Atlanta's Ballethnic Dance Company Celebrates 36 Years of Bringing Classical Ballet to Diverse Audiences

The acclaimed company continues to expand its global reach while staying rooted in the Atlanta community.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:06pm

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Atlanta's Ballethnic Dance Company, one of only three Black ballet companies in the nation, is celebrating its 36th anniversary with a special performance called "Heritage, Harmony and the Classics" from March 27-29. The company, co-founded by internationally celebrated ballerina Nena Gilreath, has been a trailblazer in bringing classical dance to diverse audiences and expanding opportunities for Black and Brown dancers. Despite funding challenges, Ballethnic remains committed to its community-focused mission and nurturing the next generation of dancers.

Why it matters

Ballethnic's success highlights the importance of representation and cultural diversity in the traditionally white-dominated world of classical ballet. The company has created groundbreaking opportunities for dancers of color and captivated audiences with performances that blend classical technique with African American influences. As classical ballet faces questions about its relevance, Ballethnic demonstrates how the art form can be reimagined and made more accessible.

The details

Ballethnic Dance Company was co-founded in 1990 by Nena Gilreath and Waverly T. Lucas, and has since risen to national prominence alongside other pioneering Black ballet companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Collage Dance Collective. The upcoming "Heritage, Harmony and the Classics" performance promises an evening of powerful storytelling and artistic excellence. Despite funding challenges, the company remains committed to its community-focused mission, providing scholarships and elite training to young dancers. Ballethnic has also expanded its global reach through partnerships and international exchanges.

  • Ballethnic Dance Company was founded in 1990.
  • The company will present "Heritage, Harmony and the Classics" from March 27-29, 2026.
  • Ballethnic is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year.

The players

Ballethnic Dance Company

An acclaimed Atlanta-based ballet company that is one of only three Black ballet companies in the nation. Ballethnic was co-founded in 1990 by Nena Gilreath and Waverly T. Lucas and has been a trailblazer in bringing classical dance to diverse audiences.

Nena Gilreath

An internationally celebrated and award-winning ballerina who is the co-founder of Ballethnic Dance Company and its affiliated school. Gilreath has been central to Ballethnic's mission of community engagement and supporting the next generation of dancers.

Dr. Mozel Jenkins Spriggs

A 100-year-old professor emerita who founded and led Spelman College's dance program for 27 years. Spriggs is a pivotal figure in Atlanta's arts community and a supporter of Ballethnic's work.

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What they’re saying

“There are many ways in which dance can enrich a person's life. I see it all the time. It helps people think positively. Students I taught who went on to do many different things—even outside of dance—come back and say, 'You taught me how to focus and encouraged me to explore.'”

— Dr. Mozel Jenkins Spriggs, Professor Emerita, Spelman College (atlantadailyworld.com)

“We have always been community people, in the community and for the community. That's where we do our greatest work. Many of these dancers go on to do amazing things in the arts. Halle and Chlöe Bailey are graduates of Ballethnic.”

— Nena Gilreath, Co-founder, Ballethnic Dance Company (atlantadailyworld.com)

What’s next

Ballethnic Dance Company will present "Heritage, Harmony and the Classics" at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center from March 27-29, 2026, showcasing the company's commitment to classical ballet and cultural diversity.

The takeaway

Ballethnic Dance Company's 36-year history demonstrates the power of representation and community-focused arts organizations to sustain classical ballet and inspire the next generation of diverse dancers. Despite funding challenges, the company remains dedicated to its mission of bringing world-class dance performances to Atlanta audiences and nurturing young talent.