Centering the Margins

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Nena Gilreath for an illuminating conversation entitled "Centering the Margins". Delving into the world of ballet through a radically inclusive lens, Joanne and Nena explore how dance can both reflect and shape the narratives of belonging, cultural identity, and representation. Through discussions on redefining the ballet aesthetic and breaking entrenched norms, listeners are invited to reconsider what constitutes excellence and authenticity in the performing arts. The episode challenges assumptions about body image, tradition, and artistry, demonstrating the need for creative spaces where everyone’s story has a rightful place.

Nena is the co-founder of Ballethnic, a trailblazing dance company rooted in Atlanta and renowned for reimagining ballet through the centring of Black excellence and the integration of African dance concepts. With more than three decades of artistic leadership, Nena has made it her mission to cultivate legacy and opportunity for those overlooked by traditional ballet institutions. She articulates her superpower as "holding the line" for Black dancers—establishing space, legacy, and far-reaching possibility. In her conversation with Joanne, Nena shares her journey from the Atlanta Ballet to creating a new dance vocabulary with her husband, incorporating not just ballet tradition but also social dance, African music, and a celebration of all body types and backgrounds. Their approach champions representation on stage and off, whilst inspiring profound cultural and artistic change.

Joanne and Nena discuss how centring the margins is both disruptive and affirming, addressing resistance, funding inequities, and the challenges of moving from ‘diversity act’ status to mainstream artistic visibility. They highlight the joy, liberation, and community that arises when creative standards are redefined to include everyone. A key takeaway is the power of reimagining tradition: inclusive artistry not only enriches culture, but also transforms collective understanding of belonging and beauty. Listeners are encouraged to confront legacy narratives, celebrate difference, and discover the vibrant possibilities of inclusive community building through the arts.