On this day, Janet Collins made history by becoming the first African American prima ballerina to perform with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York City. Her debut role was in Aida, breaking racial barriers in a world that had long excluded Black dancers from classical ballet’s highest stages.
Despite facing discrimination earlier in her career — including being asked to paint her skin white to perform — Collins persevered and became a symbol of excellence, dignity, and change in the performing arts.
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