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.

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Apr 11th, 2:00 PM Apr 11th, 3:30 PM

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