Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre

- 75 Bennett St NW Suite A-2, Atlanta, GA 30309

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is a distinguished dance company and ballet school that has made an indelible mark on Atlanta's vibrant arts scene. Founded by a collective of five principal dancers who formerly performed with Atlanta Ballet—John Welker, Tara Lee, Heath Gill, Christian Clark, and Rachel Van Buskirk—the company was established with a powerful mission: to connect people through the beauty, power, and humanity of dance. It is a place where classical ballet technique meets the innovative and expressive world of contemporary dance, resulting in a unique and daring theatricality that is celebrated by both critics and audiences. The name "Terminus" itself pays homage to Atlanta's history as a railroad city, symbolizing a place where Atlanta's dance meets the world. The company is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and transparent community, valuing artistic agency and the spirit of the collective. This ethos is reflected in their performances and, more importantly, in their school, where a positive and uplifting environment is prioritized for all students, from young beginners to seasoned professionals.

The company’s commitment to high-quality training in a nurturing environment is consistently highlighted by its patrons. One parent, whose daughter attended a summer intensive, shared that the experience was "wonderful" and that the teachers were "kind and encouraging while setting a high standard for the dancers." This feedback perfectly encapsulates the studio’s philosophy of balancing rigorous technical training with positive reinforcement, which in turn helps students grow in both skill and confidence. Another review echoed this sentiment, stating, "The environment is so uplifting & positive, from the dancers, teachers/staff, to the parents!" This person noted a "tremendous difference" in their child's ballet technique in just a year, attributing it to the personalized attention and "amazing training" provided by the instructors. This dedication to individual student growth is what sets Terminus apart from many other schools. The founders and faculty are not just teachers; they are accomplished artists who are deeply invested in their students' journeys. The company's recent move into a world-class facility at the TULA Arts Center further solidifies its position as a premier destination for dance education and performance in Atlanta. This new space has allowed Terminus to expand its offerings and become an even more central hub for the arts community.

Beyond its professional company and school, Terminus is dedicated to community engagement through programs like "Wabi Sabi Terminus," a community initiative that takes contemporary ballet to unexpected public spaces. The name "Wabi Sabi," rooted in Japanese philosophy, signifies finding beauty in imperfection and the natural rhythms of life, and this philosophy is the heartbeat of the project. By bringing dance out of the theater and into the open air, the company seeks to redefine how dance is shared and experienced, fostering deeper connections with new audiences. This initiative, originally founded by Artistic Director John Welker, is a testament to the company's innovative spirit and its desire to make dance accessible to everyone in Atlanta. Terminus also offers "Drop-In Classes" for intermediate to advanced dancers aged 14 and up, providing a flexible way for aspiring and seasoned dancers to train with the company's faculty. These classes, along with their structured programs and summer intensives, offer a comprehensive training path for dancers at every stage of their development. The company's commitment to artistic innovation, community involvement, and high-caliber training makes it an invaluable part of the cultural fabric of Georgia.

Location and Accessibility

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is located at 75 Bennett St NW Suite A-2, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA. Situated in a central and accessible part of Atlanta, the studio is part of the TULA Arts Center. The facility is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible car park for the convenience of its visitors. The central location in Buckhead makes it an easy destination for dancers and audiences from across the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Services Offered

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre offers a wide range of dance programs and classes for all ages and levels, from children to adults.

• Ballet Classes: A variety of classes, including Advanced Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, and Basic Ballet, as well as specialized Pointe Classes.
• Training Programs: A comprehensive training program for aspiring dancers, including a boys' class and a professional training program.
• Drop-In Classes: Flexible, open classes for intermediate to advanced dancers, providing a way to train without a long-term commitment.
• Summer Intensives: Intensive training programs during the summer months for students looking to refine their technique and explore new repertoire.
• Ballet Fitness and Contemporary Dance: Classes that blend classical ballet with modern movement to provide a well-rounded dance education.

Features / Highlights

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is distinguished by its unique artistic vision and supportive community environment.

• Founded by Professionals: The company was founded by five former principal dancers, ensuring a high level of expertise in both performance and education.
• Innovative Repertoire: The company is known for creating daring and theatrical dance works that blend classical and contemporary ballet.
• Positive and Uplifting Environment: The studio’s commitment to kindness and encouragement is highly praised by its patrons.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives like "Wabi Sabi," the company brings dance to public spaces and new audiences.
• Accessibility: The provision of a wheelchair-accessible car park demonstrates a commitment to making dance accessible to all.
• Flexible Payments: The studio accepts both credit and debit cards for convenience.

Contact Information

For more information on class schedules, performances, or to get involved, you can contact Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre directly.

Address: 75 Bennett St NW Suite A-2, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Phone: (404) 446-0510

What is worth choosing

Choosing Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is a decision to engage with a dance organization that is a true innovator in the Atlanta arts scene. What makes this company and school a worthwhile choice is its rare blend of world-class professional artistry with a deeply nurturing and positive community. The founders and faculty are not just teachers but are artists who have dedicated their lives to the craft, and they bring that passion and expertise to every class and performance. For parents, this means their child will not only receive elite technical training but will also be encouraged to grow in confidence and discipline in a non-toxic environment. For adult dancers, the availability of drop-in classes offers a high-caliber training option without the commitment of a full program. The company’s artistic vision, which fearlessly blends classical and modern ballet, provides a fresh and exciting experience for audiences. By supporting Terminus, you are not only witnessing or participating in high-quality dance but also contributing to an organization that is actively working to make dance more accessible and impactful in the Atlanta community. For anyone in Georgia looking for an exceptional dance experience, Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is an unparalleled destination that truly delivers on its promise of connecting people through the power and humanity of dance.

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre

75 Bennett St NW Suite A-2, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA