An Investigation of Discrimination Among Female African American Ballet Dancers in the United States

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

20-4-2015 2:00 PM

End Date

20-4-2015 3:30 PM

Student's Major

Theatre and Dance

Student's College

Arts and Humanities

Mentor's Name

Julie Kerr-Berry

Mentor's Email Address

julie.kerr-berry@mnsu.edu

Mentor's Department

Theatre and Dance

Mentor's College

Arts and Humanities

Description

This paper will explore how African American’s encountered racism in their careers as ballet dancers. On a more positive note, this paper will also discuss how African American ballet dancer Misty Copeland may have helped pave the road for equality in the world of professional ballet in the United States. Lighter skinned African American females tend to have an easier time getting accepted into American professional ballet companies compared to darker skinned African Americans. Not only do they face challenges with how dark their skin is, they also face economic difficulties. Ballet training is very expensive and statistics show that many African American household are not able to afford it.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 20th, 2:00 PM Apr 20th, 3:30 PM

An Investigation of Discrimination Among Female African American Ballet Dancers in the United States

CSU Ballroom

This paper will explore how African American’s encountered racism in their careers as ballet dancers. On a more positive note, this paper will also discuss how African American ballet dancer Misty Copeland may have helped pave the road for equality in the world of professional ballet in the United States. Lighter skinned African American females tend to have an easier time getting accepted into American professional ballet companies compared to darker skinned African Americans. Not only do they face challenges with how dark their skin is, they also face economic difficulties. Ballet training is very expensive and statistics show that many African American household are not able to afford it.

Recommended Citation

Magnuson, Emily. "An Investigation of Discrimination Among Female African American Ballet Dancers in the United States." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 20, 2015.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2015/poster_session_B/8