Honoring a Legacy, Shaping a Future

Barbara Brown Barker was a woman of deep faith, artistic vision, and an unwavering commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. A gifted dancer, teacher, and devoted follower of Christ, she believed that the beauty and discipline of dance could be redeemed for God's purposes and used as a powerful expression of worship and a means of sharing the Gospel.

Barbara's love for dance began in childhood and led her to pursue a career as a professional ballerina. Yet her greatest calling would come not from the professional stage, but rather from her relationship with Jesus Christ. It was during a time of disappointment and confusion that Barbara finally realized that she was a sinner in need of a Savior, and she committed her life to God. This life-changing commitment marked a transformation in the way that Barbara viewed her dance. Rather than being a vehicle for personal gratification and praise, she desired to see the arts brought under the authority of God's Word and devoted to His glory.

In 1960, Barbara married Frank M. Barker, Jr., the founding pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. After becoming a pastor’s wife, Barbara assumed her time in dance had come to an end, so she laid aside her ballet slippers and, together with Frank, devoted her life to serving the Lord through the ministry of Briarwood.

God, however, was not finished with dance in Barbara’s life!

During the late 1970’s, in an effort to create an outreach to young girls in the community, the church invited Barbara to begin teaching ballet classes, and in 1980 Barbara founded Briarwood Ballet as a ministry of Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Beginning with just 45 students, she established a school where excellence in classical dance training would be inseparable from biblical truth and Christian discipleship. Her vision was not simply to develop accomplished dancers, but to cultivate young men and women whose artistic gifts and lives would honor Jesus Christ.

“Barbara's life reflected her conviction that every gift comes from God and should be offered back to Him.”

Under her leadership, Briarwood Ballet grew into a flourishing ministry, touching the lives of thousands of students and their families. She also established the performing companies Ballet Exaltation and Immanuel, extending the ministry's reach through performances and mission opportunities both nationally and internationally.

Barbara's life reflected her conviction that every gift comes from God and should be offered back to Him. Through her teaching, mentoring, and steadfast faith, she inspired generations of dancers to pursue excellence, embrace biblical truth, and use their talents for God's glory.

The Barbara Barker Legacy Foundation exists to carry forward this enduring vision—preserving her commitment to Christ-centered dance education and inspiring future generations to glorify God through the beautiful gift of dance.