Janet Collins (March 7, 1917 – May 28, 2003) was a ballerina, choreographer, and teacher who performed on Broadway, in films, and appeared frequently on television. She was the first African American prima ballerina with the Metropolitan Opera and a pioneer for Black dancers in professional ballet.
Ms. Collins received her early dance training in Los Angeles, primarily with Carmelita Maracci, Lester Horton, and Adolph Bolm, who were among the few teachers who accepted Black students. In 1932, when she was 16, Ms. Collins successfully auditioned for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, but rejected the offer when she learned she would have to paint her face and skin white. In the 1940s, Ms. Collins collaborated with fellow pioneer Katherine Dunham and joined the Katherine Dunham Dance Company. In 1948, she moved to New York and performed her own choreography on a shared program at the 92nd Street YMHA.
In 1949, Ms. Collins earned glowing reviews in a variety of performances, including the Broadway production of Cole Porter's musical Out of This World. She also performed in Aida and Carmen with the Metropolitan Opera.
In 1974, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater paid homage to Ms. Collins and Pearl Primus as pioneering Black women in dance. Ms. Collins received a Candace Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in 1989. In 2007, in recognition of her great work and dedication, Ms. Conllins’ renowned cousin Carmen de Lavallade established the Janet Collins Fellowship to honor aspiring talented ballet dancers.
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