The largest raptor in the Americas and one of the world’s largest eagle species, it can measure as long as 3.5 feet and weigh up to 20 pounds.
The Ya¸nomamö and Pemón of Venezuela simply called it Wajari: goddess of the wind. The Huaorani of Ecuador’s Amazon consider themselves descendants of the jaguar and Harpy. Across the Americas, the Harpy has been venerated as a god by Mexico’s Olmec people and the Chavín of Peru. The Harpy Eagle - named for the half-human, half-bird wind spirits of Greek mythology who bore evil-doers to just punishment - is a massive and awe-inspiring bird that has fascinated humans since long before European arrival.
To come full circle and be in a position to give back to the art that has given me so much is a source of unbridled and immense joy,” said Rollé.Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Print this Article Share to Email “It is therefore a singular privilege to be entrusted by the Board to preserve and extend the legacy of American Ballet Theatre, and to ensure its future prosperity, cultural impact, and relevance. She is set to begin as CEO and executive director of ABT on January 3, 2022. Rollé says she’s humbled and excited for her new role, noting that the gravitas of this historic moment isn’t lost on her. I am confident that Janet’s accomplished background in business operations and development, strategic partnerships, and brand management will be a tremendous asset,” said Barth. “She is brimming with ideas to lead ABT into the next decade, all while respecting Ballet Theatre’s history and legacy. Nude-colored ballet shoes for Black dancers didn’t exist until 2018,” said Gomes.Īndrew Barth, chairman of the ABT’s Board of Governing Trustees, is confident that Rollé will help lead the company into a new frontier that makes space for change while paying homage to the Theatre’s legacy. Ballet is still designed for White dancers, down to the shoes and makeup we wear. “I have heard over and over the damaging stereotypes that Black dancers aren’t flexible enough or don’t have the right feet, or that Asian dancers aren’t expressive enough.
“At 7 years old being a Black girl in their school, and they’re being told by their teachers, ‘You don’t belong here, your skin is the wrong color, your feet are too flat.we can’t work with your hair,’” said Misty Copeland, the first Black woman principal dancer for the ABT, in a 2018 interview.Ĭhloé Lopes Gomes, another prominent Black ballet dancer, echoed those sentiments, writing this year about the institutional racism in the ballet world, which she called “primarily White and elitist.” Her appointment is a monumental moment for the ballet world, which has long been burdened by allegations of elitism and racism.
These lessons have always been at the core of my professional life and work,” said Rollé.
“Through dance, I learned how to be a professional, the value of discipline and technique, and my love for the creative process. Rollé began her first dance class when she was just 8-years-old, crediting her mother, an immigrant from Jamaica, with forming what Rollé calls the foundation of her career. Rollé is also credited as an executive producer of “Black Is King,” Beyonce’s award-winning visual album accompaniment for the 2019 live action remake of “The Lion King.” Now, she has been named CEO and executive director of the American Ballet Theatre, making history as the first Black woman to hold the title in the institution’s nearly seven decade history. During that time she served as associate producer of Beyonce’s iconic Coachella performance where she made history as the first Black woman to headline the Music and Arts Festival. She went on to serve as general manager of Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment for five years.
Rollé honed her skills in the business as executive vice president and chief marketing officer at CNN Worldwide. Janet Rollé has made history as the first Black woman to become CEO of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in its 65-year-history, The Philadelphia Tribune reports. She credits dance as the core of her life’s work!