The Savannah Ballet Theatre (SBT) and School of Dance has appointed dance choreographer, Armando Luna, to its faculty. Luna comes to SBT from Atlanta Ballet, where he has taught every level of ballet--from 8-year-old beginners to the professional Atlanta ballet dancers--for the last 24 years.

“Atlanta Ballet is a great organization with many dedicated people, and I have learned from them all,” Luna says. “However, for my wife, Tina, who works professionally as a graphic designer/art director, and for our girls academically, we made the tough decision to move to Savannah. With a creative family that loves the arts, the more we learned about Savannah’s rich culture and deep commitment to the arts, the more we realized this community would be a perfect fit for our family.”

Luna had faith in his ability to find work in Savannah’s dance world as a freelance teacher/choreographer, and perhaps to also offer his services to local schools. In May, while in town to visit Savannah Arts Academy for his daughters, Luna visited SBT to introduce himself to Artistic Director, Suzanne Braddy, and Education and Advancement Director, Abby McCuen. The three met together after rehearsal and quickly discovered they shared common viewpoints regarding dance ideas and principals. Shortly thereafter, Brady and Luna met again to discuss the exciting possibility of Luna collaborating on choreography with SBT’s upcoming dance presentation of Jack the Ripper.

“I was pleased to meet both Suzanne and Abby and was impressed with their vision for creating meaningful ballets with interesting stories communities will enjoy,” attests Armando. “They’re an incredible team and I’m very happy to have the opportunity to share my professional experience with SBT, as well as to contribute to the multifaceted culture of our new Savannah community!”

SBT is slated to present the World Premiere of Jack the Ripper at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center, Oct. 18 and 19, just in time for the spookiest time of year. Tickets are on sale this summer.