Dancers, Leave This In 2022

My emphasis on “black” in “black dance” is not to isolate black dancers as superior to dancers of other ethnicities or backgrounds. The emphasis is courage and belief that counteracts that familiar bias, myself and others have experienced within the world of dance. You are not counted out or incapable because you are black. Celebrate all you are, and don’t forget that your “black” is not an issue but a beautiful difference. Yesterday I listened to a new episode on Candace Owens. As I smirked in approval of her comedic timing and made comments to myself outloud while driving I could not help but to understand how incredibly correct she was. What was she correct about? is probably what you’re asking yourself and to answer, I shift into my topic of what I want dancers to leave in 2022.

No more canvasing social media about the woes of being a black dancer. I thought it had become excessive back in 2021 and most certainly in 2022. My sentiment has been, for as long as I can remember, the narrative of unfair and improper treatment of black dancers and black women in ballet had begun to do more harm than good. The advocacy so many strived for easily began morphing into isolation, separating ourselves within a world we have been pushing to be equally a part of. I know some may hold the opinion that progress has been made as a result of the last three years but I disagree. While we have seen article features and specifically curated performances centered around black dancers, the narrative continues echoing. Therefore, the resolve is not in what someone else can do for you but rather how you choose to thrive in excellence despite everything else. For me, it doesn’t make me feel great that a couple times out of the year a magazine or venue decides to feature or mention a black dancer. I mean, what does that say about the organizations? Again, the purpose is not to place emphasis on what they are doing or saying but being appeased by something that small, considering the point black and brown dancers have been broadcasting for years, is severely below the point.  

It is my belief that greatness and excellence are not discriminatory. Simply being you and being excellent produces undeniable expansion of territory and accolades. We don’t dance or do it for that sole purpose but those are inevitable results. After all, our giants in the craft, have given us incredible examples to glean from.