Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre celebrates 10 years, announces 2026-2027 lineup

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre has been making movement magic in Atlanta for a decade. Artistic Director John Welker spoke to ArtsATL about its accomplishments so far and its vision for the future. 

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre got its name as inspiration from Atlanta’s original name, Terminus, which itself was a nod to the city’s location as the spot where the Western and Atlantic Railroad terminated — or began. “From the start, we felt that same paradox taking on the name Terminus,” said Welker. Rather than being focused on the definition as an end point, Terminus saw itself as a starting point for artists and audiences and for a new interpretation of the impact dance could have in the city. 

“We were passionate about expanding what ballet and dance could mean to people when you tap into a good story,” said Welker. “We thought of ballet as our language — the way to get there, not the end goal.” 

Welker shared that Terminus has already exceeded its own expectations to that end, with an expansive repertoire that is “distinctly us, an Atlanta company unlike any other, anywhere else in the world.” It has also found success in supporting the next generation of ballet dancers, which allows the company to “move the needle forward on what ballet and dance can mean for people on a generational level.”

When asked about the markers of success for the company, Welker said its continued existence despite restricted funding shows just how its culture of resilience, its creativity and its process-oriented approach ensure that high-quality performances can be achieved while simultaneously supporting and uplifting one another. “It takes passionate people who want to collaborate, coupled with a lot of trust and vulnerability and an open mind every day,” said Welker. “Without a doubt, our people and the community we’ve built are our biggest successes.” 

Over the past decade, the company has embraced long-term sustainability through relationships with its team and the greater dance community. “We value humility and confidence in the same breath,” said Welker, noting that while Terminus is confident in its abilities, it is never too accomplished to learn more and embrace new ideas. 

Welker also spoke about challenges the company has faced over its 10 years in the city, particularly in the early years. “The sheer amount of work, determination and personal sacrifice that it took to say ‘yes’ to almost everything that came our way without losing ourselves,” Welker recalled. 

He mentioned one notable period in March of 2018 when, following a full-length production, the company received an opportunity to perform at the Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park. With only six days to create and produce a new work on a small stage and with virtually no budget, the team had to get creative. Co-founder Heath Gill created Confronting Genius with fellow co-founders Rachel and Christian Dancing. Though it was difficult to ideate and execute a new performance given the circumstances, the end result became one of the company’s signature works; it has been presented many times over the years. It will return again in the upcoming season of Terminus’ Out Of The Box IV program.

“Because you never know, so many opportunities often come veiled inside a challenge and still do,” he said.

Despite many speed bumps over the years, such as the limitations posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has continued to evolve with the times. It became a registered nonprofit in 2021, built out a space at Tula Arts Center and deepened community partnerships. Perhaps most importantly, it has maintained the ethos of supporting artists and students at the heart of the organization. 

Full-time staff and artists receive 100% health benefits, students gain access to professional training and experiences and the performances remain accessible and affordable to the public. “I’m so proud that we keep pushing innovation and collaboration on multiple fronts and seeing ourselves as a cultural crossroads for Atlanta,” said Welker.

In the upcoming season, all co-founders will reunite during the annual Terminus Féte, a rare treat for all company members and staff. “Life is busy and full, so it makes it all the more meaningful that we can take the time to be present in the same place at once,” he continued. 

“In retrospect, 10 years ago, we named the company after the city we called home. What I truly feel is that we’re just getting going. Terminus is really the place where the next journey starts.”

For the first time in company history, Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre has announced the entire lineup for their upcoming 2026-2027 season, and it shared those details with ArtsATL to pass along to our readers. Don’t miss your chance to see these performances in person.

Out of the Box IV
Location: TMBT White Box Theatre
Dates: September 19-27, 2026
Repertoire: 
A Mi Lado, Stephanie Martinez (New Company Premiere) 
Tiny Universe, Tara Lee
Confronting Genius, Heath Gill

The Nutcracker Suite/Kennesaw
Presented by Terminus Ballet School
Location: KSU Dance Theater
Dates: November 20-22, 2026

The Nutcracker Suite/Woodruff
Presented by Terminus Ballet School
Location: Alliance Theatre’s Goizueta Stage
Dates: December 4-6, 2026

Marley Was Dead, to Begin With. A Christmas Carol Reimagined
Location: Alliance Theatre’s Goizueta Stage
Dates: December 11-13, 2026

Annual Terminus Fête
Location: The Dogwood at Westside Paper
Date: January 30, 2027

Reverie
10th Anniversary Season Performance
Location: TMBT White Box Theatre
Dates: March 13-21, 2027

Repertoire: 
Extasis excerpt, Tara Lee
Ad Terram, Tara Lee
Under The Olive Tree excerpt, Tara Lee
Roam duet, Tara Lee
Treaty, Rachel Van Buskirk
The Wave Breaks (Terminus Student Company), Rachel Van Buskirk
Horizons excerpt, Heath Gill
Fallout excerpt, Heath Gill

Terminus Ballet School Spring Showcase
Location: Moving In The Spirit
Dates: May 22-23, 2027

::

Isadora Pennington is Arts ATL’s senior editor of art + design and dance. An experienced writer and photographer with a deep love for the arts, Isadora founded the Sketchbook newsletter with Rough Draft Atlanta in 2022. She is also president of the Avondale Arts Alliance and drector of the Avondale Arts Center.