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Ballethnic Dance Company Inc. (pronounced \bal-eth-nik\) began with the love story of a young couple Nena Gilreath and Waverly T. Lucas II , who met in New York City while dancing with Dance Theatre of Harlem . Expanding their relationship from the studio and the stage, they believed that using one’s God-given talent could impact the community and the world.
More than three decades ago, they traveled throughout communities in Metropolitan Atlanta and the Southeast with their vision that there needed to be a professional Black-led Ballet Company in the South that could represent the possibilities of a professional career for many overlooked and undervalued citizens. They believed that the community needed another alternative for Black dancers and dancers of other ethnicities.
They were often not afforded access in companies once token spots were filled by hiring one or two black dancers. Sharing their vision through their commitment to excellence, many community members took notice and soon joined as supporters. On January 15, 1990, after consulting with Louis Johnson and Dr. Richard Long, the couple successfully launched the second Black-founded professional Ballet Company and the first by a Black female . Creating another vehicle in the U.S. for dancers of color to be at the forefront.

Urban Nutcracker 2026

Fall Fling

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Nena Gilreath

Waverly T. Lucas, II

Adam L. McKnight

Lydia Abarca Mitchell

Theresa Freeman-Howard

Laila Howard

Chantal Bartley

Willie Anderson

Taylor Benion

Barre work prepares the dancer for more progressive movements while providing stability. Special attention must be made to the correct placement and foundational elements. We salute our instructors for maintaining. The Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music by TikTok #ballethnic #balletclass #dance #cityofeastpoint #atlanta @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Nena Gilreath Dance @Ballethnic @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts @artsatl @ONLY IN ATL ATLSCOOP @atlscoop_

I’m enjoying sharing moments from Ballethnic’s Company Class on Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music by TikTok #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #atlanta #ballet #dance @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Nena Gilreath Dance @Ballethnic @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts @artsatl

I am so excited by the voice of the people exercising their rights! Making a strong statement about the state of the country. Not just talking about it… being about it! I voted for my community, humanity, and the future! 💙💙💙😍 We don’t own the rights of the music by TikTok #ballethnic #community #vote #eastpoint #atlanta

Ballethnic’s Red Dress Sale! Everything priced to move. First pay first purchase. Contact Ballethnic Dance Company /Ballethnic Academy of Dance. Stay tuned for more colors and selections. Get your tickets for Ballethnic’s Urban Nutcracker. #ballethnic #sale #cityofeastpoint #nutcracker #dresses

Ballethnic’s Fall Fling 2026 as part of our Events On Ballethnic Way was a great success thanks to our community. The Ballethnic family and friends showed up and enjoyed fun and fellowship with us. A special thanks to Ms. Laila and the Ballethnic staff and the wonderful volunteers who made it possible. We do incredible things with minimal resources! Let it be known! Eastpoint/South Fulton! We don’t own the rights to the music by Tiktok #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #event #community #atlanta @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Nena Gilreath Dance @Ballethnic @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @pey.dances_ @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts @A Wesley Fulton ATLSCOOP @ONLY IN ATL @atlscoop_

Ballethnic’s Fall Fling 2026 Horseback Rides… On Ballethnic Way! Dance and more! #livehighlights #tiktoklive #ballethnic #event #community @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Nena Gilreath Dance @Ballethnic @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @pey.dances_ @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts @Lo Ms White @chantalbartley We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by TikTok

#SongOfTheDay Working through the night to present a pleasant experience for the children and our community at Ballethnic’s Fall Fling 2026 on the Ballethnic Grounds and Outdoor Stage on Ballethnic Way…Halloween Day 2 pm to 6 pm. We don’t own the rights to the music by TikTok #ballethnic #event #halloween #community @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Nena Gilreath Dance @Ballethnic @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @pey.dances_ @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts @A Wesley Fulton @ONLY IN ATL ATLSCOOP @atlscoop_

Preparing for Ballethnic’s Fall Fling… Fun, Fellowship, & Free admission for our community. Arts in the community The Ballethnic Way! Saturday, October 31, 2026 2 pm We don’t own the rights to the music by TikTok #ballethnic #halloween #event #atlanta #cityofeastpoint @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Ballethnic @Nena Gilreath Dance @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @pey.dances_ @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts @ONLY IN ATL ATLSCOOP

Join us for a spooky good time of performance, festivities, and fun at Ballethnic’s Fall Fling! Performances on the Ballethnic Outside Stage, Horseback riding, Bouncy house, Tricks and Treats… much more! We don’t own the rights to the music by TikTok #ballethnic #halloween #festival #atlanta #event @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Ballethnic @Nena Gilreath Dance @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @pey.dances_ @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts @A Wesley Fulton

Join Nena G Cofounder of Ballethnic Dance Company and facilities director of East Athens Educational Dance Center as she shares fitness through movement and rhythm. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #eastathenseducationaldancecenter

😉First day of early voting… it matters like never before! No Dance , Romance or Performance without FINANCE! @danseurlucas

