25 min listen
America’s first Black prima ballerina: Bernice Harrison
America’s first Black prima ballerina: Bernice Harrison
ratings:
Length:
31 minutes
Released:
Feb 24, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
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 BrownGuest: Kenneth Marcus professor of history at the University of LaverneMore reading:First Negro Classical Ballet and Bernice HarrisonL.A. Times Today: In ‘Kylie,’ a Black ballerina shares her experience in the ballet communityMisty Copeland, Calvin Royal III and the rarity of a black couple dancing lead roles
Released:
Feb 24, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
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