My Greatest Accomplishments

When you think of a ballerina someone like me is probably not the first that comes to mind. I got off to a late start considering most of the dancers had been doing it since they were three years old, and I also had many struggles with my family on pursuing my ballet dream. Despite all this hardship, I managed to come out on top. I was offered a spot on my dream ballet company American Ballet Theatre (ABT), got to be bettered by their expertise on my ballet journey , and was given many amazing opportunities for them. Being a dancer with ABT through all of the opportunities I’ve received from them have brought some of my greatest accomplishment.
The goal in every ballerinas’ life is to make it on the a ballet company. Each year, top ballet companies welcome young dancers to their studios for their summer intensives. (Copland 44) Not to mention ever since I started ballet ABT was at the top of my list. (Copland 45) I auditioned for neuromas ballet companies, and I was offered scholarships to every company I auditioned for. (Copland 45) When I heard back form ABT and was given a full scholarship I knew I had to take it.
(Copland 64) ABT’s classically trained dancers talent matched many international companies. (Copland 45) On my 1st day at ABT two very important people, John Meehan and Kirk Peterson, wanted to hear my story. (Copland 65) This meant a lot to me considering that I was new and the directors were already seeking interest in me. John Meehan had once danced as a principal dancer for ABT and was now the artistic director of the studio ampanty. (Copland 65) Kirk was a principal dancer at ABT and San Francisco Ballet, and was now a resident choreographer. (Copland 65) I told them my story from the beginning and how I ended up here and they were intrigued. John told me I could expect my invitation to the studio company soon. (Copland 66) A year after I joined we traveled many places to perform like Cape Cods, Buffalo, and even Bermuda. (Copland 76) On these trips I had so much fun performing and being with my new friends. For the most part I was part of a family with ABT , but I still had to prove myself in many ways being the only African American ballerina on the company. After I joined ABT, I had to find myself and prove that I was a match for their company.
With ABT we danced year around. (Copland 82) We didn’t even take breaks in the summer , we were always dancing. We would dance 9 hours a day, when we have performances we start at noon and the end just around midnight. As a dancer our bodies are our instruments, and ballet is so demanding that it's essential for dancers to stay in shape. () I was living my dream, and should have been perfectly happy, however, I was feeling something on the inside. I started to feel alone as the only black dancer on the company. (Copland 99) I worked very hard , but some people noticed my skin color before my talents. () With all this aside, I came to realize that what was upsetting me now, is something that made me stand out and brings me great things to this
day.
After I found my place on the company life changing experiences started to come my way because of this I was gaining resignation. One day I got a call, not a call everyone receives, it was form Prince! I toured Europe with Prince, and we became good friends. (Copland 130) He told me he would love if I was in his video for the ‘Crimson and Clover’ (Copland 130) Dancing with Prince was very fun , but I still knew I had more to come. I got promoted to a soloist dancer and I was the 1st black soloist in two decades, and was making history (Copland 129) I was casted in the Firebird and was the first black woman to dance a prominent role for a ballet company (Copland 155) When I got the news it was one of my happiest days. Tears sprang into my eyes as I processed the news. (Copland 156) All the dancer at the workshop I was attending started crying tears of joy as they rushed to hug and congratulate me. (Copland 155) My next step after being a soloist , was to be a principal dancer. I became ABT’s first African American principal dancer (Copland 181) With all of the things I have accomplished people are always asking about my plans for the future. When people ask me what's next I always shrug , and tell them “Rehearsal”. (Copland 181)
Being a dancer with ABT through all of the opportunities I’ve received from them have brought some of my greatest accomplishment. Ever since I started ballet I followed my dreams. I also worked hard and earned everything. All of my hard work got me to where I am today and mad better dancer. Being the first African American principal dancer is one of my greatest accomplishments. My skin color used to hold me back and make me ashamed and now it is what makes me , me.