AMPLIFYING VOICES | Featuring Artist Sydney Williams

In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the voices of Black dancers and artists in our community.

Today, we're taking an inside look at sewing and pancaking pointe shoes with Artist Sydney Williams. Pancaking is a process that involves using dye or make up to paint pointe shoes to match skin tone.

Boston Ballet encourages artists to choose the color which is closest to their natural skin tone or the color in which they feel most comfortable. Hear from Sydney on what having this choice means to to her.

“To have the option to wear tights and shoes that match my skin tone is amazing. It allows me to feel less “different” because it makes me feel like my whole identity is accepted and welcomed in ballet. When I started in the graduate program at Boston Ballet, I was hesitant to ask if I could wear brown tights; I felt like it wasn’t my place. But now I not only feel more comfortable making those decisions for myself, but can also see that this decision has been welcomed by the company.” -Artist, Sydney Williams"

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I love Boston Ballet I dream with one day being on your commpanie ❤❤ my teacher said I am doing so well