Beautiful Ladies of Dance

I continue my series in Black History Month by featuring inspirational women of dance. This post is about the women who paved the way for other women of color to grace the stage of ballet.

In 2015, Misty Copeland became the first African American principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. She made her first official appearance by dancing with another Black American dancer, Brooklyn Mack, making the first time lead parts were given to people of color by a major ballet company.

Before Ms. Copeland danced as principal dance at the ABT, a few Black Americans held such a great honor, even a few men - Desmond Richardson held the position (1997-98); Arthur Mitchel (1962); and, Albert Evans (1995).

Dancers of color, despite facing terrible prejudice have stood on many ballets stage across the world. Here are a few who paved the way for Misty Copeland.

Raven Wilkinson (1935-) - was one of the first African American ballerinas permitted to join a ballet company. In the 1950's, Raven danced with Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo under the condition she pose as a white woman by painting her face. Raven eventually left the ballet company after two years due to racial discrimination and threats. She landed another dance position in the Dutch National Ballet.

Carmen de Lavallade (1931-) - began her dance career with the Lester Horton Dance Theatre. At the age of 17, she was introduced to filmmakers at 20th Century Fox by another amazing African American woman, Lena Horne. Carmen appeared in four movies with Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte. She had several ballets created for her by Lester Horton, Geoffrey Holder, Alvin Ailey, Glen Tetley, John Butler and Agnes de Mille. Carmen was the principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera and a guest artist with the ABT.

Janet Collins (1917-2003) - cousin of Carmen de Lavallade. She was the first African American to grace the stage with the Metropolitan Opera. She danced with Raven Wilkinson at Ballets Russes and faced the same racism and discrimination.

Lauren Anderson (1965-) - was the first African American ballerina to become a principal for a major dance company, Houston Ballet.

Evelyn Cisneros (1958-) - was the very first Hispanic Prima Ballernia in the United States and was a major figure in San Francisco area dance scene for two decades.

Each of these inspirational ladies has a story that is connected as they helped to chip away what many believed to be the true color of grace and beauty on the ballet stage. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder, and seeing these ladies dance will be holding the greatest beauty of all.

Until next time, do not judge a book by its color. Open it and read the contents.