Kabby Mitchell III

"Kabby Mitchell III was in his early 20s when he became the first black company member of PNB, back in 1979; pictures of him from the time show a charismatic young man clearly at ease with being elegantly airborne. He danced with the company until 1984, reaching the rank of soloist. It was the beginning of a rich career that took him around the world — he performed with Nederlands Dans Theater, as well as Dance Theater of Harlem, PNB and other companies — but kept him rooted here in the Pacific Northwest, where he became a beloved choreographer, teacher, mentor and role model." -Moira Macdonald, The Seattle Times

Klair Ethridge

Klair Ethridge, Co-Founder and Executive Director of T.U.P.A.C., has dedicated her life to the arts and entertainment industry. She began her dance training in New York City at renowned institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre, the High School of Performing Arts, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and Alvin Ailey. Klair danced in stage productions, television, commercials, and films before transitioning to work behind the scenes. She earned a Primetime EMMY Award as part of the production sound team for the hit TV show LOST. Klair is also the writer and director of the award-winning short film Harriet, The Black Swan: In the Year of COVID-19, a ballet portraying four seasons in the life of Harriet Tubman.

Our Mission

T.U.P.A.C.’s mission is to provide the youth of Tacoma, particularly Black and BIPOC youth in the historic Hilltop Community, with opportunities to achieve artistic excellence through culturally relevant pre-professional dance training, community events, and classes in the performing arts. Further, our mission is to provide students with mentoring by national and international artists, and intergenerational artists, and most importantly, whole person development and community give back.

Our Vision

T.U.P.A.C. envisions a future where our students will be globally recognized as T.U.P.A.C. artists by the content of their character, their poise, the generosity of their spirit and the phenomenal contributions they make to their communities and the planet.

Land Acknowledgment

T.U.P.A.C. would like to acknowledge our studio is on the land of the Indigenous Puyallup tribe. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians have lived along the shores of the Puget Sound in Washington State for thousands of years. The people of the Puyallup Tribe have been known for their "generous and welcoming behavior to all people who enter our lands."

From Klair Ethridge, Executive Director

Our Community

At Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, we believe that ballet is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive community where students can make lifelong friendships and feel a sense of belonging.

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A Powerful Local Production You’ll Want to See

I recently attended a rehearsal of, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf at Lakewood Playhouse. Directed by Michelle Matlock, this production features a rare and meaningful collaboration: a Black woman director leading a cast of seven Black women from different generations.

Ntozake Shange’s iconic work is brought to life through poetry, dance, and music in this thoughtful reimagining. It’s an important moment for Black storytelling in our region—and we encourage you to show your support.

Runs May 23 – June 8 | Tickets at lakewoodplayhouse.org

Kabby Mitchell III

Klair Ethridge

Our Mission

Our Vision

Land Acknowledgment

Board of Directors & Advisors

T.U.P.A.C. Board of Directors

T.U.P.A.C. Council of Wisdom

Everyday Giving

From Klair Ethridge, Executive Director

Our Community

Kabby Mitchell III

Klair Ethridge

Our Mission

Our Vision

Land Acknowledgment

Board of Directors & Advisors

T.U.P.A.C. Board of Directors

T.U.P.A.C. Council of Wisdom

Everyday Giving

From Klair Ethridge, Executive Director

Our Community

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