Raven Wilkinson

Raven Wilkinson
Wilkinson in 2015
Born
Anne Raven Wilkinson

(1935-02-02)February 2, 1935
DiedDecember 17, 2018(2018-12-17) (aged 83)
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBallerina

Anne Raven Wilkinson (February 2, 1935 – December 17, 2018) was an American dancer who is credited with having been the first African-American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company. Wilkinson broke the color barrier in 1955 when she signed a contract to dance full-time with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. She was promoted to soloist during her second season with the troupe, and remained with the company for six years. Wilkinson later became a mentor to American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland.

Wilkinson and her friend, artist Calida Garcia Rawles, enjoying a summer day sitting on a park bench