Centering The Margins

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood speaks with Nena Gilreath, co-founder of Ballethnic, about redefining ballet through African dance concepts, cultural truth, and community inclusion. The conversation explores how the company emerged from a desire to move beyond the traditional ballet mould and create a form that feels more expressive, accessible, and representative of a wider range of bodies and backgrounds.

Nena shares the history of Ballethnic, including its roots in Atlanta, its creation of works such as The Leopard Tail and Urban Nutcracker, and its commitment to centring Black excellence and cultural relevance. She discusses the company’s approach to storytelling, choreography, costume, and live drumming, as well as the way these elements invite audiences and performers to participate more fully in the experience.

The episode also covers the barriers Ballethnic has faced, from funding inequities and prejudice to being treated as a diversity-only option rather than a valued artistic institution. Nena reflects on resilience, succession, community-building, and the importance of creating space for older adults, younger dancers, and people whose bodies or abilities are often excluded from traditional ballet. The result is a conversation about art, identity, and the power of reimagining tradition so more people can see themselves reflected on stage.