African American Ballet Troupe

Dance Initiative Summary

The African American Ballet Troupe (AABT) is a performing arts initiative conceived by a 14-year-old African American ballerina with a strong desire to open the world of ballet to traditionally underserved children. Her desire is to give these children the opportunity to creatively express themselves and perform in this art form which they may never get the chance to do. The mission of this initiative is to expose children (girls and boys) who are of African American or other minorities and who have been traditionally underserved, to ballet with the hopes of changing or enhancing their perceptions and perspectives regarding ballet. The intent is to have experienced youth ballet dancers teach other youth of similar ethnic and racial background this art form. 

Specific objectives

Specific objectives of the African American Ballet Troupe include:

• Teaching the art of classical ballet and combining it with other dance forms to these children




• Developing confidence in the children with this performing art and with their stage presence




• Encouraging these children to pursue this dance art form whether as a career or as recreation




• Performing in the community