In 1929, a young and rising choreographer was making waves in Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. On May 21, 1929, George Balanchine's Prodigal Son premiered at the Théâtre Sarah-Bernhardt in Paris, marking what would be the final season of the Ballets Russes. Just 12 weeks later, Diaghilev passed away, leading to the disbandment of the company. Balanchine was only 25 years old when he choreographed Prodigal Son.

Prodigal Son was one of Balanchine's early ballets to gain international recognition and continues to be a staple in the repertoires of many dance companies today. This masterwork, rich in creativity and emotional storytelling, explores themes of sin and redemption, showcasing the inventiveness and experimentation of a young choreographer. Its timeless message, expressive score, and dramatic movement remain as modern, exciting, and impactful today as they were in 1929.

Across the Atlantic, another visionary, Dorothy Moses Alexander, was also 25 years old and making her mark in the ballet world. She founded Atlanta Ballet, as we know it today, in 1929, realizing her dream of delivering quality ballet to the Atlanta community with the establishment of the Dorothy Alexander Dance Group Concert. This initiative marked the beginning of the regional ballet movement that swept across the nation. In 1943, the company changed its name to Atlanta Civic Ballet to more accurately reflect its contributions to Atlanta and the South. In 1967, it was named Atlanta Ballet.

Strong connections to Balanchine have persisted throughout Atlanta Ballet's history. In 1958, Miss Dorothy invited Robert Barnett, a soloist with the esteemed New York City Ballet and a protégé of George Balanchine, and Virginia Barnett, to join the company as principal dancers and artistic associates. A year after Miss Dorothy’s retirement in 1962, Robert Barnett was named artistic director and introduced many Balanchine masterworks into the repertoire, including The Nutcracker. For over 30 years, until his retirement in 1994, Mr. Barnett expanded Miss Dorothy’s vision of excellence.

In 2016, Gennadi Nedvigin was appointed the fourth artistic director of Atlanta Ballet in the company's then 87-year history. Coming from an illustrious dance career that included training at the renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy and nineteen seasons with the San Francisco Ballet, Nedvigin is now entering his 10th season as artistic director. He is excited to present an extraordinary lineup of productions showcasing some of the boldest and most innovative works in the history of Atlanta Ballet. Prodigal Son holds special personal significance for Nedvigin. He stated, “It was the role that led to my promotion to principal dancer at San Francisco Ballet and continues to inspire my work as an artist and director."

Atlanta Ballet is the oldest ballet company in America and the official State Ballet of Georgia. Its eclectic repertoire spans the history of ballet, featuring both beloved classics and inventive new works.

As we prepare for our centennial celebration in 2029, we take pride in reflecting on the history of ballet and its influence in both in Atlanta and beyond. And as we launched the season on September 12 with Balanchine & Peck, we honored the enduring impact of key historical moments, the legacy of George Balanchine, and the growth of dance in the Southern United States. Join Atlanta Ballet as we continue to commemorate the importance of connecting historical and cultural milestones in ballet history.

Atlanta Ballet dancer Ángel Ramírez in Prodigal Son. Photo by Kim Kenney.
Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust.