EPISODE · Jan 27, 2026 · 59 MIN
Nena Gilreath: Artistic Director of Ballethnic, Celebrating 36 Years of Dance
from “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey · host Joanne Carey
"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guest Artistic Director, Nena GilreathIn this engaging conversation, on this week's episode of "Dance Talk” ® , host Joanne Carey chats with Nena Gilreath, artistic director of the dance company located in Athens, Georgia, Ballethnic and former dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem. Nena shares with us her extensive journey in the world of dance, from her humble beginnings in North Carolina to her impactful role in founding the Ballethnic Dance Company. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and the power of dance as a means of expression and social change. Nena emphasizes the significance of community in dance and reflects on the profound impact that art can have on individuals and society as a whole.Mrs. Gilreath is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She began her career by moving to Atlanta and joining the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre. She later joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, touring nationally and internationally. In 1988, Ms. Gilreath returned to Atlanta to dance with the Atlanta Ballet. Finally, on January 15, 1990, along with husband and choreographer Waverly T. Lucas, II they created Ballethnic Dance Company. She has implemented numerous outreach programs including the BUDDY Project through the Atlanta Project, which served as a model for the existing Danseur Development Project. Ms. Gilreath currently serves as co-founder and co-artistic director of Ballethnic Dance Company and Ballethnic Academy of Dance. She continues her original role as a dance artist and mentor for many young dancers as well as assisting Mr. Lucas in creating Ballethnic’s unique style. Ms. Gilreath was creative Loafing’s 2000 Best of Atlanta Critics Pick-Best Dancer; she received Atlanta Business League’s Success Against the Odds Award in 2001. She, along with Mr. Lucas, received the 2002 Global Diversity Business Exchange Atlanta Entrepreneur Award. In addition, Ms. Gilreath is a recipient of the 2003 Pinnacle Leadership Award. Nena and Waverly were recently selected as the December 2006 Lexus Leaders of the Artsby Georgia Public Broadcasting. Nena was also recognized in Atlanta Magazine’s December 2006 issue as one of the “Top Twenty Women in Business”. She is also the recipient of the 2007 Charles Loridans Award. She also received the 2008 Atlanta NAACP President’s Award for their positive influence on today’s youth.Learn more about Balletnic and their programshttps://ballethnic.org/“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey "Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."https://dancetalkwithjoannecarey.com/Please leave us a Review.Please help support the podcast:https://gofund.me/e561b42ac
What this episode covers
"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guest Artistic Director, Nena GilreathIn this engaging conversation, on this week's episode of "Dance Talk” ® , host Joanne Carey chats with Nena Gilreath, artistic director of the dance company located in Athens, Georgia, Ballethnic and former dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem. Nena shares with us her extensive journey in the world of dance, from her humble beginnings in North Carolina to her impactful role in founding the Ballethnic Dance Company. She discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and the power of dance as a means of expression and social change. Nena emphasizes the significance of community in dance and reflects on the profound impact that art can have on individuals and society as a whole.Mrs. Gilreath is a graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She began her career by moving to Atlanta and joining the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre. She later joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem, touring nationally and internationally. In 1988, Ms. Gilreath returned to Atlanta to dance with the Atlanta Ballet. Finally, on January 15, 1990, along with husband and choreographer Waverly T. Lucas, II they created Ballethnic Dance Company. She has implemented numerous outreach programs including the BUDDY Project through the Atlanta Project, which served as a model for the existing Danseur Development Project. Ms. Gilreath currently serves as co-founder and co-artistic director of Ballethnic Dance Company and Ballethnic Academy of Dance. She continues her original role as a dance artist and mentor for many young dancers as well as assisting Mr. Lucas in creating Ballethnic’s unique style. Ms. Gilreath was creative Loafing’s 2000 Best of Atlanta Critics Pick-Best Dancer; she received Atlanta Business League’s Success Against the Odds Award in 2001. She, along with Mr. Lucas, received the 2002 Global Diversity Business Exchange Atlanta Entrepreneur Award. In addition, Ms. Gilreath is a recipient of the 2003 Pinnacle Leadership Award. Nena and Waverly were recently selected as the December 2006 Lexus Leaders of the Artsby Georgia Public Broadcasting. Nena was also recognized in Atlanta Magazine’s December 2006 issue as one of the “Top Twenty Women in Business”. She is also the recipient of the 2007 Charles Loridans Award. She also received the 2008 Atlanta NAACP President’s Award for their positive influence on today’s youth.Learn more about Balletnic and their programshttps://ballethnic.org/“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey "Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."https://dancetalkwithjoannecarey.com/Please leave us a Review.Please help support the podcast:https://gofund.me/e561b42ac
NOW PLAYING
Nena Gilreath: Artistic Director of Ballethnic, Celebrating 36 Years of Dance
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.