Orlando Ballet leads the way in diversity on stage

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Ballet is leading the way in diversity on stage.

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The director of community enrichment is working to make sure that no child thinks their race could get in the way of their big dreams.

“As we all know, you know, classical ballet years ago was not very inviting to people of color,” said Charmaine Hunter.

One man wanted to change that — Arthur Mitchell started the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a company comprising of dancers of color.

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A New York Times article headline from 50 years ago reads “Black ballet — a good idea?”

Hunter will tell you yes, it was absolutely a good idea.

“The lights went down, the curtain went up and I saw dancers that looked like me. I hadn’t a clue what they were doing until they started moving. And the beauty that I witnessed on the stage that day, I already knew that that was what I wanted to do,” Hunter said.

At 13, Hunter started ballet training and eventually earned a spot at the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1976.

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There’s passion in her performance but getting there took perseverance in the face of prejudice.

“I know what it’s like to be in a company. When you go to a city and you know that your stage manager or the general manager has to go before you get there. Sometimes we’re not necessarily welcomed into the hotel. I remember going through that,” Hunter said.

From Dance Theatre of Harlem to Orlando Ballet, Hunter is now inspiring and impacting the lives of so many as the director of community enrichment.

Two of her dancers, Alexandra Jones and Unique Edwards, are part of Orlando Ballet’s Rise program.

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It is led by Hunter and welcomes students in dance magnet programs and Orange County Public Schools into the inclusive place that is Orlando Ballet.

“Seeing a whole bunch of diversity really inspires me to grow,” Edwards said.

“Everyone has the same amount of talent no matter what they look like,” Jones said.

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