A Black History Fact I Bet You Didn't Know!

Newspaper Article on Janet Collins

Born on this day in the year 1917...

  Janet Collins, a prima ballerina who, in 1951, became “the first Black artist to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.” (Janet Collins, A Prima Ballerina, 2003)  

 Ms. Collins, a Creole, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her family moved to Los Angeles, California when she was a young girl. At age 15 she successfully tried out for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo at the Philharmonic, but did not perform with them after she was told she would have to dance in white face for the performances.
 

Janet Collins at the Met

In 1951 Ms. Collins starred in a production of Cole Porter’s Out of this World. This performance garnered the Donaldson Award, which was given to the best dancer on Broadway.

Janet Collins danced with the Metropolitan Opera House until 1954, during which time she starred in performances of Carmen, Aida, La Gioconda, and Samson and Delilah.

Janet Collins in La Gioconda

After her time at the Met Ms. Collins toured with well-known dance companies, as well as giving solo performances. After having toured both America and Canada she taught at colleges and dance institutions. She retired to Seattle, Washington, and lived a quiet life painting. 

 Janet Collins passed away in June of 2003, in Fort Worth, Texas.

For more information:

 Through Xena’s Eyes Black History Month 2011

       Janet Collins A Prima Ballerina from the African American Registry  

     Work Cited:

Janet Collins, A Prima Ballerina. (2003). Retrieved March 7, 2014, from African American Registry A Non-profit Education Organization: http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/janet-collins-prima-ballerina