“And Just Like That…” Preparing for IABD 2026 with Atlanta Dance Connection, Axam Dance Theatre Experience, and Ballethnic Dance Company

This weekend, October 24 and 25, I had the opportunity to support Ballethnic Dance Company during the Atlanta Dance Connection’s performance of And Just Like That…—a powerful evening of movement, rhythm, and reflection. Though I attended in my capacity as Ballethnic’s Company’s costumer—a role that feels like a natural extension of my background in film, television, and theatre design.

Balancing archival work with creative labor often opens unexpected doors. Supporting the wardrobe not only allows me to earn income but also to access the performance space from within—to observe, document, and preserve the nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed. Each rehearsal, quick change, and curtain call becomes part of a living archive—one that tells the story of Black performance traditions as they evolve across generations.

The Performance

The evening featured choreography by Allyne D. Gartrell, Kareem B. Goodwin, Dawn Axam, and Waverly T. Lucas II, bringing together the artistry of the Atlanta Dance Connection, AXAM Dance Theatre Experience, and Ballethnic Dance Company. Every piece was a reminder of the brilliance and endurance of Black dance institutions in Atlanta—a city that continues to nurture excellence through collaboration, mentorship, and intergenerational artistry.

Highlights included And Just Like That…, a world premiere by Atlanta Dance Connection, and From Bare Feet to Pointe Shoes by Ballethnic—works that spoke to transformation, discipline, and the deep lineage of Black dance.

Connection and Continuity

Beyond the performance itself, the evening marked an important step toward IABD 2026, when Atlanta will host the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. This program reminds us that every rehearsal, every collaboration, and every archive contributes to this larger ecosystem of Black performance and preservation.

I was particularly inspired to meet Allyne D. Gartrell, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Atlanta Dance Connection. Their commitment to excellence and community-centered artistry aligns deeply with the mission of The Radical Archive Project—to document, sustain, and celebrate the living legacies of Black creative practice. You can learn more about Atlanta Dance Connection through the resources page on The Radical Archive Project website.

Looking Ahead

As Atlanta prepares to welcome artists, archivists, and audiences from across the country for IABD 2026, I’m reminded of how essential our behind-the-scenes work is. Whether sewing a hem or scanning a program, every act of care contributes to a fuller story of who we are and how we move through the world.

In many ways, And Just Like That… is more than a performance—it’s a declaration that we are ready, connected, and moving forward together.