2023 Black History Month Reading List
As 2023’s Black History Month comes to an end, we’ve compiled this list full of articles for your pleasure. From interviews to Black dancer spotlights, you’ll surely find something to interest, inform, and inspire you.
Be great, and make positive changes with everything you do!
How Brown Ballerinas Make History Every Day
Every day that passes is a day spent making history. This Black History Month, as we honor the past accomplishments and actions of our ancestors who paved the way for our lifestyles, it’s also important to acknowledge how our current accomplishments and actions are shaping the lifestyles of future generations.
The truth is, the act of making history doesn’t always feel radical and world-changing in the moment. That’s because history is made without notice. It is made by waking up in the morning, doing a good deed, or passing along a nice message. It is made by refusing an offer, defending a friend, or painting a picture. Read more…
How Giving Days Help Dancers of Color Succeed
Holidays offer us the inspiration to connect with family, raise awareness, celebrate our cultures, and share joy with others. For many non-profit organizations, the most meaningful holidays are Giving Days. Giving Days occur on various dates throughout the year, each with its own focus or theme. Each Giving Day campaign creates an opportunity for nonprofits to receive financial support from their communities. Non-profit organizations rely on donations to continue creating positive change. Read more…
Pointe Black: A Conversation with Marie Astrid Mence on Racism and Bullying in the Dance Community
Pointe Black is a remarkable documentary featuring professional ballet dancer Marie Astrid Mence. The short film, directed by Rebecca Murray, features Marie performing a solemn ballet routine in an empty dance studio as an audio clip details her complex experience as a black ballerina in a world that favors privilege over passion. Read more…
What Janet Collins Taught Us About Integrity and Abundance
Before Janet Collins became the first Black prima ballerina with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, she declined an offer to dance with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. When she was 15, the company offered to hire Janet as long as she disguised her race by painting her face white for performances. Instead of agreeing to those conditions, Janet decided to seek a company that would judge her based on her talent - not her race. Read more…
6 Ballet Companies Supporting Dancers of Color
Not all paths are meant to be walked alone. No matter how independent a person may be, nobody succeeds on their own - dancers included. Although your skills and talents are necessary, your support system also plays an undeniable role in your progress. That is what community is all about. As you continue to navigate your dance journey, you will likely face many challenges, but with the support of the dance community, you won’t have to face those challenges alone. Read more…
Related: Tieks Highlights Brown Girls Do Ballet for Black History Month
7 Dance Films to Watch During Black History Month
Looking for a creative way to celebrate Black History Month? How about a dance-themed movie night with your friends and family? In our list below, we outlined 7 dance-related movies you should watch this month. From documentaries to concert-films, this list is sure to have something that’ll pique your interest. Read more…
Black History Month: Recognizing Pioneers of Dance
What does it mean to be a Black dancer right now? It means wearing skin-color tights and dancing in a world we belong in. It means being proud of the color of our skin and dancing confidently in the body we were blessed with. The dance community has shifted and evolved to allow for more diversity and inclusion. Read more…
Black History Spotlight: Francesca Hayward
Did you know professional dancer, Francesca Hayward, was in the movie Cats in 2019?! Or that she is one of few dancers of color at The Royal Ballet? She has also appeared on many talk shows and was included in the United Kingdom’s Most Influential People of African or African-Caribbean Heritage in the 2021 edition of Powerlist. Read more…
Making an Impact: an Interview with Amanda Morgan
The Ballet world tends to cling onto tradition and shy away from new and modern ideas, even if that means excluding certain communities. Many dancers are working tirelessly to create new spaces and platforms that uplift others and make this art form more inclusive. It is so important for all dancers to speak their mind and to help move the ballet world forward, but it can be very hard to know where to start. Amanda Morgan, soloist at Pacific Northwest Ballet, choreographer, and creator of The Seattle Project, shared some advice on how to reach out into your own community and how to give visibility to those who feel unseen. Read more…
Check out or blog for more interviews with dancers, ballerina-targeted tips, and more!