Born in Oklahoma City, Marsha Woody received her early education in Beaumont, Texas, and began dance training at the age of six under the late Judith T. Sproule. She graduated at the age of sixteen, and since has studied under many of the country’s great dance masters. Ms. Woody attended Lamar University, and in 1956, she founded the Marsha Woody Academy of Dance. In the same year, she married Mike Zummo, a local businessman; and later, their daughter, Monique, was born.

In 1971, Ms. Woody founded the Beaumont Civic Ballet Company and has served as the Founder-Director since its inception. It was her dreams and accomplishments that inspired the Board of Directors and the community that a first-class regional dance company was needed in the Beaumont area—Beaumont Civic Ballet was the first. Since that time, BCB’s calendar has been a busy one with an annual “Nutcracker”, a “Spring Concert”, and often a professional guest company performance and apprearances with many of the local civic groups including the Symphony, the Opera, Lamar University, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, and the Junior League of Beaumont .

Ms. Woody has been a member of all the major dance teachers’ organizations, and has served on the Regional Dance America, Southwest Board as President and Membership Chairman. As President, Ms. Woody and Beaumont Civic Ballet hosted the 1987 Regional Ballet Festival held in Beaumont, which brought over 700 dancers and guests to our community. Ms. Woody was recognized as the outstanding artist in dance by the Southeast Texas Arts Council and was the Southwestern Regional Chairman for the first National Regional Festival held in Houston in 1997. Marsha Woody strived for excellence in dance education for the Academy, Beaumont Civic Ballet, and the community.

Since her passing on February 21, 2021 Beaumont Civic Ballet continues to uphold her legacy with grace and elegance.