EPISODE · Feb 24, 2023 · 31 MIN
America’s first Black prima ballerina: Bernice Harrison
from Headlines From The Times · host Jazmín Aguilera, Roberto Reyes, Helen Li, Gustavo Arellano, David Toledo, Ashlea Brown, Kasia Broussalian, Heba Elorbany, Nicolas Perez, Mark Nieto, Denise Guerra, Mario Diaz, Mike Heflin, Shani O. Hilton, Kenneth Marcus
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
What this episode covers
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?
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America’s first Black prima ballerina: Bernice Harrison
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