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Ballethnic Spring 2021 Happenings
Ballethnic is learning and growing. Thanks to the general operating support from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and The Arthur Blank Family Foundation, Ballethnic has been able expand its knowledge base and enhance its vision for the future. Architecture firm Perkin & Wills provided an opportunity for Ballethnic to reimagine its building and campus, through the firm’s Social Purpose Program. Through monthly meetings, the artistic staff was able to dream the new upgraded space for the future, and the talented team produced its feasibility study pro bono to create a capital campaign. At the same time, Ballethnic worked with The Sasha Group (generously
funded by Bloomberg Philanthropy) to enhance our knowledge and to elevate the brand awareness, resulting in a new logo and new look.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Ballethnic Dance Company has been in the studio creating and producing virtual Friday performances for various groups and also collaborating with The Breman Museum.
Out of the many discussions and trainings presented by the Arthur Blank Audience Building Roundtable work, Leslie Gordon, executive director of The Breman, was inspired to seek a collaboration with the Ballethnic cofounders to create a new work, building off the Snitzer exhibit. Gordon introduced the idea to the co-founders, and Lucas, as resident choreographer, was elated to have the opportunity to bring forth a new work during a difficult time. Lucas sees the commission as the tool he needs to help meld the Ballethnic veteran dancers and train new company members. The Breman Museum and Ballethnic Dance Company are set to celebrate, through choreography and music, A Jazz Memoir with photography by 89-year old photojournalist Herb Snitzer and choreography by Ballethnic co-founder Waverly T.Lucas II. This exploration has been in the works and evolving for many months. It is set to hit the virtual stage in late April followed by in-person indoor and outdoor appearances at Ballethnic Dance Company and The Breman in early summer.
