In this series, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.

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John Welker is director of Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. Before co-founding the company in 2017, he danced for many years with the Atlanta Ballet in lead roles such as Albrecht in Giselle, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and Dracula in Michael Pink’s ballet of the same name. He also founded and directed for seven years Atlanta Ballet’s contemporary dance initiative, Wabi Sabi.

Here, in no particular order, are his 11 good things: 

1. Spring. My favorite time of year in Atlanta. That is, until the pollen explosion happens. Magical air and light and beautiful blossoms everywhere.

2. Gershwin. Until I read about him I didn’t realize that he passed away so young and so suddenly. It’s incredible how much great music he created in a short period of time — imagine what he could have created if he had lived longer.

3. What’s for dinner? I’m the cook in the house and do all the meal planning. I love to cook. It’s my down time and a moment of creativity when figuring out what to make with what we have.

4. Dad jokes. My son Lucas can make them up on the spot. Me: “Tell me a good joke.” Lucas: “What did the empty hole say? A whole lot of nothing.” Lol, I don’t know where he comes up with them.

5. Morning coffee. French press — my favorite method. I’m a morning person. Before the day’s momentum revs up, before the sun rises, I enjoy a couple of hours to myself.

6. Birds. I’m obsessed with these living dinosaurs. My Decatur neighborhood is home to so many kinds. I’m particularly fond of bluebirds and barred owls.

7. Family. It’s everything for me.

8. My body. It was the instrument of my ballet career. These days my work pulls me away from moving, so I need to move more and do less screen time work.

9. Our next generation. I admire how quickly kids adapted during the pandemic and how they continue to demonstrate resiliency in an ever-changing environment. They constantly inspire me to be my best.

10. Gen Alpha lingo. “Res.” “Drip.” “Bruh” not “bro.” I’m definitely a “noob.” “AFK.”

11. Alternate routes. Atlanta traffic is a thing. If I get stuck in traffic, I’ll deviate and find a back road even if it takes longer. I’ll take moving any day over sitting in traffic.