Jonah Hooper is a true hometown hero for Atlanta Ballet. Originally from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Jonah studied under former Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Emeritus Robert Barnett at The Atlanta Ballet School. He then joined the professional company, dancing a variety of memorable roles over the course of the ensuing 17 seasons. We have seen him star in many of our favorite productions, including Michael Pink’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dracula, and Romeo & Juliet; Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly; and John McFall and Laurie Stallings’ The Great Gatsby. Other memorable shows include Jorden Morris’ Moulin Rouge® - The Ballet, John McFall’s Don Quixote, Helen Pickett's Petal and Prayer of Touch (world premiere), and Gina Patterson’s Quietly Walking (world premiere). His immense talent extends past the stage too. Jonah is an accomplished photographer, capturing amazing images for Atlanta Ballet's Wabi Sabi; a devoted husband and father; and a graduate of the J. Mack Robinson School of Business at Georgia State University, where he earned his BBA in Finance. Learn more about Jonah and his post-retirement plans in his Q&A with CommonCreativ ATL that is available here.

Below are photos spanning Jonah's 17-year career with Atlanta Ballet and a selction of his Wabi Sabi photography!

Jonah Hooper with Courtney Necessary in John McFall and Lauri Stallings' The Great Gatsby. Photo by Charlie McCullers.

Jonah Hooper with Brian Wallenberg in Michael Pink's Dracula. Photo by Charlie McCullers.

Jonah Hooper with Nadia Mara in Helen Picket's Petal. Photo by Charlie McCullers.

Jonah Hooper with Atlanta Ballet dancers in Gina Patterson's Quietly Walking. Photo by Charlie McCullers.

Jonah Hooper with Christian Clark and Nadia Mara in Jorden Morris' Moulin Rouge^® - The Ballet. Photo by Charlie McCullers.

Wabi Sabi Photography

Photo by Jonah Hooper. Featuring Lisa Barrieau and Claire Stallman.

Photo by Jonah Hooper. Featuring Kiara Felder. Costume design by Tamara Cobus.

Photo by Jonah Hooper. Featuring Jared Tan. Costume design by Tamara Cobus.