Brazilian ballet dancer Ingrid Silva has made history as the first Brazilian black ballerina to appear on the cover of Brazilian Vogue Magazine’s November 2020 Cover.
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Silva started ballet through a community out-reach program at the age of eight and became an apprentice with the Brazilian theatre company Grupo Corpo.
In 2008, Silva moved to New York City at the age of 18 as there were very few opportunities for black dancers in Brazil. Her breakthrough began after she permanently joined Arthur Mitchell‘s Dance Theatre of Harlem company in New York City.
Arthur Mitchell was the first African-American who founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem as a reaction to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. That predominantly “colored” company gave many opportunities to all races to dance the classics as well as ballets by Balanchine and other living choreographers.
Today, Silver is celebrating an historical powerful moment of her life as the first Brazilian black ballerina on the cover of Vogue.
Taking to Instagram, Silva, 31, shared her inspiring story.
“A day and a life to celebrate forever. This Vogue cover is a powerful in every single way. I’m living an incredible phase of my life, which is motherhood and transforming myself through my own discoveries. Being a mother, dancer, activist, business woman and much more. Dreams are possible! Representation is very important in every way. That’s exactly what this Cover is.”
“I am representing black woman, Brazilian, ballerina (for those who dream or have dreamed). I am making history, being the first Brazilian black ballerina on the cover of Vogue. I’m sure my daughter will be proud of her parents. We’re already proud of you, our little one. I want Thank my husband for supporting me on this incredible journey, you are very special in our lives.”
“My mom Maureny, thank you for all the lessons you thought me, this cover is also dedicated to you. Without you, I wouldn’t be what I am today.
Ze gratitude for love and professionalism, this year has been truly magnificent, thank you for all the opportunities.”
Silva co-founded Blacks In Ballet, a platform with different women to take over its Instagram account.
Earlier this year, Silva appeared in a Nike advertisement celebrating Black History Month, narrated by Serena Williams.
