Black Ballerinas - Keep Inspiring Us
When young children see ballerinas who look like them, it shows them new possibilities. Representation tells them that they belong too. It challenges the idea that classical ballet is only for one kind of dancer and changes who is seen as graceful, powerful, and elite.
Mainstream greeting card companies often don't reflect the fullness of Black people and our culture, so this card is dedicated to the women who broke and continue to break barriers. Even now, if you search for a Black Ballerina card, you'll see it's mostly independent designers.
Thank you:
Misty Copeland (September 10, 1982 - present)
- Company: American Ballet Theatre (ABT)
- Notable First: In 2015, she became the first African American female principal dancer at ABT. A bestselling author and public speaker, Misty is celebrated for breaking barriers in classical ballet and inspiring a new generation.
Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 – May 28, 2003)
- Company: Metropolitan Opera Ballet
- Notable First: In 1951, she became the first African American prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera. A true pioneer, Collins paved the way for future Black dancers during a time of intense racial segregation.
Raven Wilkinson (February 2, 1935 - December 17, 2018)
- Company: Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo
- Notable First: One of the first African American women to join a major ballet company (1950s). Despite facing racism, she persisted, and later mentored Misty Copeland. She also danced with the Dutch National Ballet.
Lauren Anderson (February 19, 1965 - present)
- Company: Houston Ballet
- Notable First: One of the first Black principal ballerinas at a major ballet company in the U.S. (1990). Known for her powerful technique and charisma, she now educates and mentors young dancers.
Virginia Johnson (Jan 25, 1950 - present)
- Company: Dance Theatre of Harlem
- Notable Roles: Founding principal dancer and later Artistic Director. A key figure in shaping the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s identity and expanding opportunities for dancers of color in classical ballet.
Aesha Ash
- Company: New York City Ballet, Béjart Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet
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Notable First: In 2020, she became the first Black female full-time faculty member at the School of American Ballet (SAB).
Aesha founded The Swan Dreams Project to shatter stereotypes and uplift young Black girls through powerful imagery of ballet in urban settings. Her work as a dancer, educator, and advocate continues to broaden representation and inspire inclusion in classical ballet.
Here's the card, Beauty in Bloom, they inspired:
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