The Company
From an article posted in a local newspaper, this best explains
the history behind The Greater Milford Ballet Company and the legacy
of Georgia Deane.
Miss Georgia celebrates 50 years of dance
If one should take life "one step at a time" then it
is clear that Georgia Deane, know to her friends as "Miss Georgia"
has taken a lot of steps over the past 50 years.
Deane recently celebrated her 50th year of what she fondly calls
"dancing, acting and teaching."
During her years in the profession, Deane has been a dance teacher,
a performer of voice and dance, a musician, chairman of the Salem
Cultural Arts Commission and member of the Milford Arts Council,
president of Dance Masters of America and Dance Teacher's Club of
Boston, and a teacher's teacher for dozens of dance teachers in
New England, New York, and California.
During Georgia's early years, she studied dance, voice, violin,
piano, and guitar. Later, she wanted to become a great actress,
so she attended Emerson College and eventually graduated from Curry
College, majoring in theater arts and dance.
After her college years, she and her two sisters traveled on the
RKO circuit performing trio harmony and dance with stars such as
Frankie Fontaine and Red Buttons. They also performed in the New
England area at nightclubs and did numerous commercials on the radio.
The sisters also continued their study of dance regularly in New
York with master teachers. In Georgia's mid-20s she gave up show
business for marriage and children.
While raising her family Georgia and her sister started the Deane
School of Dance in Salem. During those years, Georgia was a popular
faculty choice at dance teacher seminars for many local and national
dance organizations. Her students regularly won national dance competitions
and performed all over New England and New York City.
Her chairmanship on the Salem Cultural Arts Commission raised the
bar for performing and cultural arts in that area.
After the death of her first husband, she met and married James
Ferrucci Sr., who also performed an important role in the establishment
of the Greater Milford Ballet. Though she meant to retire with James
in Mendon, her retirement lasted only a year. Following her return
from retirement, Deane established the new Deane School of Dance
in Mendon, The Greater Milford Ballet and the Mendon Children's
Theater. After about 20 years of helping with recitals, Nutcrackers,
and the endlessly growing modifications to the studio, James Ferrucci
passed on. He is remembered each year by a scholarship fund that
is given to graduating seniors from the Greater Milford Ballet.
 The
ballet company is about to begin its 25th year. Its annual staple
has been "The Nutcracker," which still draws sell-out
crowds. The company also performs other ballets and dance productions
on a regular basis. This February, there is a company performance
planned, celebrating 25 years of the Greater Milford Ballet.
During a recent recognition awards ceremony, Deane was recognized
as the grand dame and founder of the Greater Milford Ballet and
the Deane School of Dance in Mendon.
With a look and active lifestyle that defies her years, you will
still see her out dancing at local restaurants and clubs with her
husband, Andrew Young. She still teaches some of her classes and
fills her faculty with excellent teachers, some from Boston Ballet
and other national companies, experienced teachers from New York
City, and former student graduates who have honed their teaching
skills in professional companies all over the United States.
Georgia is very particular about her faculty, still believing that
a good dancer does not necessarily make a good dance teacher. This
formula for success continues to inspire her students today and
is evident to those who have watched a class at the Deane School
or have seen a performance of her students. Former students now
bring their children to experience Georgia and her illustrious school.
So, that local "triple threat" has made her mark in the
hearts, minds, and lives of all that have had the privilege of being
with and studying with her. She is not only a consummate teacher
of dance but a role model and mentor to al that pass through her
school.
Her knowledge of dance, music, theater, and organization has put
her school head and shoulders above many dance teachers today. Her
contributions to the cultural landscape of the Milford area are
impressive and have done much to enhance local lives.
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