As we eagerly anticipate the opening night of The Nutcracker on December 6, 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the many families who support Atlanta Ballet. One of those families is the Mortimer-Harper family: Melissa, Tom, and their children, Melanie Ann and Edward. We caught up with this dedicated family to discuss their deep passion and enthusiasm for both Atlanta Ballet and The Nutcracker.

Why is it important to you and your family to support Atlanta Ballet?

MELISSA: It is eminently rewarding to see firsthand the results of our support: the relationships we've cultivated over the years with the Atlanta Ballet community, the joy of working together on a common goal and celebrating successes together, and a voice in the direction of this beloved institution. New members will be amazed and satisfied by seeing how their personal role can make Atlanta Ballet even more extraordinary. With every and any gift you bring, you have the power to make an indelible impact in leading the way to a brighter future for Atlanta Ballet to continue to provide world-class performances, artistry, and ballet education in our community.

TOM: We are committed to investing in Atlanta Ballet to help it attract exceptional dancers, talented choreographers, composers, and artistic directors who embody the art of teaching, authentic leadership, and innovation in the arts. We bring our children so that the new generations can give their voice and network to strengthen a culture of philanthropy and engage a new generation of donors, inspiring purpose and raising visibility nationally and internationally for this amazing institution.

EDWARD: Supporting Atlanta Ballet is a meaningful and enduring way to have a tangible impact on young peoples' lives. My appreciation for the ways in which the performing arts has contributed to my and young people's growth through the reinforcement of creative expression, confidence building, and stress management has only deepened over the years. Moreover, regardless of who we are, where we are from, or what language we speak, dance, art, and music are universally understood and not bound by borders or cultures. Atlanta Ballet represents the way toward a future of hope and community by combining artistic forms, showcasing artists, and presenting artistic productions in a dynamic and welcoming space.

What would you like to add about your personal connections to Atlanta Ballet?

MELISSA: Atlanta Ballet's performances have delighted us and delivered the highest standard of excellence for the visual arts. Our family favorites include the romantic and ethereal costumes, sets, effects, and choreography in La Sylphide; as well as the intoxicating style, marvelous high fashion, and mesmerizing choreography of Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon, complete with live orchestra!

EDWARD: Especially memorable for me was an astonishing evening at Kaleidoscope where we watched the brilliant, entrancing compilation of music and dance arrangement of Corridors, a world premiere by Garrett Smith.

MELANIE ANN: My earliest memory of Atlanta Ballet was a dozen years ago watching The Nutcracker, seated between my grandmother and brother in the upper level of the theater. My grandmother was an Atlanta Ballet patron and balletomane, who regularly told us, “Ballet makes the world a better place”. I was not so sure of that when giant mice appeared on the stage! I jumped out of my seat, buried my face into her shawl, and grabbed her hands, squeezing them as hard as I could. Despite all the squirming and painful nail marks, she persevered with me and we made it through to the intermission when she bought me a lovely, ornamental ballerina from the souvenir kiosk that I still keep today. Just like our grandmother was, my brother and I are both very passionate about dance, music, fashion, culture, and especially Atlanta Ballet. We enjoy watching the Company integrate the traditional arts with contemporary multimedia, creating majestic and spellbinding performances. I would only add to my grandmother’s artistic legacy that “it is Atlanta Ballet that makes the world a better place!”

What would you say to someone who is considering supporting Atlanta Ballet?

EDWARD: Atlanta Ballet has shared the power and joy of dance with our metro Atlanta community for almost 80 years. When you become an individual patron or corporate member of Atlanta Ballet you directly support Atlanta Ballet's inspirational mission to enrich, educate, and empower its community with arts of the highest caliber. Becoming a member is a path to becoming more engaged in the life and preservation of Atlanta Ballet and its unique heritage. We cannot overlook the importance of this institution in our city and state that needs and deserves our support to thrive and persevere for my Gen Z and future generations.

TOM: Now spanning three generations, attending Atlanta Ballet performances and world premieres is one of my family’s most important traditions. My hope is that the more Atlanta Ballet guests and members will create lasting memories and family traditions like ours.

MELANIE ANN: Whether it is a donation of time, money, or experience, there are so many ways to support Atlanta Ballet. We can all be philanthropists in keeping and strengthening this institution as a premier destination for the arts in Atlanta. When you give to Atlanta Ballet you are making a commitment to preserving artistic excellence for the current and future dancers, sustaining the educational programs, and revitalizing the classical ballet traditions. Atlanta Ballet is mine and yours; let's help show its greatness.

MELISSA: Ever since I can remember, our core family value was ‘sharing with others’. Growing up in a military household not only meant you did your part to contribute to the betterment of the family unit, but that you also shared in the rewards, inclusively and equitably. It has been one of my greatest pleasures to share my love and passion for the beauty, grace, and magic that Atlanta Ballet, one of our nation's premier dance companies, has shared with me and my family for the past two decades. As members, we never let a performance pass without having introduced at least one new person - friend, relative, even coworker - to Atlanta Ballet and its company of world class dancers, choreographers, producers, and artistic directors. Our guests return each season to enjoy performances as patrons and new members. If you have not already done so, please share the ballet with someone this season!

Share the Ballet with someone special. And support the Atlanta Ballet during this giving season.

Tickets for The Nutcracker and other performances in Atlanta Ballet's 25|26 Season are available, including Giselle, Snow White, Golden Hour, and Frida.

To make a tax-deductible gift to the Atlanta Ballet, click here or learn all the ways to give on our website.

Who will you share the ballet with this season?