Janet Collins
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Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 in New Orleans, Louisiana – May 28, 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas) was a ballet dancer and choreographer.
Janet Collins was one of the few classically trained Black dancers of her generation. In 1951 she won the Donaldson Award for best dancer on Broadway for her work in Cole Porter's Out of This World. She also performed in Aida, Carmen, and was the first Black ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera. She could not tour in parts of the Deep South due to her race. In later life she taught dance.[1]
Janet Collins was among the pioneers of black ballet dancing and set the way for others to follow. She began her successful career at the age of 12 when she took up ballet classes. She was 15 years old when she auditioned with success, for the prestigious Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, but she immediately refused the role as she was required to paint her face and skin white in order to be able to perform. This was in 1932.
Janet Collins struggled time and again against racism, which did not spare the world of professional ballet dancing. Not many African-American dancers and performers achieved the successful career she was able to attain. In 1951, Janet Collins became the first African American to perform in the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Later on, she took on other important roles in prestigious plays and also won the Donaldson award for best dancer on Broadway. Janet Collins decided to go solo by performing her own work of art. She also gave dancing classes at several schools and universities. Janet Collins died in 2003 at the age of 86, in Fort Worth, Texas. In recognition of her great work and dedication, her renowned cousin Carmen De Lavallade established the Janet Collins Fellowship which would honor aspiring talented ballet dancers.