In 1949, Janet Collins won Dance Magazine’s ‘Debutante of the Year award. Collins danced on Broadway and in variety shoes. In 1951, she made history as the first African American prima ballerina performing the Metropolitan Opera full-time. She played many roles, a few being Aida and Carmen. In most cases, she was received well in New York but due to the racial laws in the South, when traveling she was replaced with understudies. After leaving the Met, Collins taught at many prestigious dance schools and in 1954, she toured both the US and Canada doing solo performances.
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