By Carol Ozemhoya | Across Black America
The American Ballet Theatre has a new Black leader that’s set to make history. Since the beginning of time, the world of ballet has been a White-dominated space. Now Janet Rollé is here to not only make history but also serve as proof that we belong in any space, reports Afro Tech/CNN.
Rollé will make history as the first Black person to lead the American Ballet Theatre, one of the country’s most prestigious ballet companies. This is a dream come true for Rollé who credits her mother, a Jamaican immigrant, who introduced her to her first dance class at the age of eight, thus setting the tone for what would ultimately become a future career.
“Through dance, I learned how to be a professional, the value of discipline and technique, and my love for the creative process,” said Rollé. “These lessons have always been at the core of my professional life and work.”
Continued Rolle: “It is, therefore, a singular privilege to be entrusted by the Board to preserve and extend the legacy of American Ballet Theatre, and to ensure its future prosperity, cultural impact, and relevance,” Rollé continued in the statement. “To come full circle and be in a position to give back to the art that has given me so much is a source of unbridled and immense joy.”
Her new position will take effect on Jan. 3, 2022, where Janet Rollé will become the new CEO and executive director of the American Ballet Theatre.
