Marie Stoner Hale (1933-2020) was born in Greenwood, Mississippi. After her father’s early death, she was raised by her mother, a social worker, who taught her individuality and determination. From the age of two, Marie studied dance with Whitford Price, whom she credits for her love of performing. After two years at the University of Southern Mississippi on a piano scholarship, Marie followed two Royal Ballet dancers to Chicago and began her career in dance.
Marie married artist Reuben Hale, and in 1962 they came to Palm Beach, where Hale studied and taught with Joanna Kneeland at Imperial Studios. In 1973 Hale took over the studio and renamed it Ballet Arts, which became the Academy of Ballet Florida.
In 1986 Hale established Ballet Florida, the first and only professional dance company in Palm Beach County. Although its prospects were often uncertain, Hale and second husband Dr. Edward Sandall made financial and personal commitments to ensure the future of the company. Ballet Florida grew from twelve dancers to an international troupe of twenty-four that tours worldwide. Its gifted dancers and eclectic repertoire attract world-class choreographers and enthusiastic audiences to the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts..
Through the Academy of Ballet Florida, Marie Hale has produced over one hundred students who have gone on to professional careers. Her many tributes include the first Muse Award and the Joseph Leavitt Award from the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, the Nancy Smith Award from the Florida Dance Association, and the Glass Ceiling Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners.