Born: 1935 (New York City)
Biography:
Anne Raven Wilkinson, known as Raven Wilkinson, was a trailblazing American dancer, renowned for being the first African-American woman to break the color barrier and dance for a major classical ballet company. Born on February 2, 1935, in New York City, Wilkinson grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in Harlem. Her parents, Anne James Wilkinson and Dr. Frost Birnie Wilkinson, provided a supportive environment for her passion for ballet.
Wilkinson discovered her love for ballet at a young age when she witnessed a performance of Coppelia by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Her mother, who had studied ballet in Chicago, wasted no time in enrolling Raven in ballet lessons at the Swoboda School, later known as the Ballet Russe School. Her first teachers were Maria and Vecheslav Swoboda, distinguished dancers from Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre. Under their tutelage, Wilkinson honed her skills and developed a strong foundation in ballet technique.
In 1951, Sergei Denham, the director of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, acquired the Swoboda School. This acquisition offered Wilkinson a unique opportunity to audition for the renowned ballet company. Nevertheless, her acceptance into the company seemed improbable due to prevailing racial biases. Even her fellow ballet students discouraged her from pursuing a position in a professional ballet company. Despite these challenges, Wilkinson persisted.
In 1955, on her third attempt, Denham informed Wilkinson that she had earned a spot in the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo on a six-week trial basis. This historic achievement marked the breaking of the color barrier for African-American dancers in classical ballet. Wilkinson’s talent and dedication quickly propelled her through the ranks, and she was promoted to soloist during her second season with the company.
Over the course of her six-year tenure with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Wilkinson became a beloved and respected performer. She toured extensively across the United States, dancing iconic roles such as the waltz solo in Les Sylphides. Her repertoire comprised an array of ballets, including Ballet Imperial, Le Beau Danube, Capriccio Espagnol, Gaîté Parisienne, Giselle, Graduation Ball, Harlequinade, Swan Lake, and Variations Classiques.
Despite her immense talent and accomplishments, Wilkinson faced numerous challenges and instances of discrimination throughout her career as an African-American ballet dancer. Segregated facilities, racial slurs, and the limited opportunities afforded to dancers of color were constant obstacles. However, Wilkinson’s unwavering determination and grace on stage helped pave the way for future generations of dancers.
Following her groundbreaking career with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Wilkinson continued to make invaluable contributions to the dance world. She became a mentor to renowned American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, Misty Copeland. Wilkinson’s wisdom, guidance, and support were instrumental in Copeland’s ascent to becoming a prominent figure in the world of ballet.
Raven Wilkinson will forever be remembered not only as a remarkable dancer but also as a trailblazer who defied racial barriers and reshaped the landscape of classical ballet. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, reminding us that talent knows no boundaries.