Pioneer Ballerina Raven Wilkinson Has Passed Away At 83

[spicysista]

From Essence.com

Pioneer Ballerina Raven Wilkinson Has Passed Away At 83






by: Rachaell Davis Dec, 19, 2018


The dance world is mourning the loss of pioneer Ballerina Raven Wilkinson.

A New York native who fell in love with ballet at the age of 5, Wilkinson is credited with being one of the first African-American women to dance for a major ballet company. She began studying at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1955 when she was just 20 years old. According to PBS, Wilkinson eventually left the prestigious dance theater after six years, during many of which she was subject to continued racial discrimination.

Original article here: https://www.essence.com/entertainment/ballerina-raven-wilkenson-dead-at-83/


One trailblazer, to another....


A mentor to fellow ballerina Misty Copeland, Wilkinson is credited as one of the first Black women to dance for a major ballet company.

[NurseJackie]

1. 😥❤️

[Me.]

2. To The Greatest

[Kind of Blue]

3. Oh, wow. I'm so glad to see the photo of Misty Copeland

and Raven Wilkinson. What journeys for both of them. Ms. Wilkinson couldn't have passed the baton to a better successor.

Rest In Peace

I've seen that photo of Wilkinson's young self before but forgot there was one who preceded Copeland. Thank you, spicysista, for posting and not letting her pass without our knowledge. Beautiful post.

[spicysista]

4. You're welcome!

I love the candid shots of them, Ms. Wilkinson and Misty, the most. Two legends, occupying the same space while literally passing the torch (well, floral bouquet in this case) from one to the other.....powerful.

[Kind of Blue]

5. Yeah, too good!

Right now, I can't help but think of your signature line, "You are your best thing" when looking at the talented beauties.