List of African-American ballerinas
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
The history of African-American ballerinas in the American Ballet world is a scarce one due to racial issues and the question of whether or not African Americans had the body type to fit into the ballet world. The ballet world has changed its look about half a century ago. More companies are catering to the idea of talented African Americans in the ballet world and even making some the face of their company. The idea of African Americans in the world of ballet was a rarity due to the fact that a lot of African Americans rarely had the opportunity to participate in the art due to lack of opportunity. Black dancers typically fit into rebellious dance. Practicing Graham, Limon, and Horton but some dancers managed to stay true their techniques and commit to making a mark in the America Ballet industry.
African American ballerinas
Raven Wilkinson
Raven Wilkinson was one of the first African-American ballerinas allowed to join a ballet company. During the 1950s, Wilkinson danced with the Ballets Russes under the condition that she pose as a white woman by painting her face white. But after two years of increasing racial discrimination, including threats in the South, she left Ballets Russes and eventually landed a spot in the Holland National Ballet.[1]
Janet Collins
Janet Collins broke boundaries in being the first African American to grace the stage with the Metropolitan Ballet. Collins faced some of the same racial controversies as Raven Wilkinson with Ballets Russes before she found her home at the Metropolitan Opera.[2]
Lauren Anderson
As the first African American Principal dancer of the Houston Ballet, Lauren Anderson proved that there was a place for African Americans. Anderson is forever an inspiration to some of today's current and up and coming Ballerinas for not just being amazing as an African American, but being amazing as an ballerina.[3]
Aesha Ash
In 1996, Aesha Ash broke boundaries in being an African American member of the prominent New York City Ballet. She has also provided a lot of commercial attention to the African American Ballet World, showing that there is more to ballet than just black and white.[4]
Misty Copeland
As one of the most prominent and influential ballerinas to date, Misty Copeland broke boundaries that seemed impossible to any ballet dancer in the 21st century. Despite her late start in dance, her unlikely body type, and the color of her skin, Copeland managed to be one of the few African American ballerinas to be appointed as a soloist.[5] In June 2015, Copeland become the first African-American female principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's 75-year history.[6]
Michaela DePrince
Featured in the 2011 ballet documentary First Position, Michaela DePrince is a modern day example of breaking boundaries for African Americans. Adopted from the harsh battle grounds of Sierra Leone, DePrince grew to be a force to be reckoned with in ballet competitions and intensive. Her continued success as a ballerina and her commercial view of African American's in ballet gives the next generation hope for a continued growth for African American Ballerina's in the industry.[7]
References
- ^ Black Women in America An Historical Encyclopedia Volumes 1 and 2, edited by Darlene Clark Hine Copyright 1993, Carlson Publishing Inc., Brooklyn, New York
- ^ Dunning, Jennifer. "Janet Collins, 86: Ballerina Was First Black Artist at Met Opera." The New York Times, May 31, 2003.
- ^ Kourlas, Gia (May 6, 2007). "Dance: Where Are All the Black Swans?". The New York Times. Retrieved February 22, 2012.
- ^ Gia Kourlas, “Where Are All the Black Swans?” New York Times, May 6, 2007 - See more at: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/ash-aesha-1977#sthash.K9wtVdq6.dpuf
- ^ "She's on Point: After seven years, ABT ballerina Misty Copeland becomes a soloist". Sixaholic. 2007
- ^ Cooper, Michael. [1], The New York Times, 30 June 2015. Retrieved on 30 June 2015.
- ^ Fuhrer, Margaret (20 March 2012). "Michaela DePrince". Dance Spirit magazine.