6 Ballet Trailblazers to Celebrate This Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting the extraordinary contributions of Black dancers across generations. Their artistry, innovation, and resilience have paved the way for countless dancers and helped shape the landscape of ballet today. We invite you to learn more about each of these inspiring icons in our SAB Trailblazer series below!

Albert Evans

Albert Evans was an exuberant, warm, and skillful dancer, choreographer, and ballet master, who in 1995 became the second Black dancer to reach the rank of principal at New York City Ballet.

Arthur Mitchell as Puck in a Midsummer Night's Dream; Photo: Carl Van Vechten, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons — Arthur Mitchell as Puck in a Midsummer Night’s Dream; Photo: Carl Van Vechten, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

From becoming the first Black principal dancer at New York City Ballet to founding the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Arthur Mitchell’s impact on the world of dance is immeasurable.

Betty Nichols, a groundbreaking alumna from SAB’s early years, was by all accounts the first Black student to seek enrollment at SAB.

Debra Austin dancing with NYCB — Debra Austin performing “Divertimento No. 15” choreography by George Balanchine ©️The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Martha Swope

Debra Austin is the definition of a ballet trailblazer, having been the first Black female dancer to join New York City Ballet in 1971 and then making history again when she became the first Black ballerina to become a principal dancer with a major American ballet company other than Dance Theatre of Harlem when she accepted a principal contract with Pennsylvania Ballet in 1982.

Janet Collins, courtesy Detroit Public Library, photo by Basch.

Janet Collins was an accomplished dancer and choreographer who broke the color line with the Metropolitan Opera in 1951 when she made her debut as the leading dancer in the Met’s production of “Aïda.” She went on to become the first African American prima ballerina with the Metropolitan Opera. Ms. Collins was also a member of SAB’s guest faculty, teaching modern dance classes at the School from 1949-1950 and then again from 1967-1969.

Louis Johnson was accepted to SAB and moved to New York in 1950 along with fellow student Chita Rivera. He went on to become an acclaimed choreographer, dancer, and director in ballet, modern dance, Broadway, and film.