Every little girl wants to be a ballerina at some point in their life, right? Well, I was definitely one of them. My love for the elegant dance form was immeasurable -- I took classes five days a week, performed in the Nutcracker every winter and even danced with a professional ballet company for awhile.
However, my dreams of becoming a prima ballerina ended when my body decided to change into what would serve me better for my future as a Division I track and field athlete. So, while my focus shifted to running it didn't affect my love for ballet. In fact, to this day I still take classes and keep up with what's going on in the ballet world.
With that said, it goes without saying that I have followed the amazing career of Misty Copeland. I'm also a fan of the American Ballet Theatre soloist's initiative Project Plié, which aims to promote diversity within the ballet industry.
Being one of a few or the only black girl throughout my dance life, my heart just pirouettes whenever I see brown girls (and boys) getting their ballet on. Which is why I'm totally obsessed with the @BrownGirlsDoBallet Instagram account.
The folks over at BGDB 'gram and regram colorful ballerinas, young and old, from around the country and world. The photos and videos are pretty incredible -- and we can't get enough!
Here's a few of our faves...