tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.comments2023-10-16T01:07:54.412-07:00The Black Swan DiariesAesha Ashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02564261871306909541noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-17528099905381185962022-08-01T19:19:40.234-07:002022-08-01T19:19:40.234-07:00Hello mate nicee postHello mate nicee postSouthfield Movershttps://www.find-local-movers.com/us/michigan-moving-companies/southfield-movers.shtmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-4729087596133516692019-07-29T22:38:43.120-07:002019-07-29T22:38:43.120-07:00Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, ve...Very nice article, I enjoyed reading your post, very nice share, I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks!. <a href="https://easyhairstylesby.com/mahogany-hair-color/" rel="nofollow">mahogany hair color</a>RobertKReedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13280510218664328816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-54463554053454764942019-07-26T00:43:36.700-07:002019-07-26T00:43:36.700-07:00Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many...Your content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers. <a href="https://hair-extension-courses.com/" rel="nofollow">hair extensions courses london</a>RobertKReedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13280510218664328816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-57391582294112175962018-12-10T03:52:13.177-08:002018-12-10T03:52:13.177-08:00The author has composed this blog in an extremely ...The author has composed this blog in an extremely informal way.<br /><a href="https://shavercentre.com.au" rel="nofollow">important link</a><br />kingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03823090518612554330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-47614601874713546802018-04-15T06:01:26.047-07:002018-04-15T06:01:26.047-07:00Natasha's warm, relaxed and unbiased approach ...Natasha's warm, relaxed and unbiased approach to clients has enabled them to discuss their hair concerns with ease. <b><a href="https://www.blackhairclinic.com/" rel="nofollow">black hair </a> </b>nickmiddleton010https://www.blogger.com/profile/16701534760902792410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-38939721092981175602017-05-12T09:03:59.385-07:002017-05-12T09:03:59.385-07:00the correlation b/w African American in the ballet...the correlation b/w African American in the ballet world is wonderful. and further much appreciate Swan Dreams Project that's great project for progressive ballet talent found around the world.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://balletbefit.co.uk/online-fitness-course-with-balletbefit/" rel="nofollow">Set Up A Ballet Fitness Business in UK</a> | <a href="http://balletbefit.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">Ballet instructor in UK</a>Keyle Recehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15694062599215585518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-88479452238560822992016-01-26T02:40:31.060-08:002016-01-26T02:40:31.060-08:00Its really appricaiting work out i am so happy to ...Its really appricaiting work out i am so happy to see this you have very<br />beautiful blog about ballet lots of people taking apart of ballet thanks .<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://balletbefit.com/academy/" rel="nofollow">Where can I go to a ballet fitness class</a><br /><a href="http://balletbefit.com/becomeatrainer/" rel="nofollow">Become A Ballet Instructor</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17588122298976245882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-73585861279566567292015-01-22T13:12:14.942-08:002015-01-22T13:12:14.942-08:00you can check my link below . . .
for best ballet...you can check my link below . . . <br />for best ballet ideas thanks <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.balletbefit.com/" rel="nofollow">Ballet barre</a> | <a href="http://www.balletbefit.com/" rel="nofollow">Ballet clothing</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-77627844086196035672013-04-08T22:11:03.026-07:002013-04-08T22:11:03.026-07:00Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your interest in my...Dear Anonymous,<br /><br />Thank you for your interest in my work. Unfortunately, I am retired from dance. I retired to devote time to my family ( I currently have a new addition to the family as well). I am not sure if you are aware of the goals I have with The Swan Dreams Project, but photography was exactly the medium I wanted to use since the message I am trying to spread goes beyond the art of ballet. I am sorry that I can not fulfill what you are looking for. Many of the companies I have danced with don't allow videos beyond the company. <br /><br />Again, thank you for your interest in my work and patronage to site. If I choose to return to the stage, I will look to post something at that time.<br /><br />Warmly,<br />Aesha Aesha Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564261871306909541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-87779164079784439062013-03-25T23:14:41.506-07:002013-03-25T23:14:41.506-07:00Can you please post videos that are current, and m...Can you please post videos that are current, and maintain a video diary as you are involved in new works? I am a fan and can't find much video with you anywhere on the web. I like still photography but dance is a medium of movement. Thankyou. A fanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-73162681212138515102012-05-13T15:33:29.656-07:002012-05-13T15:33:29.656-07:00Hello ZP,
