NegusBallerinaProject

I received my first dancing shoes at three years old, a gift from my Mother. I received my first pointe shoes at 15. My training could have been better. Although I danced most of my life, I didn’t decide to dedicate myself to dance until I was 19. At 24, I finally decided to put, the pointe shoes back on. When I first wore the costume of a ballerina at such a young age, I couldn’t possibly have known the profound impact it would have on my life. I am grateful for that experience now and I have accepted dance as my guiding light.I believe everyone should have an artistic outlet for expressing themselves. I am so fortunate to have dance. Each movement is like the stroke of a paintbrush or hitting the correct note. Each performance is like telling my own personal story.Motivation was never a problem; however, inspiration wasn’t always readily available. Ballet isn’t always at the forefront of mainstream media. Moreover, when that rare occasion does arise it doesn’t often showcase people of color. Inspiration found me in the form of Lauren Anderson, Arthur Mitchell, and Paunika Jones. Lauren Anderson was the first black ballerina I ever saw. Watching Paunika was the first time I witnessed a live performance by a black ballerina and she introduced me to the acclaimed Arthur Mitchell, for whom I have had the great honor of performing. As with any art, execution means finding your niche. With these icons, I was able to run full speed into the world of dance along the path paved by those that came before me.My path began as an apprentice under Bill T. Jones. After that, there I performed two Nutcracker seasons with Brooklyn Ballet as well as “Rhythmetron” at the Columbia University exhibit for Arthur Mitchell. I’ve given back by teaching in the Brooklyn Ballet outreach program and the Youth Arts academy at Restoration Plaza. I’m currently working with companies Gleich Dances and Thomas\Ortiz dance. Later this year I will be performing with Columbia City Ballet in their fall season Dracula and The Nutcracker.Your donation will help to create a calendar and posters that will feature myself and Paunika Jones as a celebration of black girl magic and sisterhood. Proceeds from this calendar will contribute to the sustainability of the artists involved and serve as a springboard for a publication for featuring dance artists of color and hopefully and dance incubator.