India Bradley made history in October with her promotion to soloist at New York City Ballet, becoming the first Black ballerina to hold the rank in the company’s 76-year history. Celebrated for her elegance, musicality and standout performances — including her acclaimed turn as Dewdrop in “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” — Bradley’s achievement reflects both her personal journey and the legacy of Black dancers who paved the way in a ballet world that long resisted inclusion.
