Alicia J. Graf Answers:
I remember the first time I ever saw a black ballerina perform. Christina Johnson and Donald Williams of the Dance Theatre of Harlem danced in a summer festival in my hometown, Columbia, MD. I was 12 years old. At the time, I was unaware that stereotypes and prejudices existed in the world of dance. I was just happy to be learning steps and going to performances. However, when I saw Christina Johnson perform Le Corsaire, I realized that this was the first time that I had ever seen a black ballerina in a live performance. I just wasn’t expecting her to be black! I instantly felt a connection to her. I wanted to scream out loud, “Hey everyone! She looks like me!” I had never pictured myself as a REAL ballerina until I had the opportunity to witness her beauty. It was one of the most magical, most self-realizing moments of my adolescent life.
