Eugene Barnes

Instructor

Contemporary Ballet Dallas

Eugene Barnes is a distinguished ballet dancer and artist with a career that spans over two decades. A Baltimore native, Mr. Barnes received his early formal ballet training at The Baltimore School for the Arts, where he honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed instructors Norma Pera, Tony Wilson, and Debra Robinson.In 2003, Mr. Barnes had the unique opportunity to audition for Carolina Ballet at the request of its founding Artistic Director, Robert Weiss, after attending one of Mr. Weiss's master classes. Recognizing his exceptional talent, Mr. Weiss extended an invitation for Mr. Barnes to join the company, which he did in 2004. Over the next decade, Mr. Barnes made significant contributions to the company, quickly rising to the rank of Soloist in 2009. His tenure at Carolina Ballet was marked by numerous accolades, including two nominations for the prestigious Princess Grace Award, a testament to his technical proficiency and artistic expression.Mr. Barnes's artistry was further distinguished by the roles he originated in ballets choreographed by Robert Weiss, Tony Award nominee Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and current Carolina Ballet Artistic Director Zalman Raffael. A deep emotional resonance and a refined understanding of the classical and contemporary ballet repertoire characterized his performances. At Carolina Ballet, Mr. Barnes also developed a profound appreciation for George Balanchine's style and ballets. He had the privilege of working one-on-one with some of the most revered Balanchine dancers. This experience significantly influenced his artistic approach and deepened his understanding of the nuances of Balanchine's choreography. After leaving Carolina Ballet in 2014, Mr. Barnes expanded his repertoire by performing as a guest artist with notable companies such as Paul Mejia International and Grand Rapids Ballet under the direction of Patricia Barker.In addition to performing, Mr. Barnes served as the Director of Training and Principal Dancer with Avant Chamber Ballet. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping the training program and mentoring the next generation of dancers. His passion for both classical and neo-classical ballet was evident in his teaching and performances, where he consistently strived to push the boundaries of the art form while staying true to its rich traditions.Mr. Barnes continues to share his love of dance as a freelance artist, bringing his wealth of experience and artistic insight to various projects and collaborations. Beyond the studio and stage, he is also the Volunteer Manager for The Phoenix, a non-profit organization dedicated to building a sober, active community across North Texas and Oklahoma. In this role, Mr. Barnes combines his leadership skills with his commitment to community service, helping to create supportive environments where individuals can connect and thrive without the influence of drugs or alcohol.Throughout his career, Mr. Barnes has remained committed to the art of ballet and to using his platform to inspire and uplift others. His journey from a young dancer in Baltimore to a celebrated artist and community leader is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and passion for the arts.