newsletter where we will detail our Adopt A Dancer Program whereyour donations can directly support our new company members. Keeping Tradition Strong

This season has been one of new beginnings; and Ballethnic could never have evolved the way it has over the

past 25 years without a constant drive from our heritage. Early in the season, we were graced by Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Founding Artistic Director

Arthur Mitchell (left). He coached a rigorous master class for the Ballethnic Dance Academy Students

and gave them invaluable insight into what it means to truly live in dance.

Not only is Mr. Mitchell responsible for founding the first black ballet institution in the country, but he is also responsible for training Ballethnic’s two artistic directors, Nena Gilreath and Waverly Lucas. Being able to bring a new generation of dancers to the source of their pedagogy is a gift only the luckiest of academies in the most fortunate of times are ever able to bestow.

Ballethnic [BAL-ETH-NIK]

Dance Company Inc.

Dear Supporter,Since we last connected, at the start of Ballethnic Dance Company’s Urban Nutcracker season, BDC has been fortunate enough to celebrate our 25th anniversary season with many new and exciting developments. We have new support, a new company and new beginnings moving forward into 2015. All of this fresh energy has been both exciting and inspiring for every facet of our organization.

First and foremost, BDC is ecstatic to announce that we are the very gracious recipient of the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation’s Grant for Capital Improvements. This grant provides us the opportunity to make much needed repairs and renovations to our studio space we have not be able to since 1997. A newly renovated, more spacious and dancer-friendly studio will permit the academy, company

On Pointe Newsletter: Keeping Our Supporters Informed

and administrative staff to afford training and coordinate performances with greater ease.

An Economic EdgeAs fiscally strained

as this time is for arts organizations around the country, it is the continued financial support of institutions and individuals that have allowed BDC to remain successful and thriving these past twenty-five years. While the Lettie Pate Grant is an outstanding start, BDC still needs your help. We humbly ask you to support our company dancers, students and staff. Please contact our administrative office to find out ways you can donate.

Also keep a look out for our Spring

Ballethnic Dance Company's  mission is to classically train culturally diverse youth and adults by providing education, performances and community

programs through performing ballet, blending traditional discipline with modern, jazz,

African and other ethnic dance forms.

Ballethnic Company and Academy taking time to say “Thank You” to The Lettie Pate Foundation

Going Beyond the BarreIn honor of our silver

anniversary, BDC invited past Academy alumni back to serve on our first ever Beyond The Barre discussion panel. The discussion panel pictured to the right, moderated by academy alum and current Ballethnic Associate Academy Artistic Director Dr. Chayla Harris, featured (left to right) Dr. Chayla Harris Gaines, LA choreographer Kiara “Kiki” Ely, high school director Keila B. Harvery, Wells Fargo Personal Banker Zakeya Martin, Woodruff Arts Center Program Coordinator Ogechi Oparah, dermatologist Dr. Sumayah Taliaferro, and Head of Dance at Howard University Royce Zachary. The returning guests overall message was undeniably that the lessons learned while at BDC served them well beyond their years onstage.

Another Nut CrackedOnce again, BDC had a

wonderfully successful nutcracker season. Returning students and a new company hit the stage at the Ferst Center For Performing Arts to entertain four days of sold out performances. In addition to the full two act show BDC also included three shows specifically staged for student audiences sponsored by The City of Atlanta Cultural Experience Project and the Lila Womack Project.

Hello, BYE 2014 It’s hard to know sometimes if the young boys and girls of the Ballethnic Youth Ensemble (pictured right) are being inspired by their instructors or if their talent and motivation inspire us. We are so proud to have such a strong ensemble this season. BYE also says hello to new dancers, Lauren Adams, Alexis Amey, Arnae Cottle, Tyla Howell, and Raven Winder.

Fall-2014

Not Just For KidsWhoever said dance

training was only for the young hasn’t been by the studio this season!

This year we are offering two adult dance/fitness classes only available at Ballethnic. Academy instructor Theresa Howard (right) is gracious enough to open up an African Yoga class Thursday evenings from focused on breathing and meditation. While company dancer, Robert Graham (right) teaches a new high energy Modern/Jazz class great for all levels.

Thank you. . .For being such an integral

part of our organization. The beginning part of this season has started out strong, and promises to continue in that direction. With one eye focused on the future and one glancing back on our roots and your continued support, BDC hopes to press on another twenty five years.

Upcoming Events:Feb 22nd—Ballethnic

Celebrates Black History @GICC 4pm

Feb 28th—A night w/Adam Mcknight feat. performances by BYE and BDC.

March 19-22—Ballethnic Presents The Leopard Tale @The Rialto Center for the Arts.

© Sirk Photography

Afro Yoga w/ Theresa Howard

Modern/Jazz w/ Robert Graham

“Beyond the Barre” Panel

Ballethnic Youth Ensemble

—Robert GrahamCompany Dancer, Staff Writer