Legacy

    Janet Faye Collins was the world's very first African American Prima Ballerina. She is proof that the gift of ballet is not only given to white people. Although she was turned away by so many professionals because of her skin color, none of them could deny her extrodinary talent. She was rejected countless times, but her determination pushed her to create a legacy that would seem impossible given the time period, especially as a solo artist. During that time period of extreme racism, she was hurt but she never broke. Her love for dance was a gift that she shared with the world, well into her retirement. She died doing what she loved, expressing herself creatively through her art. She left behind a legacy that has inspired successful African American ballerinas like Raven Wilkinson and Misty Copeland. Janet Collins immense passion for ballet led the path of her success, which opened the door for all Black Ballerinas.