Robert Barnett

Adviser, Master Teacher Choreographer

Mr. Barnett began his serious study in dance with Bronsilava Nijinska in 1946. After less than two years of study, he joined the Original Ballet Russe, then performing throughout Europe. In 1949 he returned to the United States to dance with the New York City Ballet. He was soon elevated to soloist and was privileged to have roles created especially for him by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Frederick Ashton of the Royal Ballet of England. In 1958 Robert and Virginia Barnett came to the Atlanta Ballet and were the company's principal dancers and Associate Artistic Directors. In 1962 Barnett became the company's Artistic Director and remained in that position until 1994. Since his retirement, Mr. Barnett is called upon to guest teach, coach and stage his own choreographic works, as well as authorized by the Balanchine Trust to restage Mr. Balanchine's choreographic works in this country and abroad. In the past, he served as head coach for the American delegation at the International Ballet Competitions in Varna, Bulgaria in 1980. In 1981 he was a panelist for the Benoise de la Dance Competition at the Bolshoi Theatre, and in 1998 he was on the Competitor Selection Committee and was Master Teacher at the sixth USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. He has been associated with the Governor's School since 2001.

Phone: 864.282.3769