Thank you for your kind words and I am ...Hello ZP,<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words and I am happy to hear that my presence at NYCB made you feel proud. It is one of the very reasons why I fought so hard there. <br /><br />My advice to Michaela would be to continue the attitude and strength that she is exuding at the moment. I have interviewed her for this blog as well as watched a few tv interviews where she has spoken. I think she has a lovely dancer with a good head on her shoulders and is very intelligent. She not only acknowledges that she is a minority in the field but the added challenges of having darker skin. I think her presence in the ballet world is extremely important. I pray she continues to remind herself that the attitude and opinions of others do not define who she is. This I believe is key and the hardest to hold on to. I deeply wish all the best and hope we will see a lot more of her!Aesha Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564261871306909541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-52503436020774695692012-05-11T23:50:46.642-07:002012-05-11T23:50:46.642-07:00Ms. Ash,
I greatly enjoyed your performances with...Ms. Ash,<br /><br />I greatly enjoyed your performances with NYCB. As a former "black swan", it made me very proud. What advice would you have for Michaela DePrince? She's the young African dancer featured in the film First Position. She's an amazing talent, but well aware that her very dark skin color works against her.ZPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-68024661952436953362012-05-05T21:22:14.182-07:002012-05-05T21:22:14.182-07:00Dear Kat,
I feel your frustration, as I am sure ...Dear Kat, <br /><br />I feel your frustration, as I am sure many other dancers following this blog do as well. I don't have the answers, and I don't feel that any of us do. That is precisely why this issue continues to be talked about to this day. Part of the reason I started my The Swan Dreams Project, was to try and bring to light a lot of the pain that we as African-American dancers go through. I think it's important to spotlight not only our potential as dancers, but our deep desires to be seen in roles we are seldom cast in. Although, as you know, it is so much bigger than just getting the role. It is being given the opportunity to be seen in a different light. To fight the stereotype. <br /><br />Please feel free Katlyn, to contact me via facebook or send me your email. We can chat more about this subject as well as address more of your questions and concerns. Much more that what I could do in a short blog response. I am sure we could go back and forth for some time. I started this blog to provide a space for this type of support or just provide a space to vent. <br /><br />Warmly,<br />AeshaAesha Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564261871306909541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-87120540501106505452012-04-29T22:08:29.860-07:002012-04-29T22:08:29.860-07:00Hi Aesha,
I am soooo happy that I've found you...Hi Aesha,<br />I am soooo happy that I've found your blog!! For the past couple of weeks, I've been reading your blogs and interviews and trying to figure out when I should post my opinion and reply to one of your many questions. In response to your latest blog, honestly it is sad that there aren't many black ballerina's; I personally think we just aren't "recognized" yet in ballet companies and that racism still does exist within the ballet, just in a soft form. <br /><br />My name is Katlyn and like "Ms. Epiphany" my sister and I have admired your beautiful ballet pictures for many years. And yes, we both have a large poster of you on one of our walls! <br />As a young black Canadian ballerina growing up my parents took me to many ballets, but it wasn't until I saw Alonzo King’s Line’s Ballet perform that I felt like ballet was so beautiful to watch that I cried. I loved watching other ballet companies perform, but after a while I felt like every dancer I watched looked the same, and I felt increasingly that I couldn't relate to them. In one of your blogs you talked about your drive to change the way ballet is viewed (which is still my goal, so I'm happy I'm getting to change it with you). You’re completely right about how black dancers are viewed as better contemporary dancers and white dancers are the ballerinas. In the first ballet company I danced in I always was chosen for contemporary work. I had hard, sharp, powerful roles, which isn't a bad thing because I was able to really perfect those roles, and still to this day I am continually first and second cast contemporary pieces....but honestly I would love to do a lilac fairy or Coppelia role, or even the white swan in swan lake. Sometimes I can see why some black ballerinas may not be chosen for those roles because our body type is more curvy or we have more muscular thighs. While that makes sense, my question is what about the black ballerinas that have changed their bodies as much as possible and can do any and everything the other dancers can do but aren't recognized? Personally I think there are a lot of black ballerinas out there, they're just not recognized yet! <br /><br />I am a black ballerina, I presently dance with Ballet West in Salt Lake City. One of the questions I have for you, Aesha, is how to start to get more recognized in the world as a black ballerina. I want to move up in the rankings, I would love to dance at that festival that one of the other ladies just posted!! I am classically trained; I actually trained at the National Ballet School of Canada for a couple of years, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, and some smaller but professional ballet