Project CommUNITY: Ballet opens doors for Des Moines girl through access and representation
By Kayla James
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Ballet is more than just dance — it’s an art, a discipline, and for 12-year-old Avery Greene, a source of joy and confidence.
Avery has been dancing since she was three, but in the last four years, ballet has become her passion.
“When I do ballet, I feel happy. I feel strong. I feel pretty,” Avery said. “I feel the emotions of the dance.”
The 12-year-old receives ballet instruction from professional dancers with Ballet Des Moines through a nonprofit called SEEDS. The nonprofit’s executive director says the goal is to make sure Black and Brown kids in the Des Moines metro area have access to the fine arts.
“One of the main things that’s important, specifically when it comes to arts is that our kids have the opportunity to be able to have culturally affirming programs that represent them,” said Dontreale Anderson, the executive director of SEEDS.
The nonprofit and the partnership with Ballet Des Moines provide opportunities that are needed across the industry.
“I think that there aren’t enough kiddos with access to ballet or dance classes,” said Blaire Massa, the CEO of Ballet Des Moines. “So when you get to the top of the game, there just aren’t as many people of diverse backgrounds that are able to be hired.”
That access opened a historic door for Avery when she was cast as Clara in “The Nutcracker,” performing alongside professional dancers last December. Clara is one of the main roles in “The Nutcracker.” Each year, Ballet Des Moines holds auditions for young ballerinas in the community for different roles, including Clara.
“The company’s been around since 1965. It’s probably unlikely that there’s ever been a Black Clara,” Massa said.
Originally, Avery auditioned for an entirely different show.
What began with nerves quickly turned into pride as Avery found support from choreographers and her family.
“I just had to give her a little pep talk, and I said to her, ‘If they didn’t want you, they wouldn’t have offered it to you. They see something in you. Let’s see what happens,’” said Lanae Greene, Avery’s mom.
By opening night, Lanae said her daughter’s confidence showed in every moment she made. Now, two months later, there’s not a doubt in Avery’s mind that she belonged on that stage. She wants others to feel the same, no matter what their passion is.
“A lot of people worry that maybe their dreams aren’t going to work out because it doesn’t make enough money or something like that, but whatever makes you happy, I think, is something you should pursue in the future,” Avery said. “I think that if you’re not happy where you’re working or with what you’re doing, there’s no point in doing it.”
You can watch the video above to see Avery’s story unfold and learn how this program is creating opportunities through the power of dance.
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