Ballethnic

Mission Statement: The mission of Ballethnic is to inform, educate and entertain through dance using dance as a vehicle to impact the community by offering programs that act as a catalyst for social change.

ABOUT US

Ballethnic is a professional ballet company that creates visibility for Black and Brown dancers who, in spite of proper training, are overlooked. We are making a radical shift in the access of classical and contemporary ballet in Atlanta – in studios, on stage, behind the scenes, and among audiences, dance professionals, and students. For more than 30 years, Ballethnic has distinguished itself from other black professional ballet companies by its unique and authentic praxis of blending ballet with African dance concepts and placing the movements sur la pointe. We have worked to change the landscape of classical ballet by increasing artistic opportunities through our Dance Company, Ballethnic Academy of Dance, Youth Ensemble, and Danseur Development Project. We are one of the most prolific creators of critically acclaimed ballets in the Southeast and have developed diverse dance audiences across the country. Our ultimate goal is to see a fundamental change in the number of Black and culturally diverse dancers in mainstream ballet companies around the world.

SUPPORT BALLETHNIC

Nationally recognized for its principal goal of giving Black dancers the professional opportunities they deserve based solely on their talent and dedication to the art, Ballethnic continues to increase visibility for Black ballet in Atlanta and throughout the southeast.

As a supporter, you will be making a valuable contribution to the sustainability of this small, historic dance company and will support its ongoing commitment to aspiring dancers and to its ever-increasing commitment to its loyal community. In return, you will receive access to special events and performances, as well as exclusive discounts and rates.

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BALLETHNIC'S
ORIGINAL BALLETS

The Leopard Tale

Ballethnic’s signature production, this ballet eloquently fuses classical ballet and African Dance into a high energy, action-filled, and powerful performance.

Urban Nutcracker

Big Mama shares the story of the Journey down Atlanta’s own Sweet Auburn Avenue in the 1940’s. It is a magical dance production featuring a cast of over 80 performers.

Soul Survivors

Soul Survivors celebrates music with a melody, a message and live instrumentation. With a blend of African and Ballet choreography and original live soul music arrangements this show bridges the generational and racial divide.

CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

R&B sister duo Chloe & Halle on Ballethnic Academy of Dance giving them their “foundation for everything dance”.

“My days at Ballethnic were some of the most challenging and rewarding days of my life.” – Actor Harrison Knight

DEDICATED TO CHANGE
ONE DANCER AT A TIME.

Ballethnic’s commitment to increasing equity in mainstream ballet starts at our family-oriented dance academy. The Ballethnic Academy of Dance’s educational approach is about more than dance, it stresses disciplined lives, sound bodies, and focused minds for both children and adults. From ballet to jazz, modern to musical theatre, our programs focus on the development of dancers of all ages.

COMMUNITY

Collaboration and community are built into every aspect of Ballethnic’s programming. We are dedicated to giving back to our community through educational workshops, free performances, outreach into local schools, and more.

CLASSICAL TRAINING. DEDICATED EXPERTS.

NENA Y. GILREATH

Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director

WAVERLY T. LUCAS

Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director

ADAM L. MCKNIGHT

Associate Artistic Director / Music Director / Vocal Coach

Lydia Abarca Mitchell

Ballet, Pointe & Rehearsal Coach

"Ballethnic, for me was not just the place I go to dance. It became my life. It was my friends and family, my security, my artistic expression, and my voice. It was also the place where my father died, so it holds a very dear place in my heart. My second moms and second dads rushed to help in any way possible. I learned at that moment, that Ballethnic was going to be in my life for the rest of my life."

"They stress the importance of paying it forward through family, youth services, and education. I can not begin to thank Ballethnic Dance Company Inc. enough for their continued guidance cherishing all they have instilled in me. They taught me the importance of striving to be a better "me" than the day before each day."

Contact Us

2587 Cheney Street,
East Point, GA 30344
Monday – Thursday:
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
1-404-762-1416
info@ballethnic.org

Quick Links

ADA Support Statement: If you need reasonable modifications due to a disability, including communications in an alternate format, in order to participate in any County-sponsored program or meeting, please contact Ballethnic Dance Company (Suzanne Gordon) at 404-762-1416 seven (7) days in advance to facilitate your request. For TDD/TTY or Georgia Relay Service Access, dial 711. To obtain this information in an accessible format, please call 404-762-1416