Delores Browne

Abstract This chapter examines the experiences of Delores Browne as an African American ballerina who performed in the 1950s and 1960s, and the implicit biases she encountered. Delores Browne was talented and well trained, and as a result could excel as a professional ballet dancer. A scholarship to Judimar, a Black dance academy, afforded her an environment to develop as an artist in a supportive atmosphere to hone her talent and build her confidence. Browne also earned a scholarship to the School of American Ballet, demonstrating that regardless of race, if given an opportunity, talented individuals can achieve success. She was then invited to perform with Philadelphia Ballet Guild in a featured role and to join the New York Negro Ballet because her reputation preceded her. Although Browne had a distinguished career in the Black dance community, discriminatory practices hampered her full growth as a ballerina. Nevertheless, the obstacles she encountered in American ballet did not define her; she was not only able to carve out a dance career for herself, but in turn offered her gifts to numerous dancers of several races as an instructor and coach.