schools. I've worked with many different choreographers, dancing good roles first and second cast. The point I'm trying to make is that there are a lot of black ballerinas out there, but they haven't yet gotten that break or just simply been recognized as a beautiful ballerina. <br /><br />I do understand what you’re saying about the exposure in black communities, but there still are many of us that have had that exposure and just want to show the world that there are good black ballerinas out there who just haven't gotten a chance in the spotlight! <br /><br />I hope I haven't gotten too much off topic from what you’re discussing in today’s blog, but honestly racism still does exist in classical ballet companies. I completely agree with you that more professional ballet schools should start hiring black ballet teachers, because I've honestly never had one until working with Lauren Anderson. And yes, I do think we need to expose young and old people of African communities to ballet and the arts. But, like any other sport they need to be able to see our race first in the light to start to believing, as sadly as that is, that it’s possible!kathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17151092945282854347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-38487558864302556182012-04-29T21:50:05.962-07:002012-04-29T21:50:05.962-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.kathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17151092945282854347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-29528173979232187362012-03-26T14:34:50.051-07:002012-03-26T14:34:50.051-07:00Hello Kay,
I will absolutely check out your blog....Hello Kay,<br /><br />I will absolutely check out your blog. <br /><br />Best, <br />AeshaAesha Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564261871306909541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-38560676511846740232012-03-26T12:35:11.084-07:002012-03-26T12:35:11.084-07:00Ms. Ash,
Do you follow people, I always write abo...Ms. Ash,<br /><br />Do you follow people, I always write about you on my blog and I am constantly checking yours. Please. <br /><br />Thanks in advanceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-73460997202973682422012-03-03T21:04:00.031-08:002012-03-03T21:04:00.031-08:00Why don't you wear flesh colored shoes and tig...Why don't you wear flesh colored shoes and tights?? That is the ultimate step as a Brown ballerina. I don't understand. You are fighting for respect but not demonstrating it. Anyway, where was this blog when I was dancing!! If only I had the strength. I wanted to be 'the one' to break the barriers but I lacked the technique, feet, etc to ever go from student to profesisonal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-24499873871260418412012-02-02T10:25:31.065-08:002012-02-02T10:25:31.065-08:00I love your blog, I am a mother of a five year old...I love your blog, I am a mother of a five year old who wants to dance Ballet. I found it very difficult to find an African American teacher. My daughter goes to school in Harlem NY and we live in the Bronx. If there is any one who knows of an African American ballet teacher in New York City please let me know. Thank you.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15864763276849898170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-65694711421387138642012-01-04T06:31:20.910-08:002012-01-04T06:31:20.910-08:00AESHAA ASH IS ONE OF THE MOST GRACEFUL BALLERINA I...AESHAA ASH IS ONE OF THE MOST GRACEFUL BALLERINA I HAVE SEEN. HER MOVES ARE ELEGANT LIKE A DEGAS PAINTING. RYTHMIC FLOW, BALANCE, BEAUTY, AND HARD WORKING TALENT ARE JUST A FEW OF THE WORDS I USE TO DESCRIBE. THERE ARE NOT MANY ADVOCATED AFRICAN AMERICAN BALLERINAS WHO ARE PUBLICIZED AS MS. ASH. BUT THE NUMBERS ARE GROWING. LAUREN ANDERSON IS ANOTHER AFRICAN ARMERICAN WHOM HAS PLEE-AHHHH HER WAY THE CULTURAL ARTS AS A BALLERINA. SHE LIKE ASH IS WELL EDUCATED IN ACADEMICS AND BOTH ARE VITAL CONTRIBUTERS TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BALLERINAS COMING UP. IN PAST WE HAVE WITNESS JUDITH JAMISON DANCE AS A VIRTUOSO BALLERINA FOR THE ALVIN AILEY AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE TROUPE. MS. JAMISON'S HARD WORK AND CONTRIBUTION HAS BEEN REWARDED AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF MR. AILEY'S TROUPE. <br /><br />WALTTER WEBB (NCCU-ALUMNI)<br />FREELANCE WRITERAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-82635686079885961952011-11-10T16:00:26.958-08:002011-11-10T16:00:26.958-08:00Beautiful blog! The *TRUE* arts are being lost in...Beautiful blog! The *TRUE* arts are being lost in our Black community and I do believe that the rebirth of the Renaissance can happen in our lifetime - your influence in dance will help set those wheels in motion. <br /><br />Peace and Blessings<br />Amber<br />http://www.eshewords.blogspot.comAmber Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11302167436922755252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-62056232287694721802011-10-29T20:02:43.649-07:002011-10-29T20:02:43.649-07:00I am so happy to have found this blog. You bring ...I am so happy to have found this blog. You bring up so many wonderful issues. I feel sad for what might have been for me, for so many other young black female dancers, for so many young black girls from disadvantaged communities. But there is also hope. I teach dance here in Chicago, and have strong ties to the dance community here. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. <br /><br />Best,<br />Keesha at www.momsnewstage.blogspot.com/Keeshahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17861445436771770144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-52442480690108852742011-10-09T22:45:14.209-07:002011-10-09T22:45:14.209-07:00Dear Keesha,
