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

Thanks to the following Ballethnic Sponsors!

Ballethnic 2024

Ballethnic Receives Governor's Honors Award!!

Ballethnic is a Southern Cultural Treasure!

Official Press Release!!

Ballethnic celebrates its selection as a Southern Cultural Treasure.  Ballethnic’s mission is to be a global catalyst for social change through ballet fused with African dance concepts placed on pointe. Since its inception Ballethnic has served a diverse base of people from its company members to its students.

Ballethnic does not visit communities of color or the under-served for the purpose of presenting occasional programs. We are located in East Point where we engage with our community members from our youth and seniors on a regular basis.

We are proud to be among 17 organizations that were chosen for our vital impact on our communities and helping to both define and preserve the uniqueness of the arts ecosystem across South Arts’ nine-state region, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. South Arts partnered with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to provide grants of $300,000 for general operating support over three years for four Georgia organizations – Ballethnic and True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta, Savannah-based Deep Center, Inc. and the Otis Redding Foundation in Macon.

View Press Release!!

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