New York City Ballet: American Ballet Theatre
Koch Theatre | October 28, 2022
I had to go see THE FIRST all-Black production of American Ballet Theatre perform Lifted! And yes, I had a front row seat. Witnessing #BlackHistory and #BlackExcellence up close just hits different!
ABT is arguably considered one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Founded in 1939, the company has made more than 30 international tours to 45 countries and counting. In April 2016, Congress designated ABT as America's National Ballet Company.
Watching these beautiful, graceful dancers wearing various shades of brown warmed my heart! Everything felt intentional, especially the mirrored walls. I saw the dancers as I see myself.
Seeing myself free in the world, encumbered by the world, and viewing the world's perspective of me while still fighting to remain true to myself. The struggle is real - and that's precisely how the dancers moved. Some moved flowingly and unabashedly, while others moved with restriction and unease. I guess that was the point, and it was brilliantly made.
This is only my second time seeing a ballet performance, so I didn't know what to expect. I'm no ballet critic by far. But I must admit when the conductor, Roderick Cox, came out to take his position right in front of me, he saw me and nodded. It felt like a nod of support and validation.
That one second glance and acknowledgement was filled with a sense of gratitude to see a Black face front and center in the audience. It was an unspoken understanding of Black empathy.
Ballet has historically been predominately white - the cast, production, and the audience. Even the white male usher gave me a once over and double-checked my ticket before escorting me to my seat. It was as if he silently questioned whether I belonged. I felt the peering eyes of those who don't look like me as I walked passed them towards the stage.
It's the same looks I received when I rocked a dashiki and a brim hat in the Legends Suite at a NY Yankees game in August 2016.
Some things never change and that's why I was so glad to be in attendance.
Perfect, full circle #FridayNightVibes!
ABT is arguably considered one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Founded in 1939, the company has made more than 30 international tours to 45 countries and counting. In April 2016, Congress designated ABT as America's National Ballet Company.
Watching these beautiful, graceful dancers wearing various shades of brown warmed my heart! Everything felt intentional, especially the mirrored walls. I saw the dancers as I see myself.
Seeing myself free in the world, encumbered by the world, and viewing the world's perspective of me while still fighting to remain true to myself. The struggle is real - and that's precisely how the dancers moved. Some moved flowingly and unabashedly, while others moved with restriction and unease. I guess that was the point, and it was brilliantly made.
This is only my second time seeing a ballet performance, so I didn't know what to expect. I'm no ballet critic by far. But I must admit when the conductor, Roderick Cox, came out to take his position right in front of me, he saw me and nodded. It felt like a nod of support and validation.
That one second glance and acknowledgement was filled with a sense of gratitude to see a Black face front and center in the audience. It was an unspoken understanding of Black empathy.
Ballet has historically been predominately white - the cast, production, and the audience. Even the white male usher gave me a once over and double-checked my ticket before escorting me to my seat. It was as if he silently questioned whether I belonged. I felt the peering eyes of those who don't look like me as I walked passed them towards the stage.
It's the same looks I received when I rocked a dashiki and a brim hat in the Legends Suite at a NY Yankees game in August 2016.
Some things never change and that's why I was so glad to be in attendance.
Perfect, full circle #FridayNightVibes!
Jennifer D. Laws attends the FIRST All-Black production of American Ballet Theatre at Koch Theater in Lincoln Center on October 28, 2022.
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Bravo!!!
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