Brown Girls Do Ballet is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. Their purpose is to promote diversity in the arts by providing annual scholarships, a mentor network, and community programs to empower young dancers of color. This past Spring Break, I was lucky enough to meet up with 3 of the 4 Houston area Brown Girls Do Ballet Ambassadors for a quick giggle-fest photo session.

Allow me to introduce:

Nessaja Camille (13 years old)…

…Kristina (15)…

…and Shalom (16).

These girls have taken on the Brown Girls Do Ballet mission of spreading the word on the positive role that diversity can play in the world of classical ballet.  By being intentional about their words, training, actions and attitudes, they are combating negative stereotypes about dancers of color, and shining a light to inspire young dancers around them.

One of the many, many, many things I love about Brown Girls Do Ballet is that they are so willing to share words of wisdom and encouragement with aspiring ballerinas. The Ballerina’s Little Black Book (available on the Brown Girls Do Ballet website) is an absolute treasure chest of positive imagery, knowledge, experience and helpful tips for brown dancers, from brown dancers.

We were all drawn to this beautiful work of art staring down at us. The silent gaze underlined by loaded words spoke directly to the heart of  these beautiful girls. In a sea of sameness, brown ballerinas are searching for a glimmer of light, a bit of assurance that success, for them as they are, is within reach. In all walks of life, I am convinced that the only thing that separates us from the mainstream is opportunity. And we will no longer passively wait for it to knock.

These beautiful girls warmed my heart. Their talent, joy, passion and exuberance was contagious. And I wish them nothing but the best that life, love & dance have to offer.

You can follow these BGDB Ambassadors’ journeys on Instagram.

Nessaja: @nessaja.camille

Kristina: @kristinamarie.b

Shalom: @5678danceonpointe

Kennedy (not pictured – we missed you!): @kennedy.kyle04

And of course you can find Brown Girls Do Ballet via Instagram (@browngirlsdoballet) or their website (www.browngirlsdoballet.com).