Carmen Felder, a Triangle native and member of the Carolina Ballet, prepares for her performance in the Nutcracker. Photo by Casey Toth

Ashley Murphy

Janet Collins

Janet Collins, one of the few classically trained Black dancers of her generation. In 1932, at age 15, she auditioned with success for the prestigious Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, but because she was required to paint her face and skin white in order to be able to perform, she chose not join the company. In 1951, Janet Collins became the first African American to be hired full-time by the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York.

(Source: theballetblog)

(Source: dancelifereallife)

Misty Copeland

Whitney Huell

(Source: theballetblog)

Whitney Huell, Ballet West

Whitney Huell, Ballet West

(Source: theballetblog)

diddyoh:

Misty Copeland by Gregg Delman

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Photo: Martha Swope

(Source: theballetblog)

Dancers: Ashley Murphy, Da’Von Doane
Photo: Matthew Murphy
Vineyard Arts Project

(Source: theballetblog)

Dancer: Michaela DePrince
Photo: Rachel Neville

(Source: theballetblog)

Dancers: Ashley Murphy, Da’Von Doane
Photo: Matthew Murphy, Vineyard Arts Project

(Source: theballetblog)

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Photo: Rachel Neville

Photo: Martha Swope
Ballet: Rhythmetron
Choreography: Arthur Mitchell

(Source: theballetblog)