This past weekend, my kids and I attended Ballethnic Dance Company’s Fall Festival (Ballethnic Dance Company), and it was an experience filled with joy, nostalgia, and community spirit. For me, it was more than just a family outing—it was a return to a place that played a pivotal role in my own dance journey. I trained, performed, and grew as a dancer with Ballethnic, participating in both their youth ensemble program and later as a professional dancer. This past summer, I had the privilege of teaching in their program, so bringing my daughter to the festival was like sharing a part of my personal history with her.
As a parent, I’m always looking for affordable, family-friendly events, and this festival was exactly that. Ballethnic is located in East Point Ga on the newly coined street name Ballethnic Way (a testament to this organizations commitment to community intivatives). Ballethnic’s Fall Festival offered easy access, abundant parking, and a full lineup of activities for all ages. It was the perfect fall day—cool and sunny, with just enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable as we moved from one activity to the next.
The Day Begins with Dance
The festival kicked off with an outdoor performance by students of the Ballethnic Academy of Dance (Ballethnic Academy of Dance). Dancers raged in ages from very young to teen aged. Gathered around an open-air stage, the audience enjoyed an array of dance styles, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, men’s dance, and African dance. There was even a segment that encouraged audience participation, making everyone feel part of the show. My daughter and I couldn’t help but move along with the music, captivated by the energy and talent of these young dancers.
Each dance told a story, blending tradition with innovation, and it reminded me of why Ballethnic is such a significant force in the dance community. You can check out a glimpse of the event’s energy in this Instagram reel, which captures some of the joy and movement that filled the day.
Ballethnic: Celebrating Diversity in Dance
Ballethnic Dance Company is more than just a dance company—it’s a movement for representation and inclusivity in the ballet world. Based in Atlanta, Ballethnic was founded by Nena Gilreath and Waverly T. Lucas II to create visibility for Black and Brown dancers who, despite their training, often face barriers in the classical ballet world. For over 30 years, Ballethnic has been blending ballet with African dance elements, creating a unique fusion that celebrates cultural diversity while honoring the technical rigor of ballet.
Through their Dance Company, Academy of Dance, Youth Ensemble, and the Danseur Development Project, Ballethnic aims to change the ballet landscape by increasing opportunities for dancers from all backgrounds. Their goal is simple yet transformative: to see more Black and culturally diverse dancers in mainstream ballet companies worldwide. Ballethnic’s commitment to diversity and representation has helped build a devoted audience and set a new standard for what ballet can be.
Family Fun for All Ages
Once the performance concluded, the festival grounds opened up to an array of family-friendly activities. There was something for everyone: a bounce house, bracelet-making stations, trampolines, and large letter shapes for creative play. The highlight for my daughter was the horseback riding—she kept wanting to go back for more!
A food truck was available to fill your belly, as well as classic fair treats like popcorn and cotton candy. The festive atmosphere made it feel like we’d stepped into a small, vibrant community fair, and we enjoyed every minute of it. As the afternoon came to an end, I practically had to pry my daughter away. It was one of those days that felt both energizing and relaxing—a rare combination that left us all feeling grateful for the experience.
Looking Forward to the Next Event
If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Ballethnic, I can’t recommend it enough. They are deeply embedded in the community, offering opportunities for everyone to engage with dance in an accessible, welcoming environment. Keep an eye on their Instagram page for future events—you won’t want to miss them!
If you are in the Atlanta area or even if you are not you don’t want to miss Urban Nutcracker, which will be held on December 14th and 15th at the Martin Luther King International Chapel on Morehouse College’s campus. The original Urban Nutcracker is sure to put your whole family in the holiday spirit! You can purchase tickets for the Urban Nutcracker here.
Support the Ballethnic Mission
Ballethnic is doing essential work in the community, expanding access to ballet and making dance a welcoming space for all. Attending a performance or community event is a great way to show support, but if you’d like to contribute further, consider donating to help sustain their mission. Your support can help bring more diverse voices to the stage and ensure that young dancers of all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive in the world of ballet. Support Ballethnic here.
To learn more about their school and community initiatives, visit Ballethnic Dance Company.
Related Articles for More Inspiration
For more insights into the world of dance and body positivity, check out these related articles:
- Celebrating Love Your Body Week: Embrace, Empower, and Move with Confidence
- Majorette HBCU Dance: A Legacy of Culture, Style, and History
- The Power of Representation: Why Skin-Tone Tights Matter in Ballet
Attending the Ballethnic Fall Festival reminded me of the power of community, the joy of dance, and the importance of representation. I hope more people get to experience what this incredible organization has to offer, and I look forward to seeing you at the next event!
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
