It might sound like an unlikely pas de deux, but the Frazer Center and Atlanta Ballet are creating a new partnership, thanks to a $50,000 award from the Building Community Network which is led by Georgia Center for Nonprofits and The Home Depot Foundation. An invitation-only competition for nonprofits, the Collaborative Innovation Grant program catalyzes “collaborative action among Atlanta’s top nonprofit organizations,” and requires two organizations with different focus areas to apply together. So the Frazer Center, which fosters inclusive communities for children and adults with and without disabilities, is joining forces with Atlanta Ballet, the state ballet of Georgia and the nation’s oldest ballet company.

This gift makes it possible for Frazer and Atlanta Ballet to explore new opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, such as dance classes with the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education at the Virginia-Highland Centre, as well as volunteer possibilities like assisting in the costume shop. And the Frazer Center, with its surrounding 39-acre Frazer Forest and historic Cator Woolford Gardens, will provide unique and inspiring venues for outdoor performances by Atlanta Ballet’s second company, Atlanta Ballet 2.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about collaborating with the Atlanta Ballet,” says Paige McKay Kubik, Frazer Center’s CEO. “This partnership will give the adults in our program the chance to broaden their horizons by learning new skills and meeting new people in the professional community. And we believe the Atlanta Ballet 2 performances here at Frazer will be a wonderful way to bring the entire community together, whether you are a dance enthusiast, disabilities advocate, or nature lover.”

The grant will allow the Frazer Center and Atlanta Ballet to collaborate through the 2018-2019 season, but both organizations hope it is just the beginning of a beautiful partnership.