She’s Bringing Ballet to the Streets of New York

Aesha Ash fought negative stereotypes about African-American women all the way to the New York City Ballet and the world’s most prestigious stages. These days, you can find her-tutu and all-pirouetting around her native inner-city Rochester, New York. Through her Swan Dreams Project, Aesha combines photography and ballet to prove that artistic talent, beauty and grace are not defined by status or race.
A huge thanks to our guest editor this week, Yvonne Orji. Check her out in “Insecure,” Sundays at 10:30 P.M. on HBO.
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[@RaeB171]

Several years ago, I had a picture of Aesha on the inside of my dance locker. That picture was one of my only decorations because it was so meaningful. As a young black girl in a sea of white, I felt inspired and empowered because someone had gone before me and still made it. Representation matters!

[@adaikonen]

Seems like you had a very beautiful and talented role model!

[@rea8585]

This is so meaningful not only because she shows her neighborhood what you can achieve, but also because of the culture she is bringing to them. Ballet is mostly for the elite and her bringing it to the streets is such a powerful message: culture should be for everyone and not just the ones who can afford it!

[@RoseUnseen]

Not really

[@okiegoddess4147]

I agree with everything you say, except the “ballet is for the elite.” I am a WalMart associate from Oklahoma and I go to the ballet every time there is one I want to see. Usually 3 or 4 times a year. I many times buy the tickets for my mother, sister and niece as well as myself. You just have to look. Once upon a time it may have been for the elite, but it is much more accessible now.

[@StaringAtAScreen]

Maybe the price of the tickets depends on where you live.

[@faiznuranis25]

@@StaringAtAScreen yup not just the ticket, but also the fee for the ballet class

[@reversed2489]

okie goddess I want to say that she doesn't mean that it should be an elite class thing, but a lot of people see it as such, and either don't know how to get in on ballet as someone who is not considered "elite class" or don't think it's for "people like them."

[@tosht2515]

I love and have followed *_Misty Copeland_* forever and celebrated when she became principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre so it's a shame that I have never heard of Aesha Ash. Very cool work she's doing. 👍

[@sn0wbunnny]

Fun fact Aesha was the body double for Zoe Saldana in "Center Stage"! She was with NYCB at the time!

[@hanzkins6732]

She is now a full time faculty member at the School of American Ballet.

[@gabyc210]

“It’s hard to be what you can’t see” YES 👏🏼 She’s incredible.

[@VitaMariaMariah]

Some of these comments are disgusting, completely misses the point of the video. These is to show blacks that they can be more than just what is portrayed in the media, which is traditionally a negative stereotype. She said "it's hard to be what you can't see." It's not about everyone becoming a dancer, it's about showing people what you can we come despite your adversities

[@thinkingemoji4273]

Honestly I've only seen one negative comment and it didn't have that much support. Why are you faking outrage?

[@VitaMariaMariah]

@@thinkingemoji4273 lol I was here SUPER early and some of the negative comments have since been deleted. There were some basically saying that it wasn't going to help the community and also some disparaging things about black people.

[@vanillalemonfox3673]

Yeah. People shouldn't tell other people what to do based on stereotypes. Dancing does emotionally change the world because for some it's a gateway out of any mental disorders they have (like depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc). I never liked dancing, but I draw a lot and that's a gateway for me to be happy and enjoy something.

[@Nobody-wo5mb]

I have nothing against black people but my god, does race really need to be a part of every single topic and discussion? She's not feeding the hungry or curing disease, it's a dance...a European dance by the way. Notice how I'm not crying out "cultural appropriation!" That's because I understand that cultures blend, I don't need to make it about me and my race and my victim mentality.

[@StaringAtAScreen]

If you're not interested in topics involving race, don't click the link.

[@erpollock]

I saw Aesha Ash dance with New York City Ballet numerous times. I remember she was one of the fairies with a solo in Sleeping Beauty. I wish she had been able to remain with the company. She is beautiful and moves with grace and refinement, not to mention secure technique. Kudos to her for bringing little girls to this great art form!

[@mamiyonnaise]

Beauty and grace are not defined by status or race

[@TheDoodLbot]

This is heartwarming. She is truly inspirational.

[@fjaajf]

I still don't understand that at this day and age, some people still don't understand that some people has just different skin color. If a person can love all types of puppies, why can't towards a fellow human?

[@StaringAtAScreen]

I don't think it's the color as much as the history associated with it. At it's root, the fight for equality is a fight against ignorance.

[@ailarov]

I love ballet even if I'm not a dancer I've always admired it, the hardship they went though just to be a ballet dancer and this is a very inspiring story, God bless.

[@unleashingpotential-psycho9433]

That's great that she's bringing ballet to the streets of New York.

