Wabi Sabi returns to Atlanta for 3rd season

Atlanta Ballet’s dancer-driven troupe, Wabi Sabi, returns for its third summer season, recently presenting a premiere at the High Museum of Art’s Culture Shock event on July 27.

Created by Atlanta Ballet veteran company dancer John Welker in 2011, Wabi Sabi is a small, seasonal outfit that seeks to push the boundaries of ballet through the creation of new works. Working with the next generation of choreographic talent, Atlanta Ballet dancers perform fresh, innovative works around the city.

Wabi Sabi’s upcoming performances include: an artist chat and kickoff party on August 8 at Inman Park’s Whitespace Gallery, a more intimate gathering at a historic gym at North Georgia’s Sautee Nacoochee Center on August 17, and summer flings at the Atlanta Botanical Garden during its Cocktails in the Garden series on August 15 and 22.

In addition to presenting Welker’s choreographic work, the troupe has presented many other works by younger Atlanta Ballet company dancers. This season will present six world premieres by a unique crop of choreographers, including Atlanta Ballet company dancers Tara Lee and Heath Gill, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet dancer Rachelle Scott, Joffrey Ballet dancer Michael Smith, The DASH Ensemble Director Gregory Dolbashian, and Jennifer Archibald, Artistic Director of Arch Dance Company in New York.

For specific performance information, visit the troupe’s online calendar at www.atlantaballet.com/wabisabi.

Photo: Wabi Sabi performing Thru by Nicole Jones. Photo by Jonah Hooper.