American Ballet Theatre

In 1967, Mikhail Baryshnikov joined the Kirov Ballet as a soloist. His performance and technique was well appreciative and thus he did not have to undergo the routine apprenticeship. He made his first stage performance with Giselle. Taking note of his versatility and perfection in technique, several choreographers choreographed ballet performances for him. He has worked with artists Igor Tchernichov, Oleg Vinogradov, Leonid Jakobson and Konstantin Sergeyev in this same manner. Later, as he became

girls everywhere because she never thought she would amount to anything out of the ordinary. Misty Copeland is by far one of the most famous ballet dancers because of her humble uprising, through hard word and determination she strived to change the image of biracial women and overcoming prejudice and all the block out the haters and change the face of ballet. Its important to know that Misty Copeland never imagined her life would be so rewarding, her parents taught

Robbins was an American choreographer, dancer, and innovator of the musical theatre dancing style within the 1900s. His best works feature famous names such as Barbra Streisand and shows like West Side Story, The King and I, and Fiddler on the Roof, with the man himself known for “displaying an inexhaustible gift for combining character, comedy, and storytelling in dance”, something never before done in American musical theatre. While highly proficient in traditional Russian ballet, performing in

As an American dancer, choreographer, theatre producer, director, and writer, Jerome Robbins changed the face of dance throughout the twentieth century. Today his contributions are still celebrated and even practiced within dance studios throughout the world. Being one of the most imaginative and influential creators of dance, Robbins had a wide range of works. His projects encompassed everything from classical ballet, film, musical theatre and television, all of which he devoted his heart and soul

Alvin Ailey Sr. and Lula Elizabeth Ailey. It wasn’t until he moved to Los Angeles at age 12 that he was exposed to dance. He fell in love with dance after witnessing a series of performances, specifically by the Katherine Dunham Dance Company and the Ballet Musse de Monte Carlo, being inspired by a series of dance performances. He then began taking dances lesson with another pioneer of modern dance, Lester Horton, who had founded the first racially integrated dance company in the United States. It was

"I quit" (Copeland 34). Those were the first words out of Misty Copeland's mouth as she walked out of her first ballet class when she was only thirteen years old (Copeland 34). This quote illustrates just how hard Misty Copeland has had to work to achieve the greatness she has accomplished. If one would watch Misty Copeland today he/she may not believe this. The clean lines along with the stretched fingers would leave the viewer to think she has been doing this her whole life. Copeland, being black

find her way to dance. She eventually studied ballet under California ballet instructor Cindy Bradley, who realized from the start young Misty was a prodigy. She started pointe after very little ballet training. In 2000, Copeland joined the studio company of American Ballet Theatre, becoming a soloist a few years later and starring in multiple productions such as The Nutcracker and Firebird. In late June 2015 Copeland became the first African-American performer to be appointed as an ABT principal

Misty Copeland was coming up in the dance world. She was viewed as a celebrity by being cover of the Time Magazine and being noticed on social media. Misty Copeland was promoted to principle dancer at the American ballet theatre. How she got there is the question some ask. One cause that led to this is the hard work and dedication that she put in. The more effort the better the outcome. Another cause was the faith and belief that she had within herself. Last, the example by the people before her

can be found. For the longest time, ballet was considered a Russian specialty. The highly qualified and sought after dance companies would tour the world performing in front of those who had never experienced ballet before. By exposing ballet to the United States of America, the Russians inspired and sparked a demand for legitimate ballet in America. This event took place in the 20th century. It is currently known as the Russo-American Era. During Russo-American Era, the Russian choreographers took

the introduction of African American culture into society. King Louis XIV of France provided multiple contributions to the United States' dance culture. King Louise XIV loved to dance, and in order to show power and hierarchy in France, he built the palace of Versailles. Each member of the court was required