurgam, as well as producing 35 seasons of contemporary and early childhood productions for Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts.
Ms. Davis's unwavering belief in the transformative power of dance has led her to create a nurturing and dynamic environment for young artists through the Georgia Dance Theatre, which she founded in 1990. This non-profit organization serves as a platform for dedicated dancers to hone their skills and pursue their passion for the art form, embodying her commitment to fostering courage, perseverance, and self-esteem in children.
Under her leadership as Artistic Director, Georgia Dance Theatre has become a beacon of artistic excellence, earning accolades and support from prestigious organizations such as the Georgia Council of the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, and the Governor's Office of the state of Georgia. These commendations reflect not only the high artistic standards upheld by Ms. Davis and her team but also their commitment to serving the community through the arts.
A testament to her artistic vision and leadership, Ms. Davis has played an instrumental role in securing funding for Georgia Dance Theatre, skillfully writing and obtaining grants that have sustained the organization's mission over the years. Her dedication to enhancing the arts within her community, coupled with her extensive professional experience, has solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the world of dance and arts education. Through her efforts, countless young dancers have been able to find their voice and develop their talents, allowing them to reach their highest potential in the realm of dance.
Students of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and Georgia Dance Theatre artists have received scholarships, acceptances and invitations to join professional companies from all over the United States and abroad. Additionally students and artists have received scholarships to prominent colleges and universities for their artistic abilities. Many of her alumni have careers in the performing arts as professional dancers, educators, choreographers, actors, directors and arts advocates.
In 1996, Ms. Davis established Georgia Dance Theatre Professional Company, for those continuing their dance careers on a professional level. And in 2006,
Ms. Davis extended Georgia Academy of Dance into Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts as a way to include additional forms of arts education.
Ms. Davis served on the Board of Directors of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce for 6 years and was selected for Chamber leadership due to her "influential leadership qualities as to foster growth and vibrancy of the arts within the local community". In addition she served on the Government Affairs Committee and has served on the Board Member Selection Committee & Economic Development Committee of the Fayette Chamber. She has served on the Place Committee of Fayette Visioning of Fayette County. Ms. Davis is a partner with the Fayette and Coweta County Board of Education Mentorship Work Study Programs and had membership with the Coweta County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Davis also serves as the Artistic Director of Georgia Dance Theatre and she is the CEO of The Dancer’s Boutique and Managing Member of Davis Properties, LLC.
In 2017, Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts was named Small Business of the Year in the Employer Category from the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts was listed among the nominees for Small Business of the Year for Fayette County.
In 2019, the Arts Council of Fayette County was formed by Ms. Davis as its' founder. The Arts Council was formed to cultivate, celebrate, and offer platforms for the Creatives in our community.
In 2023, Ms. Davis formed the Master Works Series Workshop, which instills in students a comprehensive understanding of the artistry and emotional expression inherent in dance. By presenting selected students' works in the Master Works Series Performances, Ms. Davis creates a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages creativity, resilience, and self-expression, allowing each dancer and potential choreographer to flourish.
Under her guidance, the Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts has become a vital institution in the community, known for its high standards of excellence and innovative programming. Whether through workshops, performances, or personal mentorship, Ms. Davis continuously elevates the art form and fosters a love for dance that resonates with her students and audiences alike. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on the lives of many, nurturing a vibrant artistic community that celebrates the transformative power of the performing arts.
At the age of 13, Ms. Davis received a full, residential scholarship to the Tidewater Ballet Association of Virginia where she left her home to study dance full time. Additionally, she trained with Mississippi Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet of New York, School of American Ballet of New York, and the Pennsylvania Ballet under full scholarship. Ms. Davis has also received a scholarship to the prestigious school of American Ballet Theatre of New York.
Ms. Davis has performed with such prestigious companies as Georgia Dance Theatre, Mississippi Ballet Theatre, Richmond Ballet, and Virginia Ballet Theatre and as a guest artist with various companies and venues throughout the Southeast. Additionally, Ms. Davis has been a guest artist with the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Symphony.
As Artistic Director and choreographer, Ms. Davis has re-staged and choreographed full length ballets, contemporary works and created original works for the stage with critical acclaim. These works include her original full length ballets such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and The Three Musketeers. Ms. Davis has presented world premieres of her original full-length ballets of West Side Story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Jane Eyre to sold out audiences. In the summer of 2024, Ms. Davis created the full-length ballet An American in Paris which further demonstrates her commitment to bringing both original and reimagined works to life.
