The New York Negro Ballet, originally known as the Ballet Americana, was formed in the 1950s under the direction of American choreographer Ward Flemyng.
| New York Negro Ballet Company | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Name | New York Negro Ballet Company |
| Previous names | Ballet Americana |
| Year founded | 1954 |
| Closed | 1959 |
| Founder | Ward Flemyng |
History
editInitially called Ballet Americana, The New York Negro Ballet was a classical ballet company founded in 1954.[1] Edward Flemyng, an African-American choreographer, and dancer Thelma Hill were pivotal in creating Ballet Americana, which later showcased Philadelphia's Delores Browne.[2] The New York Negro Ballet Co. was co-sponsored by the British artist Theodore Hancock.
Flemyng's New York Negro Ballet began performances in 1955 and later merged with Joseph Rickard's California-based First Negro Classic Ballet.[3] The new company toured the British Isles and Europe, highlighting its original members and Rickard's choreography.[4] The company appeared in Scotland, Wales, and England.[2] Upon returning from London, the ballet company was one of four troupes honored with an invitation to the Monte Carlo Festival of Ballet in December 1957.[5]
The New York Negro Ballet's performances ceased following the death of their main sponsor.[4] In 1959, The New York Negro Ballet disbanded.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Staff, H. (2021, June 12). Remember When . . . A New York ballet company received mixed reviews. The Herald. Retrieved from https://www.heraldscotland.com
- ^ a b c Contributions of Black Women to America: The arts, media, business, law, sports. (1982). United States: Kenday Press.
- ^ Adair, C. (1992). Women and Dance: Sylphs and Sirens. United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Publishing.
- ^ a b First Negro Classical Ballet’s Orbit: Joseph Rickard – MOBBallet.org. (2021, November 2). Retrieved from https://mobballet.org/index.php/2021/11/02/first-negro-classical-ballets-orbit-joseph-rickard/
- ^ Jet. (21 Nov 1957). Google Books. https://books.google.ca/books?id=5rYDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false