In 1979 Linda Farrar, with Tom French and Nell Hacker founded the Yuma Ballet Theatre.

The local audiences would look forward to her creative and athletic jazz/modern dances in the spring YBT program, notably such dances as "Mr. Big Shot," "The Wiz," "Jellicle Ball," and "Mother Ginger's Bon Bons."

She began her training in Yuma with Marjorie May. Graduating with a BA in Education from ASU, major in Dance with a specialization in gymnastics. At ASU she was captain of the gymnastic team, treasurer of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and a performing member of ASU Dance Theatre. Her studies and performing included Murray Louis, Alwin Nikolais, Luigi Tremaine, Hama , American School of Dance/ Hollywood , UCLA Senior Performance, UC Long Beach, and the Mattie Lascoe Modern Dance Company.

After 22 years of owning The Dancer's Workshop in Yuma , Linda and Randal Farrar sold their business. They own and operate The Dancer's Closet, which serves as an artistic management firm as well as a local distributor for dance wear. Linda taught at Kofa 1973-76 and returned for the 1999-2000 school year. She taught for AWC and served as VP of AZ DMA for three years and on the Arizona Commission on the Arts for three terms as a State Art's Grant Panelist and past chair of YBT's Advisory Board. For 25 years, Linda has supported YBT as either Board President, VP, Executive Director, or Artist Director. She is a champion for the arts and for developmental movement training for children and young adults. Her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in 1981 may have slowed her down, but her energy and her spirit are undaunted. Currently she serves on the YBT Advisory Board.

Tom French, Founder

Tom French, a graduate Electrical Engineer from the University of Nebraska , became interested in doing the sound for dance performances while watching his young daughters perform at dance recitals for the Majorie May Dance Studio in 1971.

When Linda Farrar became interested in forming a ballet company in 1976-77, she asked Tom’s assistance in writing the by-laws and articles of incorporation for the technical aspects. He also agreed to serve as the first president of the Yuma Ballet Theatre. He began doing the sound services for the performances, and has continued working with all the dance companies in Yuma since that time.

He has resided in Yuma for over 41 years with his wife, Mary, whom he met in Indianapolis , Indiana . He is retired from government service at Yuma Proving Ground and has three children and three grandchildren.

His daughters, Diane and Jeanine, who were original members of Yuma Ballet Theatre, now reside in Los Angeles . Diane has a career as a dance teacher at a performing arts middle school in Los Angeles , and Jeanine has a career as a writer/producer at ABC Television Studios in Los Angeles . Son David works for the Justice Department and resides in New York City.

Over the years, Tom has enjoyed working with all the local dance companies and the many talented and creative individuals with whom he has been associated.

"In late 2001, Tom and his wife Mary moved to La Quinta, CA to be closer to daughters and family in Los Angeles , and they are currently expecting the arrival of their 4th grandchild. Travel to New York to see son David and his children, takes up some of their 'spare hours', and in addition to all the fun 'travel time,' Tom keeps busy making 'Home Improvements' and audio tapes for daughter Diane, and Mary works part-time as an RN at a local hospital. Both enjoy retirement living in this beautiful Southern California Area, and occasionally return to Yuma , where they spent 42 years, to visit old friends and familiar places."

Nell Hacker, Founder

Ms. Hacker is currently teaching at the Classical Ballet Academy in Herndon , Virginia and has extensive teaching experience at the college, regional, and professional level. Ms. Hacker received her early training at the National Ballet School and the Virginia Ballet. She went on to perform professionally with the Fort Worth Ballet, Hawaii Dance Theatre and the Honolulu City Ballet. In addition, Ms. Hacker was ballet mistress and resident choreographer for Honolulu City Ballet 1975-78, holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Drama and Theater from the University of Hawaii and a BFA in Ballet from Texas Christian University.

She has been associated with Yuma Ballet Theatre since its incorporation, acting as its first artistic director and ballet mistress from 1978-1981.

After leaving the Yuma area. Ms. Hacker worked in Austin , Texas with the Artists in the School Programs through the Austin Civic Ballet. She has extensive experience in choreography, costume design and teaching and has also performed as the Principle dancer and Soloist for ballets such as “ Swan Lake ”, “Faust”, “Coppelia”, and “Aida”.

In its infancy, YBT benefited from her vast knowledge and expertise and she helped to set the standards of excellence Yuma Ballet Theatre follows today.