[4] Although Black women continue to be underrepresented in ballet, they have made steady progress in integrating the field.
Jim Crow laws, which persisted until the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, meant that racial segregation was a pervasive feature of American life throughout the first half of the 20th century.
Janet Collins, who later became the first African American prima ballerina, attempted to take ballet classes as a child but was denied, so she opted for private instruction instead.
In 1932, when she was fifteen years old, Collins auditioned for Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and was told that she would need to perform in whiteface if she became a member of the company.
[8] Both Gordan and Dorsey contributed significantly to Black participation in ballet through the establishment of their respective schools.
The foundation of ballet schools in Black communities was important for the training of younger generations of dancers.