This International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re celebrating a few of the incredible women who brought or continue to bring dance to life on stage, in the studio, and beyond.

Marie Taglioni

Marie Taglioni (1804–1884) was a pioneering Swedish-born, Italian ballerina who became one of the most influential figures in the history of ballet. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, she was the daughter of the renowned Italian dancer and choreographer Philippe Taglioni, who provided much of her rigorous training. Marie's career would go on to transform the world of ballet, particularly through her role in the development of pointe work, a technique that became one of the defining elements of classical ballet.

In 1832 she performed in the ballet La Sylphide, choreographed by her father. The ballet, which premiered at the Paris Opera, was groundbreaking in several ways. Marie Taglioni’s portrayal of the ethereal, otherworldly sylph - an air spirit - was a key moment in the ballet's success. Her ability to dance en pointe, a technique that had been in development for some time, was showcased in this role. The use of pointe work became associated with the idea of lightness, grace, and the supernatural, qualities that were central to the romantic style of ballet that emerged during the 19th century.

While Marie Taglioni was not the first to attempt dancing en pointe, she was the first to perfect and popularize the technique. Her execution of pointe work was so exquisite and natural that it seemed to defy gravity, creating an illusion of floating or flying, which became the hallmark of the Romantic ballet style. Her performances were celebrated for their elegance, and she became an international star, performing in cities such as Vienna, London, and St. Petersburg, where her fame spread far and wide.

Throughout her career, Taglioni was known for her technical precision and artistry. She danced for more than 20 years, becoming one of the most respected and admired ballerinas of her era. While she was not as prolific in terms of creating new roles as some of her contemporaries, her impact on the evolution of ballet was undeniable. She helped to shape the Romantic era of ballet, emphasizing the portrayal of emotional and supernatural themes, which contrasted with the more classical and formal style that had dominated earlier ballet. Her style also influenced the next generation of dancers and choreographers, such as Marius Petipa. Taglioni’s contributions to ballet also extended to costume design—she was known for wearing lightweight, flowing tutus that enhanced the illusion of weightlessness while dancing en pointe.

Today, Marie Taglioni remains one of the most celebrated figures in the history of classical ballet, and her influence can still be felt in the techniques and performances of modern ballet dancers around the world.

Janet Collins

Janet Collins (1917–2003) was a trailblazing American dancer, choreographer, and the first African American prima ballerina to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Collins was a pioneering figure in the world of ballet, breaking racial barriers in a field that, at the time, was overwhelmingly white. Her achievements not only made her a celebrated artist but also a symbol of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity.

Janet Collins grew up in a time when racial segregation and discrimination were widespread. Despite the challenges of her environment, she showed an early interest in dance, and her family recognized her talent. Collins's early training began with classical ballet, and she excelled in the art form. However, as she progressed in her training and sought professional opportunities, she encountered significant racial barriers. At the time, the ballet world was not open to African Americans. In spite of this, Collins was determined to pursue her passion for dance and continued to study, perform, and develop her artistry.

Collins performed in several major cities, but one of her most notable accomplishments was being invited to perform with the Ballet Theatre, which later became the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). During this time, Collins was offered several soloist roles and gained recognition for her skill, poise, and technical prowess. In 1951, she became the first African American woman to perform as a prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, an unprecedented achievement that marked a significant milestone in her career and in the history of ballet. She performed in a variety of operas and ballets at the Met, including Aida and Carmen, both of which showcased her exceptional talent and artistry. Her performances were celebrated for their elegance, musicality, and expression, and she quickly became one of the most admired dancers in the world.

Beyond her technical accomplishments, Collins's career was significant because of the cultural barriers she overcame. As a Black woman in a predominantly white, highly competitive world, her success was an act of defiance against the segregation and discrimination that plagued the arts at the time. Her presence in ballet helped to open doors for other African American dancers who would follow in her footsteps.

In addition to her work at the Metropolitan Opera House, Collins also performed with major companies like the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She was also a renowned choreographer, creating several pieces during her career, including works for television, stage, and concert performances. Throughout her life, she remained committed to the belief that art could break down racial barriers and promote social change.

Collins retired from the stage in the late 1960s, but her impact on the ballet world continued through her teaching and mentorship. She dedicated herself to educating young dancers and promoting greater diversity within the dance community. In her later years, Collins was celebrated for her contributions to the arts, receiving numerous honors and accolades, including the National Medal of Arts in 2001, a recognition of her lifelong dedication to dance.

As one of the first African American ballerinas to achieve international acclaim, her work helped to dismantle racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black dancers. Janet Collins is remembered not only for her technical virtuosity but also for her courage, determination, and enduring impact on the arts.

Chloe and Maud Arnold

Chloe and Maud Arnold are renowned American tap dancers, choreographers, and educators, best known for their innovative contributions to the world of tap dance and their commitment to preserving its rich history. As sisters and artistic collaborators, they have become prominent figures in the modern tap dance community. Their work has earned them national and international acclaim, and they have been influential in shaping the direction of contemporary tap.

Chloe and Maud Arnold were born and raised in Washington, D.C., into a family with a deep appreciation for the arts. Chloe began tap dancing at the age of 5, and Maud followed suit shortly thereafter, with both sisters showing an immediate passion for the art form. They trained in a variety of dance styles, but tap dance quickly became their primary focus. Their exposure to the history of tap, including its African American roots, deeply influenced their development as dancers and choreographers.

Their big break came when they co-founded the renowned tap dance company The Syncopated Ladies in 2010. The company quickly made waves in the tap world for its distinctive style, which blends classic tap with modern elements, and its empowering message for women in dance. The Syncopated Ladies are especially notable for their all-female ensemble, which serves as a celebration of women in a genre historically dominated by men. Through their choreography and performances, Chloe and Maud Arnold have elevated women in tap dance, challenging stereotypes and expanding the possibilities for female dancers in the art form.

Beyond their performances, Chloe and Maud Arnold have made groundbreaking contributions through their choreography and collaborations with other artists. They have created tap dance routines for major television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, and films like Spirited with movie stars Will Ferrel, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer, where they helped bring tap back into the mainstream.

In addition to their work with The Syncopated Ladies, the Arnold sisters have also contributed to the tap dance community through their advocacy. They founded the Chloe and Maud Foundation to ensure that underserved communities have access and opportunities in the arts. Sixteen years ago the sisters started the DC Tap Fest, the largest tap festival in the world. Since then they have continued to grow their foundation with the Hollywood Tap Fest in 2023, Sole Talk - an international youth tap dance company, and Sync Sundays where they teach free tap classes for their local Los Angeles, CA community.

In 2020, Chloe and Maud Arnold were awarded the prestigious Astaire Award for Outstanding Female Dancer, which recognized their contributions to the world of dance. Chloe and Maud Arnold’s dedication to innovation, artistry, and education has solidified their place as two of the most influential figures in modern tap dance. Their work has helped redefine what tap dance can be, bridging the gap between the traditional and the contemporary, and ensuring that the genre remains vital, exciting, and relevant for years to come.