The Iris Society
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Dance, Family, and Community
Founded in honor of Iris Hensley, The Georgia Ballet’s founder, the Iris Society brings together supporters who believe in the lasting importance of the arts. Through monthly giving, Iris Society members provide dependable support throughout the year while helping continue the welcoming, family centered community Iris began building in 1960.
A Legacy That Began in 1960
Iris Hensley founded what would become The Georgia Ballet in 1960 because she believed young people in Cobb County deserved the opportunity to experience dance.
What began as a school grew over the years as Iris created more opportunities for her students to perform. She welcomed professional guest artists from around the world, built relationships throughout the community, and gradually helped the organization evolve into the professional ballet company it is today.
But at the heart of everything Iris built was something even more important: people.
More Than A Ballet Company
For Iris, The Georgia Ballet was never simply an organization.
“The Georgia Ballet was everything to her, second only to her own family. Until the moment she passed away, this was her great love.”
-Sam Hensley
Iris served as a teacher, director, mentor, and leader, but those who knew her also remember how deeply she cared about the people around her. Students and dancers could come to her with more than questions about ballet. For many, she became a mentor, a friend, and even a surrogate mother.
Her childhood friends, families, volunteers, dancers, and members of the Marietta community all became part of the organization she was building.
“Her passion was extraordinary, but so was how deeply she cared about her students, both personally and professionally. She treated everyone involved like family.”
-Sam Hensley
That sense of family remains an important part of The Georgia Ballet today
Why The Arts Matter
Iris believed the arts were an essential part of a young person’s life.
Dance teaches far more than technique. It develops discipline, perseverance, creativity, confidence, and an appreciation for something larger than ourselves.
For Sam, that belief is an important part of his mother’s legacy:
“The importance of the arts in any young person’s life, whatever that may be, is the real legacy of my mom.”
The Iris Society helps ensure that the arts remain accessible, valued, and supported in our community for generations to come.
Carry Her Legacy Forward
Monthly giving provides The Georgia Ballet with consistent support throughout the entire season.
Rather than making a single gift, Iris Society members contribute a manageable amount each month, creating a reliable foundation that helps support our dancers, productions, education programs, and community outreach throughout the year.
Every monthly gift, regardless of size, becomes part of something much larger: continuing the organization Iris devoted her life to building.
Choose Your Monthly Gift
Iris Society Member
Benefits
As a thank you for your ongoing commitment, Iris Society members receive:
Recognition in The Georgia Ballet’s performance programs
Access to exclusive donor events and experiences
A monthly donor newsletter with news and behind the scenes updates
Recognition on The Georgia Ballet website
It makes me feel comfortable that I am able to spread out my support throughout the whole year without needing a reminder.
Anonymous Iris Society Member
Our Iris Society
With gratitude, we recognize the supporters who have chosen to carry Iris Hensley’s legacy forward through monthly giving.
Rachel Row
Chris Harrison
Ashleyanne Hensley
Stephanie Sullivan
Charlotte Reeves
Mayuri Pradhan
© 2026 The Georgia Ballet. A non-profit arts organization.