Diversity in Dance: A Ballerina’s path

Photo Credit: Jaqlin Medlock Photography

Apr 29 2020

Andrea Long was a professional Dancer with NYC Ballet for 8 years where she performed much of the Balanchine Repertoire including: Serenade, Four Temperaments, Concerto Barocco and was part of the original cast of Peter Martins’ ballets: Fearful Symmetries and Ash. 

While at City Ballet, she toured Internationally with Peter Boal & Dancers, appeared in the NYCB Nutcracker Film produced by Disney and modeled for French Vogue. 

In 1998 she joined Dance Theater of Harlem where she became a principal ballerina and danced for 13 years. While at DTH she toured internationally and performed principal roles in: Firebird, Serenade, Allegro Brilliante, Four temperaments, Concerto Barocco and Manifestations. She has appeared as a guest artist with Complexions and Washington Ballet. 

As a teacher she has been on the faculty of Dance Theater of Harlem, School of American Ballet and Dance Institute of Washington. She is currently on faculty at world renowned Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. 

Hear one dancer’s path to a professional career. What did it mean to be a dancer of color in the classical ballet world 20 years ago vs today? Who were her greatest mentors? When did she get her first break?