Ballethnic

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.