In September 2013, American Ballet Theatre announced the formation of Project Plié, a comprehensive initiative to increase racial and ethnic representation in ballet and diversify America’s ballet companies. Project Plié seeks to combine training and support of ballet students from…
The Misty Copeland Effect On The Future Of Ballet
Misty Copeland’s well-chronicled journey to becoming the first female African American principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre has helped jump start conversations about racial representation in ballet companies. But how Copeland’s success may influence ballet training still remains to be…
Project Plié – Tackling Ballet’s Ethnic Diversity Problem
Ballet has a lily-white reputation. The great “ballet blanc” works glorify white swans, white shades and white sylphs. And ballet goers might expect some progress in racial diversity onstage, especially in the U.S., where populations of color are growing. But comb the…
Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre
Misty Copeland made history when she was promoted to principal dancer of the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, becoming the first African-American ballerina to reach the elite dance company’s top rank. Copeland, 32, has become an American icon, revered for her unlikely ascendance in an art…