[@KingOfParrots]

UNLEASHING POTENTIAL - PSYCHOLOGY VIDEOS Yes.

[@blueparrish]

honestly? this video made me sob.. its such an important thing for children of color to see what positive things they can be and express themselves freely just like everyone else. it's hard enough to go into a career of the arts but imagine the hope these girls get when they see her!! representation matters so much and even more so to children.

[@evertthingishere303]

Ya really it is so beautiful and uniqueness.....

[@SoundDrout]

The editing in these videos is incredible, well done

[@Yasbel-76]

She is so graceful and beautiful.

[@bluzshadez]

Aesha Ash is a positive role model for the youth. She is an excellent example that dreams can be reached and goals can be accomplished through determination and hard work. I cried while she was telling her story. A wonderful human being she is.

[@cookycandy4]

beautiful work! but she must go through pointe shoes like its NOTHING phew

[@arthurb8436]

Yeah she’d be spending like $130 a week at that rate

[@NicoleStLouis-is2hc]

Using her incredible talent and skills to give back. God bless her❤❤❤

[@lisachen7618]

Oh my she is so beautiful.....inside and out 😍

[@The_unstopable_potato]

I have always loved ballet since a kid. But when you hispanic and pretty chubby, you don't get that encureged to do it. I have been told many many times "you can't do it" even by family. But when I turned 13, my friend believed in me, she helped me get in to a ballet school,she even helped me afford bailerina Shoes. She is a great friend. But now that there is a pandemic my classes has stopped but I keep practicing at home. Hope y'all are safe and healthy during this times!

[@marinebiowh0re458]

She’s so beautiful and pure! A great role model for those kids ❤️

[@aprilmay1061]

The beauty of her and what she is doing is phenominal and will last a lifetime for everyone that sees her, men, women and children. I'm inspired just watching the video.

[@S0ME0NE_01]

Dance doesn’t belong to one human, it belongs to everyone. So is art and everything else.

[@cynthiafletcher9845]

I have seen her perform. She was always very elegant and beautiful on stage. I admire the work she has done throughout her career. C❤❤❤

[@sp.617]

👏🏾 "Beauty and grace are not defined by status or race." ~×~ Aesha ❤ Amazing! #Inspiration #BlackWomenLEAD

[@Agfrokost]

Here's an unrelated PSA, guys can be ballet dancers too! So my young guys out there, don't be afraid to try it out! You'll be in high demand by dance studios too! :D

[@hello-ko8ho]

I love her story ♡ and how she helped kids reach their dreams

[@jamiemarie4894]

The way she’s breaking ancient ballet standards by wearing all black, being a woman of color and dancing outside on cement is so beautiful and fresh.

[@rami_ungar_writer]

I love what she's doing. Thank you, Ms. Ash, for being an inspiration.

[@Sarah-rf5rj]

Dang, it's nice to see an incredible ballerina in different backgrounds and other than huge stages

[@siennahoward2694]

I met her at my girls inc. summer camp, and I still have the poster and cards, that she gave to all the girls, a great dancer, very inspiring

[@irisclare3994]

I love her name. Aesha Ash

[@fairday2]

She is so beautiful! I am glad that she had the opportunity to learn this wonderful form of art. If only everyone had this chance, many would see their true worth and feel that they ARE someone.

[@timmyt1717]

Devoted, lovely and badass through and through. Bless this wonderful dancing beauty. *applauses and whistles*

[@naomi1523]

I’ve started pointe this year, it is one of the most challenging things i’ve done. And that says something. Ash is such an amazing dancer, to be able to do this, along with the many other people in this world that are so talented. It makes me speechless.

[@BrittArnesen]

Thank you for this beautiful piece. Aesha is such an inspiration!

[@janelles708]

Her beauty and grace are so inspiring. ❤

[@joclovelady]

Amazingly talented, hard working, intelligent, compassionate and beautiful on the inside and outside woman. You are what the world needs more of. You are a Queen!!

[@tanyabotha9500]

She's honestly making me cry... Well done!!!!!

[@NiaPgn]

I’m from Rochester NY! Born and raised. Still here!

[@karend169]

So graceful. A beautiful ballerina. Showing little girls what is possible, is a great things you are doing.

[@fourthgirl]

Oh what a beautiful person. Happy to see you in my city of Oakland.

[@amandashare1281]

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful, graceful, talented young woman she is!

[@rsmith4407]

I love seeing the little girls and their mothers respond to this woman. So much stress and trauma is caused by violence, the majority caused by men. Women spending time together in this way is healing.

