Introduction

    After writing my short essay about Black Ballerinas, I became curious about where it all started. Janet Faye Collins, the first African American Prima Ballerina. Aside from her amazing title, what inspired me about her was the time period of her success, especially in relation to Black Ballerinas in major dance companies. I think what has inspired so many black ballerinas today is the amount of success she was able to achieve during that time period. I’m sure her very success is what influenced, if not inspired, the well known Misty Copeland. She has inspired even the people closest to her with her talent and determination. The very things she used to break color barriers.