America’s first Black prima ballerina: Bernice Harrison
When you think of Black ballerinas, names like Misty Copeland or Janet Collins may come to mind. But did you know that a classical ballet dancer from L.A. named Bernice Harrison predated both of them?
Today, the lesser-known story of Harrison’s rise to become the first Black prima ballerina, and the legacy of the First Negro Classical Ballet Company. Read the full transcript here.
Host: L.A. Times producer Ashlea Brown
Guest: Kenneth Marcus professor of history at the University of Laverne
More reading:
First Negro Classical Ballet and Bernice Harrison
L.A. Times Today: In ‘Kylie,’ a Black ballerina shares her experience in the ballet community
Misty Copeland, Calvin Royal III and the rarity of a black couple dancing lead roles