Dr. Theresa Howard sharing and caring. African dance and culture for our Ballethnic youth and community. With intent, clarity, and purpose. The Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music by TikTok #ballethnic #atlanta #cityofeastpoint #youth #africandance @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Ballethnic @Dance with me Nena G @Ballethnic @Raphaloujo @pey.dances_ @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts ATLSCOOP

Fall fling has snuck upon us and you don’t wanna miss it. On October 31st, expect all the joyous entities that come along with this season along with performances that lineup the night. Don’t miss supporting our beautiful Ballethnic dancers. 👻 #ballethnic #theballethnicway

From Ballethnic’s Urban Nutcracker rehearsals as Professor Issac to urban gardening! Enjoying the wonders and gifts of nature while sharing and caring for my community. That’s what life is about. Don’t worry, be happy and kind! We don’t own the rights to the music by TikTok #ballethnic #atlanta #cityofeastpoint #nutcracker #gardening @BYE🩰 @BallethnicDance @Ballethnic @Dance with me Nena G @Raphaloujo @Ballethnic @pey.dances_ @Lydia Mitchell848 @georgiafacts @fultoncountyarts ATLSCOOP @ONLY IN ATL @Gardening @Gardens NutcrackerBallet

Join me in naming the two newest drums added to the Ballethnic Healing Drumming Circle Circle. We will be naming all of the drums starting with these two. I will share the known history of the other drums to give guidance in selecting appropriate names. Your reasoning for naming a particular drum will be considered.😉 We don’t own the music suggested by TikTok #ballethnic #drummingislife #healingdrums #drums #drummingcircle

Ballethnic’s Urban Nutcracker and more! The Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by TikTok #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #nutcrackers

Ballethnic’s 2026 Urban Nutcracker rehearsals are underway… members of the Ballethnic Youth Ensemble of Ballethnic Academy of Dance rehearsing the Snow Scene from Urban Nutcracker. We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by TikTok. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

Celebrating Atiba of the Zeist Foundation for his lifetime achievement in sharing and caring. We don’t own the rights to the music… #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #archives #preservation

Prepared and ready. The Ballethnic Way!#ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

Sharing is a true sign of caring. Share your time and resources with loved ones and your community. Time is precious spend it wisely !😉 We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #caring #cityofatlanta #sharing

Join us today at 3 pm on Ballethnic Way for an exceptional event… Events On Ballethnic Way! #ballethnic #book #events #today #author

Enjoy the natural beauty and healing spirit of the Ballethnic Community Garden and Grounds. The first image is of the Goldenrod wildflower plants in the soon to become the Frankie Howard Island in the memory and spirit of our dear Ballethnic parent and friend who was a monumental figure at Ballethnic with his passion for sharing and caring. Join us Sunday 10-4-26 at 3 pm for Tending The Vines by Ashia S. Ajani as part of Events on Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #garden #cityofatlanta #gardening

Join us Sunday October 5, 2027 as we kick off many upcoming Events On Ballethnic Way! Tending The Vines by author and poet Ashia S. Ajani who is an alumni of Ballethnic Academy of Dance. Come out meet her and show your support for our community. With the current situation with DEI it is imperative that we hear stories that are about us unapologetically. History and Herstory Matters! Don’t talk about it, be about it😉 @danseurlucas #ballethnic #cityofatlanta #cityofeastpoint #books #event

Sharing and caring The Ballethnic Way on Ballethnic Way in Eastpoint Georgia. Dance, Culture, Healing, Fun, and so much more! #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

Sharing up close and real life experiences of the journey. Urban Nutcracker 2026 rehearsals. Rats and Marcus Garvey Soldiers. Understanding the movements, characters, and rhythmic dynamics are paramount in making Ballethnic’s Urban Nutcracker authentic and memorable. Special attention is given to all parts to keep the audience engaged throughout the ballet! Sharing the process…The Ballethnic Way! #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #dance #nutcracker

Jump into a new season… The Ballethnic Way…Ballethnic Dance Company… Ballethnic Youth Ensemble… Ballethnic Academy of Dance… Danseur Development Project! Enjoy the joyful journey of dance! The Ballethnic Way on Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

Ballethnic Academy of Dance the official school of Ballethnic Dance Company developing ballerinas and danseurs for over 36 years. The Ballethnic Way! #ballethnic #dance #ballet #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture

Sharing archival images that tell the Ballethnic story of love and commitment to our community and humanity. The Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #archives

Join us for this upcoming Event On Ballethnic Way! Ballethnic, a community of artistic and cultural sharing. In the spirit of community and humanity! Support us as we make a way!😉 #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #southarts

Don’t miss Urban Nutcracker Auditions this weekend! Enjoy this compilation of Ballethnic Academy of Dance classes live and unedited! September 2026. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

Ballethnic was glad to add culture and entertainment for the Black Mamas Matter Alliance at The Gathering Spot 9-12-26 for their event. Ballethnic adding special features to events! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

