Beautie Brownie Spotlight
Ingrid Silva
As little girls some of us may have dreamed of being a ballerina, but we didn't have any examples that we could look at and aspire to be. Seeing a black ballerina is rare, and for those that have made it they are few and far between. But there are those few who have made their dream a reality. We had the privilege of interviewing Ingrid Silva, a Ballerina at the Dance theater of Harlem.
What age did you start dancing?
I started dancing when I was 8 years old, at Projeto Dancando Para Nao Dancar at favela da Magueira Brazil.
2. Did you always want to be a Ballerina?
No, I wanted to be a Doctor, funny story is I can't deal with blood, so that would not work for me. I found ballet true out many sports I was doing, I started swimming when I was 3 years old to help with my bronchitis and after i fell in love with swimming, I used to do competitions and it was very fun, but then I was introduced to ballet I didn't like at first, I liked gymnastics better. But after some time I realized how amazing it could be and I fell in love with it.
3. Who are your dance influences?
Ana Botafogo she's one the greatest ballet dancer Brazil ever had.
4. Do you experience any difficulty being a beautie brownie in the dancing industry? If so, what has motivated you to keep going?
Well as you can see there are not many beautie brownie ballerinas out there. But it's getting better. I had to come to New York from Brazil to pursue my dream, there are not many ballet companies in Brazil. And none of them has a beautie brownie ballerina. At least in America there are opportunities.
Look at Dance theatre of Harlem it's a multiracial ballet company.
I always had this strong drive, focus and determination. I've never given up anything I've started so far. I always believe you can make it! I'm an example in every way that you can make happen.
5. What advice would you give other Beautie Brownies who are aspiring to become a ballerina such as yourself?
Be focused and believe you can do anything if you want to! Be strong and believe that you can in any circumstances.
6. If you didn’t become a Ballerina what else did you want to be?
I still want to be a psychology on the dancers area. I think us humans are very interesting specie to study and to understand. Also Ballet dancer go through every day to rough, mental and physical routine… that when you are ready to stop dancing, I mean when it’s the end of career some of them don't accept and it's hard way to end it. You always have to have a plan B in any career, nothing last forever.
Bonus Questions: Who are your favorite female artist?
Beyoncé, she's one of the greatest! I'm a huge fan of hers. She has the power and the drive. She came from a long way until she became what she is today. Hard work paid off.
What’s on your playlist?
I like Beyoncé, Toni Braxton, Rihanna, Pharrel Williams, Djavam…
If you want to know more about Ingrid follow her at:
Instagram: @ingridsilva
Twitter: ingrid_silvarj
Facebook: Ingrid Silva
Website: http://ingridsilvarj.tumblr.com
DREAM BIG BEAUTIE BROWNIES!If you know someone or you would like to be featured on our blog as the Beautie Brownie Spotlight email us at breakbarriers@beautiebrownie.net
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Subway photos by @underground_nyc
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