The Black Ballerina: Race and American Ballet
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
11-4-2017 2:00 PM
End Date
11-4-2017 3:30 PM
Student's Major
Theatre and Dance
Student's College
Arts and Humanities
Mentor's Name
Julie Kerr-Berry
Mentor's Department
Theatre and Dance
Mentor's College
Arts and Humanities
Description
How does race factor into American ballet? This question begs to be answered. However, there is much ignorance and misunderstanding in the way of a knowledgeable response. Skin color is a big factor as to whether African American dancers are selected by predominately white ballet companies. If they are selected, which is rare, many talented African American dancers are seldom selected for lead roles as a result of their skin color. This paper investigates how race, as an issue has been problematic in American ballet. Its findings are threefold: discussing the hardships, describing the stereotypes, and investigating how racism stood in the way of African American female ballet dancers. This paper will conclude with the fact that race was, and is highly controversial in this country and that the world of American ballet did not escape such controversy because of its racist practices.
The Black Ballerina: Race and American Ballet
CSU Ballroom
How does race factor into American ballet? This question begs to be answered. However, there is much ignorance and misunderstanding in the way of a knowledgeable response. Skin color is a big factor as to whether African American dancers are selected by predominately white ballet companies. If they are selected, which is rare, many talented African American dancers are seldom selected for lead roles as a result of their skin color. This paper investigates how race, as an issue has been problematic in American ballet. Its findings are threefold: discussing the hardships, describing the stereotypes, and investigating how racism stood in the way of African American female ballet dancers. This paper will conclude with the fact that race was, and is highly controversial in this country and that the world of American ballet did not escape such controversy because of its racist practices.
Recommended Citation
Okoneski, Abigail. "The Black Ballerina: Race and American Ballet." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 11, 2017.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2017/poster-session-B/42
