Experience the challenges, successes and triumphs of Black ballerinas. The story can best be told by one of the most significant, Debra Austin. She was the first African American to become a female principal dancer at a major American ballet company. Today she serves as the Ballet Master for the Carolina Ballet.
The afternoon will include a documentary about black ballerinas, recorded interviews with Artistic Directors from the Carolina Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem as well as insights from Austin about how she made history. This program will be presented by the Triangle Friends of African American Arts and the North Carolina Museum of History.
Location: North Carolina Museum of History 2 East Edenton St., Raleigh, NC
Debra Austin
She was handpicked by George Balanchine to join the New York City Ballet, officially becoming the company's first African American female soloist. In 1982, she became the first African American female principal dancer of a major American ballet company.
