Artist Statement: I wanted to pay homage to Dorothy Alexander, the founder of Atlanta Ballet, by telling her story in three parts: Dorothy as the ballerina, as the teacher, and the lasting impact she’s had on the community through her students. I hired professional ballet teacher Harmony Clair, principal at Terminus Ballet, to play Dorothy, and Rudie Bolton, an award-winning ballet student, to portray the student. After renting studio space to film, I choreographed the overall storyline myself while leaving the intricate dance movements to the professionals to ensure authenticity. Once the footage was recorded and edited, I applied several filters and blended them together until I was satisfied with the final result. I’m proud of how it turned out and feel this project represents a significant step forward in my work as a creative director, where my ultimate goal is to tell meaningful stories using a range of mediums.
Born to Puerto Rican roots, with a style shaped by his experiences in Brooklyn, Boston, Florida, and now his adopted hometown of Atlanta, GA, Eric Nine embodies the beauty of diversity in every piece he creates. He is best known for his large, vividly colored street murals that infuse Atlanta neighborhoods with messages of positivity, equality, and inclusion. Eric is deeply connected to Atlanta’s vibrant and diverse arts community. His murals are a colorful presence throughout the metro area, and he is also the founder of Twisted Circus ATL, an arts collective that specializes in site-specific performance art events. These events, often rich with performances and collaborations, are designed to strengthen the community ties within Atlanta’s dynamic arts scene. In a city with a profound history rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, Eric’s paintings, murals, and creative events not only spark joy and curiosity but also catalyze conversations and drive positive change, highlighting social issues while celebrating the power of art.