Janet Collins

Janet Collins the first Black Prima ballerina at The Metropolitan Opera in her dressing room on the night of her debut, November 11, 1951. Ms. Collins, a cousin of Carmen De Lavallade, performed Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” that night. She died in 2003 at the age of 86.

Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 - May 28, 2003), was a ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared frequently on television. She grew up in Los Angeles, California. She auditioned for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo when she was only 15. She was very talented, but she was not accepted because she was black. They told her she would have to dance in a white face. She said no thanks. She had a chance to dance at the 92nd Street YMHA in February 1948. In 1951 she became the first African American prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera in NY, NY.

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