Most people know the Royal Ballet in London, England as a premier classical ballet company. It is world-renowned for its excellence and the caliber of dancers it has featured over the years. But not many people are aware of the fact that the Royal Ballet was one of the first companies to introduce professional black dancers into its ranks.
The first African-American dancer to join the Royal Ballet was Michaela DePrince in 2007. DePrince was born in Sierra Leone and, at a young age, suffered from abandonment and physical abuse at an orphanage she lived in.
Despite her early struggles, she was determined to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer and was accepted into The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia at age 14. DePrince quickly rose through the ranks and eventually joined Dance Theatre of Harlem before being accepted into The Royal Ballet School, where she graduated with honors in 2011.
Since joining, DePrince has performed multiple lead roles with The Royal Ballet, including Aurora in Sleeping Beauty and Giselle in Giselle—something only a few other African-American women have ever achieved with any ballet company worldwide. She has also become an ambassador for The Royal Ballet’s “Diversity on Pointe” program, which seeks to provide opportunities for young dancers regardless of their background or ethnicity.
DePrince’s success story is an inspiring one that shows how hard work and dedication can help anyone achieve their dreams no matter how difficult they may seem at first. Her story is also a reminder that progress can be made even when it comes to traditionally homogeneous artistic fields like ballet; that diversity should be embraced and celebrated wherever possible; and that opportunity should never be limited by race or background.
In conclusion, Michaela DePrince deserves recognition for being the first black dancer at The Royal Ballet – a major milestone for both herself personally and for diversity within classical ballet as a whole.