LibGuides: Black Brilliance in Exercise Science: Dance

Alvin Ailey (Dance Company Founder)

Alvin Ailey, Founder of The Alvin Ailey Dance Co.

"Ailey was the first African American to create a multicultural concert dance company. His Alvin Ailey
American Dance Theater became internationally renowned for its creative fusion of traditional ballet
and modern dance. Ailey not only addressed the racism and injustice faced by blacks in the United States and around the world but also choreographed for performances of white composers."

- Quote from: Great Lives From History: The 20th Century

Resources About Alvin Ailey

- Paper and eBooks from the Mesa Library

- Quick Reference Articles

- In the News

Photo Courtesy of The Library of Congress

Janet Collins (Ballet)

Janet Collins, First Black American Prima Ballerina

"Janet Collins broke the color barrier in classical ballet when she became the first black prima ballerina to become a permanent member of New York's Metropolitan Opera. Luckily the sensational and exquisite dancer persevered after finding as a teen that ballet was not open to blacks. She became one of only a few blacks to rise to prominence in American classical ballet when she joined the Met in 1951."

- Quote from: Contemporary Black Biography

Resources About Janet Collins

- Articles and Books from the Mesa Library

- Specialized Google Search Results

Photo Courtesy of Unique Coloring

Misty Copeland (Ballet)

Misty Copeland, first African-American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre

"Ballerina Misty Copeland made history as the first African-American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City. Although she was considered a ballet prodigy as a teenager, Copeland began her dance training late, at age 13, but she quickly distinguished herself as one of the most promising young dancers in the United States. By the time she was 18, she had secured a spot in the ABT."