This is a little heavenly birthday compilation in memory of my lil bro Doug. Also fondly remembered as the Country Father in Urban Nutcracker. His memory and many others live in the Ballethnic Imani Memorial Garden 💙🙏🏾🕊️🌻 @danseurlucas

Here’s a recap of some recent activity from Ballethnic Academy of Dance September 2026 with interaction from our passionate instructors. Doing it The Ballethnic Way! #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

It was my pleasure supporting this amazing and inspiring gathering at Spelman College sharing the legacy of filmmaker Professor Julie Dash. #ballethnic #spelmancollege #filmmakers #cityofatlanta #film

Ballethnic is leaping into our 2026/2027 season with a fervor! Honoring our past, embracing the present, and encouraging the future! The Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

Ballethnic performing during the COVID pandemic at the Eastpoint Historical Society on the Ballethnic Portable Sprung Floor. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

If you see yourself or someone you know call them out by responding to this reel. We don’t own the rights to the music and content suggested by reels. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #archives

Memories from the Hank Aaron Chasing The Dream Foundation/Hank Aaron 75th Birthday Celebration with Ballethnic students who were recipients of scholarships in attendance. Former President Bill Clinton was in attendance. We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #atlantabraves

Don’t miss the wonderful vocalist Adam L. McKnight Director of Voice of Atlanta and Ballethnic Associate Artistic Director at Events On Ballethnic Way…Up close and personal…during the Ballethnic 2026/2027 Season. #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #cityofatlanta #performance

Preparing for Ballethnic’s 2026/2027 Season by auditioning dancers. We make the auditions comfortable and stress free for the dancers realizing how the cattlecall auditions often make the dancers feel unworthy. If you are attending a Ballethnic audition we consider the most appropriate path to get you to the place you want to be in your career. We consider all of your attributes and find a place for you if the passion and work ethic are there. We take the time to genuinely talk to each dancer and offer valuable feedback and encouragement. It's not where you are in the moment… it is about where you can develop to be. As Cofounder Nena Gilreath says “The Work Is The Star”. @danseurlucas #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #fultoncountyartsandculture #dance

Sharing this memory of Antonio Daza sharing Salsa with our Ballethnic Community… stay tuned for how to participate in the many Events On Ballethnic Way! We don't own the rights to the music… #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #dance

Here is a sample of choreography in the Ballethnic Dance Company repertoire as we prepare to audition dancers for our 2026/2027 Season… We don't own the rights to the music… #ballethnic #auditions #dancer #dance #audition

Upcoming events you don't want to miss. Support our Ballethnic community! We don't own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #event #community

Celebrating Life and community through dance, arts, and fellowship. Stay tuned for the many upcoming Events On Ballethnic Way! Up close and personal! We embrace and cherish our human connections. Join us as we share dance, music, arts and culture with vital educational and wellness driven initiatives. We don't own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #event

The important things in life often are overlooked until a pandemic or epidemic makes it relevant. We must add value to our communities and humanity by honoring nature. Our lives depend on it! We do it The Ballethnic Way… Dance and much more…! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofatlanta #gardening

Working in the Ballethnic Imani Memorial Garden with Ms. Stephanie mother of our beloved Imani “Twiggy” Twine…🙏🏾🌻🕊️ #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #dance #garden

Watermelon growing from the compost bin at the Ballethnic Community Garden. Ballethnic cleanup day, auditions, and academy registration! Join us The Ballethnic Way on Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #gardening #gardens #communitygardens

A brief taste of the Ballethnic Way! Seamlessly integrated ballet and African dance and cultural elements placed en pointe. Join our exciting team of innovative and authentic artists for our 2026/2027 Season! Let Ballethnic bring excitement, fun and joy to your event! #ballethnic #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #cityofcollegepark #cityofsouthfulton

Getting ready for Ballethnic Dance Company Inc. 2026/2027 Season… putting in the work for another successful season… The Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #dance

Help us spread the word… upcoming auditions for Ballethnic Dance Company… experience The Ballethnic Way…on Ballethnic Way! We don’t own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #auditions #audition #dancejobs #dancers

Get ready for Ballethnic 26/27… The Leopard will roar! We are looking for dancers who are technically proficient and artistically versatile! Spread the word! @danseurlucas #ballethnic #auditions #audition #balletdancer #dancer

Volunteers needed!😍 We don't own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #volunteer #volunteering #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta

In honor of World Elephant Day we share memories from Tanzania 🇹🇿 at Mikumi National Park...The Ballethnic Way! We don't own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #mikuminationalpark #tanzania #naturelover #elephants

Ballethnic showcased and managed a booth for the 47th Annual United Arts Wake County 2026 Artists in Schools Expo. Meet The Animals of The Leopard Tale En Pointe in the African Savannah, A Story Ballet. We don't own the rights to the music suggested by reels #ballethnic #fultoncountyartsandculture #cityofeastpoint #cityofatlanta #unitedartswakecounty

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