I am sadden to hear of the experienc...Dear Keesha,<br /><br />I am sadden to hear of the experience you had as a young dancer, and sadly far too many far too often share this same experience. I think the more we start hiring African-American teachers to help stand as role models to all students, the more our young aspiring artists will realize the vast diversity that exists in the art world and the less often we will hear stories such as yours. No student should ever be ignored. A classroom is a place to learn and grow and teachers are there to provide that nurturing. <br /><br />I am very happy to hear that, through it all, you have continued you love of ballet. More importantly, you have found a teacher that has led you to a deeper understanding of your own body. Although, you may not have the opportunity to go back in time with this deeper understanding, it's never too late to enjoy the beautiful gift of movement with the body you have a better connection with. <br /><br />I am a mother and I will most certainly send other dancing moms your way. Thank you for sharing!Aesha Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564261871306909541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-11382014869545382142011-10-09T22:30:26.900-07:002011-10-09T22:30:26.900-07:00Dear Ballomane3,
Not only do African-Americans li...Dear Ballomane3,<br /><br />Not only do African-Americans like classical music, but there are many who are well known throughout the classical world. Going to the School of American Ballet and being in contact with Julliard students on a regular basis, I met plenty of African-American classical musicians and singers. A small search on google will lead you to the vast amounts of African-American opera singers, musicians and even some composers. The problem is the lack of exposure. You pose a good question in asking what do African-Americans who love classical music do to promote it within their community. I am not a classical musician and I don't know of any programs that are promoting classical music within more urban communities. Although, I am sure they exist, but like many of these types of organizations, they may just go under the radar. What I can say is that I myself am working diligently on trying to find ways to bring ballet into my own community. In the same way that ballet has tried to make itself more hip for the younger crowds-be it in advertising or the creation of more contemporary pieces, I to want to find a way to bring the love and appreciation of ballet to those in and around my community. It will take work and a little creativity, but I do believe that ballet, or the classical arts in general, have a place in the hearts of African-Americans as much as anyone else. Of course, there is the other problem of finding the resources to support the art form. That is an entirely different conversation but one that holds great relevance as to one of the few road blocks that inhibit more urban communities from showing more support. <br /><br />Also, thank you for sharing this wonderful link.Aesha Ashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564261871306909541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671270451045812775.post-68344406205430833492011-10-09T20:22:16.924-07:002011-10-09T20:22:16.924-07:00Thank you for this wonderful piece. Mr. Griffin&#...Thank you for this wonderful piece. Mr. Griffin's discussion of cultural insensitivity in teaching ballet really hit home for me. I began thinking of my early training as a young black girl. In the 80s, when most teachers didn't have the anatomical knowledge that we do now, it was an either you're born with it or you are not. Several (white) students, one, my best friend of 30 years and counting, were able to go on to SAB and major ballet companies. Our teacher didn't know what to do with my flat feet, muscular body and lordotic spine. She encouraged my strength and my movement instincts, but I never received the technical nurturing and the encouragement to work my feet, to strengthen my core and to stretch (not that all of these are uniquely African American attributes). No one helped me fix my issues, and I know my teacher saw them, as I was continually passed up for certain roles. It was unlikely that I was going to be a ballerina, but my early technical training might have been far better.<br /><br />I love ballet dearly, and now as an adult will sit and watch ballet videos on youtube for way longer than I should. I know I would have had a completely different career in dance had I found teachers who knew how to work with my body. I found where my body was supposed to have been too late in my dance life, as I finally found my teacher Birute Barodicate at The Lou Conte Dance Center at Hubbard Street, in Chicago. <br /><br />I hope other young black girls never find themselves in such a situation. I try to be that teacher for them, encouraging, honest about what they can improve and to what extent. <br /><br />What a terrific blog! I write at Mom's New Stage - <br />www.momsnewstage.blogspot.com/<br />My children are biracial which is another way I strongly connected to what Mr. Griffin had to say. <br /><br />I don't know if you have children. If you do, or if yo have any dancing friends with children, would you mind sending them my way? I do a weekly feature on an artist mother and how motherhood has affected her relationship to her creative self. <br /><br />Thank you very much. <br /><br />Best,<br />KeeshaKeeshahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17861445436771770144noreply@blogger.com