Atlanta Ballet is honored to celebrate the 100th birthday of Robert ‘Bobby’ Barnett, the company’s Artistic Director Emeritus. Barnett didn't just lead. He forever changed Atlanta Ballet and helped to popularize regional ballet by introducing Balanchine repertoire to the Southeast for the first time.

Following an invitation from founder Dorothy Alexander after his time with the New York City Ballet, Barnett and his wife Ginger joined Atlanta Ballet as principal dancers and associate directors. Barnett stepped into the role of artistic director in 1962.

If you've ever been to an Atlanta Ballet performance, you've undoubtedly felt Barnett’s influence. Even outside of coming to a show, you may have seen him in TODAY.COM sharing his tips for a fulfilled life. For an impressive 32 years, until his retirement in 1994, Barnett was the visionary who molded Atlanta Ballet into the prestigious dance powerhouse it is today. He directed the young company of just 25 dancers to professional status in 1967, prompting its name change from Atlanta Civic Ballet to Atlanta Ballet. "It's one of my greatest pleasures. What I love to do the most is to coach and teach," he told TODAY.

During this time, Barnett never forgot one of his biggest mentors, George Balanchine. His connections made Atlanta Ballet the first regional company to bring Balanchine's The Nutcracker to the stage. Barnett's deep admiration for Balanchine was a driving force in shaping Atlanta Ballet's repertoire. He secured the rights to present even more of Balanchine's works, elevating the company's artistic standing and exposing Atlanta audiences to world-class choreography.

Barnett’s love for teaching and training dancers is among his greatest joys. He also oversaw the Atlanta School of Ballet, the predecessor to the current Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. Through the school and the company, he developed not only dancers for the Atlanta Ballet, but dancers who went on to enjoy careers with companies all over the world. He continues to teach and coach to this day, at 100 years of age.

With an unwavering passion for dance and a deep belief in Atlanta Ballet's mission, Robert Barnett has left an enduring legacy within the company and ballet history.

Happy 100th Birthday, Bobby!

1923 – Dorothy Alexander founded the Atlanta School of Ballet. The school trained dancers that went on to careers as principal dancers and company directors in America and abroad.

1925 – Robert ‘Bobby’ Barnett is born to a ranching family, Vera and Jim Barnett, in Okanogan, Washington. Barnett's childhood was steeped in a love for performance. He grew up captivated by the Golden era of movie musicals, idolizing Fred Astaire. He dreamed of becoming a dancer early on in his life with the full support of his parents.

1943 – When Barnett graduated high school in 1943, he enlisted in the Navy and joined a liaison unit performing at the Ernie Pyle Theater.

1946 – By the end of his term, he met modern dance pioneer and former internee, Michio Itō whose advice led him to Bronislava Nijinska. Barnett jumped into a demanding schedule of 12 classes a week, followed by an invitation to perform with the Ballet Russes.

1948 – George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein formed the New York City Ballet, and Barnett realized his dream of working with this new and innovative dance company. Barnett was among the first generation of dancers to matriculate at New York City Ballet, a proud influence he brought to new heights at Atlanta Ballet.

1958 – Barnett and his wife, Virginia ‘Ginger’ Barnett, leave New York City Ballet to join Dorothy Alexander at the Atlanta Civic Ballet. Both Bobby and Virginia join as Principal Dancers and Associate Directors.

1959 – Barnett obtains permission to perform Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. During his tenure at Atlanta Ballet, Barnett would go on to put on 15 Balanchine productions, including Prodigal Son, Concerto Brocco, and Serenade.

1962 – Barnett becomes Artistic Director, advised by Dorothy Alexander.

1967 – Atlanta Civic Ballet gains professional status and becomes Atlanta Ballet, inc.

1969 – Virginia Barnett left Atlanta Ballet to start The Carl Ratcliff Dance Theatre, the first modern company in Atlanta with Carl Ratcliff and Teena Stern. Virginia was an associate director and principal dancer with the company until 1994.

1972 – The company makes its first New York appearance at the Delacorte Theater during the New York Dance Festival.

1973 – Governor Jimmy Carter proclaims Atlanta Ballet the State Ballet of Georgia.

1980 – Robert Barnett serves as one of the as official coaches for the U.S. International Ballet Competition of Varna with Atlanta Ballet Principal Dancer Gill Boggs leading the U.S. delegation. The following year, Barnett served as head coach in Moscow.

1982 – Robert Barnett is recognized with Governor’s Award for the Arts.

1990 – The Minister of Culture invites Atlanta Ballet to perform in Taipei.

1994 – Robert Barnett retires from Atlanta Ballet.

Join Atlanta Ballet in celebrating Barnett's enduring impact on Atlanta Ballet and beyond. Inspired by Dorothy Alexander's founding vision, Robert Barnett has dedicated his life to bringing dance to Atlanta. One major way you can help keep this dream alive is with the Artistic Director's Circle.

The Artistic Director’s Circle is a community of visionary philanthropists who are investing in the creation of new works at Atlanta Ballet through high-level multi-year gifts. The Robert and Virginia Barnett Fund has been created on the occasion of Robert Barnett’s 100th birthday, and at his behest, to support the Artistic Director’s Circle. Please consider a contribution to honor this remarkable milestone that reflects not only the longevity of a life well-lived but also the enduring legacy of Robert Barnett’s many contributions to Atlanta Ballet.