Career Day: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Role as a Program Coordinator

Introduction When people think about ballet, they often picture dancers performing on stage. But behind every successful dance company, there’s a team making sure the performances, rehearsals, and programs happen smoothly. As a Program Coordinator at Ballethnic Dance Company, I get to be part of that process, helping dancers access training, performance opportunities, and community …

The Art of Listening: What a Vinyl Listening Party Taught Me About Music, Dance, and Artistic Value

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a vinyl listening party, an experience that felt almost foreign in today’s fast-paced, content-driven world. We gathered, we sat, and listened, really listened, to D’Angelo’s Voodoo album from start to finish. No skipping tracks, no background distractions. Just the music as it was meant to be heard. For …

March is Dance in Schools Month: Why We Need #DanceEducationForALL

Every March, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, we recognize Dance in Schools Month, a time to highlight the importance of dance education and advocate for #DanceEducationForALL. As someone who started as a dance educator in underfunded schools, I’ve seen firsthand how dance changes lives. Many of my students faced challenges outside the …

Saturday Morning Ballet Class: A Nostalgic Rite of Passage

There’s something undeniably special about Saturday morning ballet class. It’s not just the pink tights, the soft leather ballet slippers, or the adorable bags shaped like oversized ballet shoes. It’s the tradition, the ritual, and the nostalgia that swirl together, creating cherished memories that linger long after childhood. For me, the journey began in the …

Why it is important to preserve cultural heritage through community arts

Cultural heritage is more than a record of the past, it’s a living, evolving art form that connects communities, shapes identities, and paves the way for future generations. In this article, I explore how community arts serve as a powerful medium to preserve traditions, celebrate diversity, and inspire personal journeys. Embracing Cultural Heritage and Community …

Donald Trump’s Takeover of the Kennedy Center Sparks Backlash from Artists

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the United States, is facing controversy after President Donald Trump was elected as chairman. This move has led to strong reactions from the arts community, with notable figures like Issa Rae canceling scheduled performances and others severing ties with the …

Why Arts Funding Matters: Advocating for the Future of the Arts

Tomorrow, I will be attending the Fulton County Board of Commissioners budget meeting to advocate for something that has shaped my career and the lives of countless artists, arts funding. As I step into my new role at Ballethnic, I recognize how vital these resources are in keeping the arts alive, especially in times when funding …

Celebrating Women in Dance: Trailblazers Who Shaped the Industry

Introduction Dance has always been a space where stories are told, cultures are preserved, and barriers are broken. Women have played a significant role in shaping the art form—pushing creative boundaries, breaking racial and gender barriers, and redefining what’s possible on stage and beyond. As we celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025), it’s the …