Ms. Davis has also written and produced her original full length ballet, The Growing Up of Annabell Potts, a poignant tale set in the South, capturing the bittersweet experience of a young girl as she navigates the transitions of childhood amidst the looming specter of war. This theme of personal growth against the backdrop of societal challenges adds depth to her work, highlighting the emotional landscape of coming of age. As a contemporary choreographer, Ms. Davis has created original contemporary works such as Trio, Angels, The Rock Ballet, and Resurgam, as well as producing 35 seasons of contemporary and early childhood productions for Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts.
Ms. Davis's unwavering belief in the transformative power of dance has led her to create a nurturing and dynamic environment for young artists through the Georgia Dance Theatre, which she founded in 1990. This non-profit organization serves as a platform for dedicated dancers to hone their skills and pursue their passion for the art form, embodying her commitment to fostering courage, perseverance, and self-esteem in children.
Under her leadership as Artistic Director, Georgia Dance Theatre has become a beacon of artistic excellence, earning accolades and support from prestigious organizations such as the Georgia Council of the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, and the Governor's Office of the state of Georgia. These commendations reflect not only the high artistic standards upheld by Ms. Davis and her team but also their commitment to serving the community through the arts.
A testament to her artistic vision and leadership, Ms. Davis has played an instrumental role in securing funding for Georgia Dance Theatre, skillfully writing and obtaining grants that have sustained the organization's mission over the years. Her dedication to enhancing the arts within her community, coupled with her extensive professional experience, has solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the world of dance and arts education. Through her efforts, countless young dancers have been able to find their voice and develop their talents, allowing them to reach their highest potential in the realm of dance.
Students of Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts and Georgia Dance Theatre artists have received scholarships, acceptances and invitations to join professional companies from all over the United States and abroad. Additionally students and artists have received scholarships to prominent colleges and universities for their artistic abilities. Many of her alumni have careers in the performing arts as professional dancers, educators, choreographers, actors, directors and arts advocates.
In 1996, Ms. Davis established Georgia Dance Theatre Professional Company, for those continuing their dance careers on a professional level. And in 2006,
Ms. Davis extended Georgia Academy of Dance into Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts as a way to include additional forms of arts education.
Ms. Davis served on the Board of Directors of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce for 6 years and was selected for Chamber leadership due to her "influential leadership qualities as to foster growth and vibrancy of the arts within the local community". In addition she served on the Government Affairs Committee and has served on the Board Member Selection Committee & Economic Development Committee of the Fayette Chamber. She has served on the Place Committee of Fayette Visioning of Fayette County. Ms. Davis is a partner with the Fayette and Coweta County Board of Education Mentorship Work Study Programs and had membership with the Coweta County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Davis also serves as the Artistic Director of Georgia Dance Theatre and she is the CEO of The Dancer’s Boutique and Managing Member of Davis Properties, LLC.
In 2017, Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts was named Small Business of the Year in the Employer Category from the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts was listed among the nominees for Small Business of the Year for Fayette County.
In 2019, the Arts Council of Fayette County was formed by Ms. Davis as its' founder. The Arts Council was formed to cultivate, celebrate, and offer platforms for the Creatives in our community.
In 2023, Ms. Davis formed the Master Works Series Workshop, which instills in students a comprehensive understanding of the artistry and emotional expression inherent in dance. By presenting selected students' works in the Master Works Series Performances, Ms. Davis creates a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages creativity, resilience, and self-expression, allowing each dancer and potential choreographer to flourish.
Under her guidance, the Georgia Academy of Dance & the Performing Arts has become a vital institution in the community, known for its high standards of excellence and innovative programming. Whether through workshops, performances, or personal mentorship, Ms. Davis continuously elevates the art form and fosters a love for dance that resonates with her students and audiences alike. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on the lives of many, nurturing a vibrant artistic community that celebrates the transformative power of the performing arts.
Small Business of the Year 2017
of Coweta County Newnan-Coweta Chamber |
Small Business of the Year Nominee of 2015
Fayette County Board of Directors 2014-2020 |
Arts Council of Fayette County
Founder