by Michael Henry Shavelle | Jun 19, 2025 | TBT
La Sylphide, one of ballet’s oldest surviving works, highlights the Romantic era’s delicate classicism and ethereal style. The leading ballerina seems to float across the stage with a dreamlike charm, showcasing the choreography’s pure, yet challenging steps. This...
by Sponsored by Carolina Ballet | Dec 11, 2024 | Pre-Professional Profiles
Students in the School of Carolina Ballet’s highest division are poised to pull from the best of both worlds: The invite-only pre-professional division takes frequent classes with the company and occasionally joins them for rehearsals and performances. In the...
by Amy Brandt | Apr 30, 2019 | Career, Profiles, Viral Videos
When Debra Austin became the first black woman to dance at New York City Ballet, hired by George Balanchine in 1971, there was very little publicity surrounding her appointment. Then, after dancing Zurich Ballet for two years, she was offered a principal contract with...
by Amy Brandt | Apr 15, 2019 | Career, Profiles
Debra Austin has a special place in dance history: In 1971, at age 16, she was the first African American woman George Balanchine hired into New York City Ballet. After nine years with the company and two years with Zurich Ballet, she joined Pennsylvania Ballet as a...
by Amy Brandt | Feb 21, 2018 | Profiles, TBT
Whenever Debra Austin jumped, she soared—and not only onstage. Invited by George Balanchine to join New York City Ballet at age 16, she was the first African-American woman to enter the company. She later joined Zurich Ballet, returning to the U.S. to accept a...