More than 400 guests joined us at this year’s Atlanta Ballet’s Corps de Ballet Luncheon for a glamorous runway fashion show and to celebrate the Centre for Dance Education’s commitment to educate, inspire and reach out to youth who may not otherwise be exposed to dance. We were particularly honored to recognize American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland with an inaugural Trailblazer Award.
“Jada and I are longtime supporters of Atlanta Ballet and passionate individuals who believe in extending the opportunities in the arts to all corners of the Atlanta community. As co-chairs of this year’s luncheon, we wanted to establish an annual award to recognize individuals whose extraordinary contributions to the ballet world will leave a lasting impact on our city and beyond. With her outstanding accomplishments at American Ballet Theatre, her tremendous dedication and passion for giving back, and unprecedented role in helping to diversify the art of ballet, we immediately thought of Misty Copeland. We are overjoyed that she has accepted our invitation, and feel honored to have the opportunity to celebrate her not only as an exceptional dancer, but a genuinely wonderful person who inspires young ballerinas around the world, including so many right here in Atlanta, Georgia.”
Corps de Ballet Luncheon Co-Chair, Keisha Noel
As the nation’s oldest ballet company and Atlanta’s leading dance institution, Atlanta Ballet makes a unique and significant contribution to metropolitan Atlanta. The Centre for Dance Education serves more than 22,000 children and adults throughout the metro-Atlanta area through Centre Dance In-School Programs, Kids In Step student matinee performances, Atlanta Ballet’s AileyCamp, field trips, scholarships, Veteran’s tickets and classes for adults with developmental disabilities.
“Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s community engagement programs have allowed so many young people not only to experience and enjoy the art of dance, but to discover and celebrate who they truly are as individuals. Even if the kids who participate in these incredible programs don’t end up becoming principal ballerinas, they can take the lessons they’ve learned through dance wherever life takes them.”
Corps de Ballet Luncheon Co-Chair, Jada Loveless
