Founded in 1929, the Atlanta Ballet is considered the longest continuously operating ballet company in the U.S.
"We've always been about dreaming and inspiring (people) to imagine," Artistic Director John McFall said.
He said the ballet has survived all these years because of that continued mission.
"We basically and fundamentally love what we do," said McFall, who joined the ballet in 1994.
The company's history dates back to a young dance teacher named Dorothy Alexander. In 1929, she began the Dorothy Alexander Concert Group. By the 1940s, it became known as the Atlanta Civic Ballet, with Alexander serving as artistic director. In the 1950s, the company began touring internationally and performed its first "Nutcracker."
In 1961, Robert Barnett, a New York City Ballet soloist, became artistic director after Alexander's retirement. Under his direction, the company was among the first in the nation to perform "Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty." In 1967, the company gained professional status.
In 1973, then-Gov. Jimmy Carter proclaimed the Atlanta Ballet the official state ballet company, and Alexander received the National Endowment for the Arts Award. By the end of the decade, the ballet had become nationally recognized and had 25 dancers and apprentices.
Today, the company has 21 dancers and additional apprentices and students, said McFall, who took charge of the company when Barnett retired.
He said bringing the arts into schools through the company's education programs has been a highlight of his career.
The Atlanta Ballet first graced the Cobb Energy center's stage in March 2008 as the venue's second resident company. It moved there from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The Atlanta Opera was the first resident company.
Anne Malacrea of east Cobb has been a ballet enthusiast since she was enrolled in classes at age 3 in Delaware and her parents took her to New York City performances. She is a season ticket holder and ranks the Atlanta Ballet with the best companies in the country.
"I think the talent is outstanding. The choreography has been absolutely brilliant. The least it has been is excellent," said Malacrea, a retired registered nurse. "I have yet to see a mediocre production."
David Wolfe, one of the few Cobb residents on the Atlanta Ballet's board of trustees, said his family has been season ticket holders for 10 years.
"What first attracted us, and continues to keep us going, is the high artistic quality of the dancers and productions. We enjoy the variety in types of productions presented, from 'Romeo & Juliet,' to 'Dracula,' to unique collaborations with Antwan Patton, also known as Big Boi, and the Indigo Girls," said Wolfe, 47, a forensic accountant. "We also are continually dazzled by the flash and rhythm of the contemporary dance productions. The ballet puts on first-rate productions with amazing costumes and sets."
"Mozart's Magic Flute" runs through Oct. 24 for seven performances at the Cobb Energy center. It's a love story filled with adventure and fantasy as love-struck lead characters, Tamino and Pamina, embark on a journey inspired by passion.
Thursday's performance featured 10 vocal soloists, the Georgia Tech choir and the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.
"It's a very ambitious endeavor," McFall said. "We are going to be bringing Mozart to life."
Mark Godden choreographed the performance with a contemporary twist. He previously choreographed and directed the Canadian portion of the 2006 Olympic games closing ceremony in Torino, Italy. "Mozart's Magic Flute" is Godden's premiere production in the Atlanta area.
The ballet has announced its 2009-10 season, celebrating its 80th year with a lineup of shows never presented by the company before.
Later this month, the company will present "Pinocchio" for younger audiences. It has three, one-hour matinee performances on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25.
In keeping with a favorite Christmas tradition, the Atlanta Ballet's "Nutcracker" will run from Dec. 11 to Dec. 27 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. It will mark the company's 50th year producing the "Nutcracker." Opening weekend will be performed with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. For one night only, the "Nutty Nutcracker" returns Dec. 20 to the Fox.
The ballet will present "Cinderella," from Feb. 4 to Feb. 14. It will be accompanied with live music from the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Next spring, the ballet is scheduled to present Antonio Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" from March 25 to March 28, choreographed by James Kudelka, the National Ballet of Canada's former artistic director. The ballet season closes with an 80th anniversary celebration May 6 through May 9, called "Sheer Exhilaration," an eclectic mix of dance styles showcasing new choreographers.
For tickets, call Ticketmaster Arts Hotline at 800-982-2787 or go online at www.atlantaballet.com. Groups of ten or more call Atlanta Ballet group sales at (404) 873-5811 ext. 207.
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