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Wabi Sabi Terminus is an Atlanta based community initiative pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet through innovative, site-specific creations that transform public space into performance space.Rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and emotional truth, Wabi Sabi Terminus seeks to redefine how dance is shared and experienced—bringing bold, new work to unexpected places and fostering deeper community connections.
In 2011, Terminus Artistic Director John Welker launched Wabi Sabi as an innovative dance initiative, offering free-to-the-public world premiere performances that celebrated fresh choreographic voices. Now in Terminus’ 9th season, Wabi Sabi returns—reimagined as Wabi Sabi Terminus—led by company dancers Lenai Wilkerson, Elizabeth Labovitz, and Amalie Chase.
Rooted in Japanese philosophy, Wabi Sabi is the art of finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural rhythms of life. It honors the quiet elegance of things weathered by time, the asymmetry of nature, and the deep presence found in simplicity. This philosophy is the heartbeat of our work—bringing dance into the open air, into living spaces, and into community. Wabi Sabi invites us to embrace what is fleeting, raw, and real—and to move with it. We don’t just perform in nature; we listen to it, we move with it, and we build community through it.
Artistic and Creative Director; Choreographer
Lenai brings compassion and courage to the front-lines of our creative leadership. With a background in leadership and choreography, she envisions boldly through meaningful connection. She is very excited to also be joining the team as a co-resident choreographer.
"To me, Wabi Sabi means creating contemporary ballet that breathes with the world around it—embracing imperfection, embodying presence, and pulsing with vibrant life."
Social Media and Marketing Director; Choreographer
Amalie brings color and texture to every creative conversation. Adjudicated for her choreography, she is passionate about using movement to foster connection and create space for newness, experimentation, and joy. She is very excited to also be joining the team as co-resident choreographer.
“Wabi Sabi Terminus offers a thrilling opportunity to push creative boundaries and explore the profound synergy between art and nature. I’m excited to deepen the relationship between movement and the environment—inviting audiences to experience dance as a living, breathing part of the natural world.”
Rehearsal and Logistics Director
Elizabeth brings charisma and practicality to Wabi Sabi. With a background in pedagogy, rehearsal direction, and choreography, she is passionate about community engagement in the dialogue of ballet by expanding its reach and exposing its essence. She exemplifies a relentless commitment to advancing the artistic vision and growth of our organization.
“Deviating from traditional settings for dance viewing, Wabi Sabi uses nature as our theatre. With this accessibility, we hope our shows reach new audiences and that both first-time and continuing patrons leave with a renewed sense of awe about the connection between themselves and the natural world.”
Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.
Terminus programs are supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the arts.
The Charles Loridans Foundation plays a crucial role in providing major financial support to this organization.
