MACON, Ga. — Dance teacher and founder of the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia Jean Evans Weaver passed away on Wednesday according to a Facebook post from the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia.
She was born on September 30, 1927 in Macon. In fact, she is a fifth-generation Maconite and graduate of A.L. Miller High School in 1945 according to her obituary.
Weaver studied at Wesleyan College before marrying William Jennings Weaver, Jr. in 1946.
Dance had always been a large part of her life.
She trained at the New York School of Ballet and received her teacher training at the Royal Academy of Dance in Toronto and the Dance Educators of America training school at Western Kentucky University her obituary said.
Back at home, Weaver was a choreographer with the Macon Little Theatre.
In 1976, she owned the Dance Arts Studio and worked there until her retirement.
Never far from her love of dance, in 1985 Weaver founded the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia and became the Artistic Director, retiring at the end of the 2016 production.
Along with four other teachers she also founded the Middle Georgia Youth Ballet.
These organizations have entertained the Central Georgia community for years while raising generations of talented dancers.
It also led to a greater appreciation of ballet in the Macon community.
In 2000, Weaver was presented the Macon Arts Alliance Cultural Award for significant contributions to the arts and cultural life of Macon and Bibb County.
In 2010, she was recognized by the Macon Arts Alliance with the Rosalyn Elkan Lifetime Achievement Award.
After she retired, she spent her time working in her garden, reading and watching her beloved Atlanta Braves, according to her obituary.
Weaver passed on World Ballet Day. This day is dedicated to honoring the art of ballet and the dancers who dedicate their lives to perfecting the craft.
Visitation will be at Snow’s Memorial Chapel on Cherry Street on November 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The burial will be private. You can read her full obituary and leave condolences online.
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