11-Year-Old Becomes First Black Marie In New York City Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

Young ballerina Charlotte Nebres has made history this holiday season. The 11-year-old became the first Black dancer cast in the leading role of Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.” The ballet company premiered this annual event in 1954. Charlotte, a student at the School of American Ballet in New York City, is one of two dancers alternating the role of Marie. “It’s pretty amazing to be not only representing but also representing all of our cultures,” Charlotte told The New York Times in an article published Thursday. Earlier this week, Copeland shared a photo of Charlotte on her Instagram account The “Nutcracker” production kicked off last week and continues in New York City until Jan. 5.