[@danceballetacro]

OMG I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE MORE VIDEOS OF HER

[@candigirrl003]

I like seeing all styles of ballet and It's nice to see this. It's so rare In reality. I'm just grateful she was able to upload It.

[@Samvid2011]

SHE IS AMAZING

[@sexystar9434]

She so beautiful...and such a inspiration...im proud of her..☺

[@lisemethot6305]

Very positive, good for everyone, thank you we need more people like you!

[@dalangie]

The world needs such inspiring people!!!

[@cattailer1077]

Thank you!

[@greenvgx96]

Wow!!! Fantastic!!! Beautiful!!! Thank you!!!

[@diamondlil597]

Elegance.....Thank you for sharing your ballerina talent to the new children....I followed Makayla DePrince and Copeland..uplift to the cultures

[@user-xo3ro5fe7y]

She is so beautiful. I am feeling tears in my eyes

[@judithmosely5283]

What's really beautiful about this is that she is wearing ALL BLACK.... black tutu, black stockings and black pointe shoes. Stunning!!!!

[@valeriebroadnax8168]

Completely awesome! Keep going Aesha, you rock! 😎🌺🌋🌈

[@lakelili]

LOVE this!

[@MrsMassey]

She is Sooo Inspiriing. She Deserves her own Movie. So Many people Never get to see this Classy, elegant, feminine, artsy , beautiful, skilled side of Black Women. It needs to publicized more.

[@stphndrn]

Loved it!♡♡♡♡

[@Solitarydancer2346]

So inspiring!

[@goodnight3379]

Literally crying 🥺♥️🌻

[@One-Headlight]

An eye opener! I wish there is more like her to break that negative stereotype.

[@AishaVanillaCat]

I’m a ballerina and this is so inspiring 😿☺️

[@ridealongwithnicolle1581]

I love this so much.

[@gregkokjian1659]

Love it; very powerful!

[@johngarcia2891]

I share so many of these videos with my ten-year-old, they're so inspiring and uplifting. She & I both enjoy this channel. Keep up the good and good job to all of you.

[@djkensgirl009]

Simply Beautiful, you, your personality with the people and the grace you have as a ballerina!!! I applauded you and your success!!! Live your dream, as you share it with others... God Bless You, lovely lady! 💖💯🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

[@tracyvicwilson6624]

Wowww...This is Amazing ❤️❤️❤️🥰

[@jaezeejl]

Amazingly beautiful.. keep reaching out and touching hearts

[@uzubo5656]

Thank you for sharing. Love from Japan.😍

[@a.taylor8294]

Y'all, we gotta share and spread this! I'm amazed that with as beautiful of a message and story and inspiration that are displayed here, that it's only gotten 158k views. THANK YOU, AESHA MY SISTA!!

[@gloriamendoza4817]

I love that you never forgot your Roots where you came from giving back to the community,I met her at 69thave in Oakland Ca that’s my granddaughter Kai in the pix (big hair)beautiful🥰

[@Youbarkimeow]

Inspiration is a gift that you give to those who have so much doubt she's beautiful inside and out 👍👌😺🙏

[@megpetersen2443]

So beautiful and graceful!! 💝

[@madamhummingbird]

So inspiring. Bless

[@brucebuckley8483]

That's wonderful!

[@sparkle4051]

Absolutely graceful and stunning.

[@aliviat832]

Thank you

[@mesmericmichelle]

Amazing!!!

[@haft2beu]

damn got me crying. so beautiful that she could inspire so many

[@ImprovRadiov]

That's awesome! I love your editing too!

[@bksson2818]

Aesha...🙏🏾 Thank you

[@lisarivera64]

She is beaitiful inside and out!

[@heal-thylife77]

Beautiful!

[@OliveNdungutse]

Inspiring, beautiful!

[@belle2496]

she's beautiful!

[@mineaemelie]

She's gorgeous❤❤❤

[@hafeesarasheed9091]

She is utterly beautiful!

[@evertthingishere303]

What a thinking.. so nice, that is very good for childrens

[@tanyabotha9500]

She's so beautiful and graceful, she would've been my hero when I was a little girl.

[@mermaidlover362]

she's GORGEOUS

[@bozjeemma]

SO INSPIRING

[@deltaishostile2838]

Mad props to her.👍

[@mecca7069]

her arch is so pretty!

[@mielmel]

Come back we need you to dance even now more than ever! I work at Lenox Hill Hospital I’m a nurse there please come we’d love to see you dance!

[@DesignTranquility]

WONDERFUL

[@Tbrownie116]

Just beautiful🤗

[@juliaweber212]

Amazing I'm so glad she is amazing

[@intivism]

What a beautiful human being.

[@kyleighdaley9942]

this is so beautiful

[@warmac88]

Beautiful