Sylvester Campbell and the New York Negro Ballet
At the young age of 18, Sylvester Campbell joined the New York Negro Ballet with the help of his cousin, Barbara Wright, who was also in the company. The company’s first official performance was on May 19, 1957 at the Seventh Annual Choreographers Night. Shortly after this debut, they toured England and Scotland.
Campbell, alongside many other influential dancers in NYNB including Thelma Hill and Cleo Quitman, were to perform throughout the UK, in New Castle, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, and Cardiff. Their diverse repertoire included classics such as Bluebird Pas de Deux as well as more current pieces such as Folk Impressions by Louis Johnson and other pieces by Ernest Parham and Joseph Rickard.
Unfortunately, when they arrived in London, the performance fell through due to lack of funds. While some in the defunct company returned back to the States, others—including Campbell— decided to stay. Jack Carter, who would often make works in which Campbell performed, helped Campbell acquire jobs dancing with the` BBC.
Sources:
A Conversation with Sylvester Campbell, Ballet Review, pg 24-34
Barbara Wright, MoBBallet
Jones Haywood and Sylvester Campbell, MoBBallet
More about the New York Negro Ballet
The New York Negro Ballet was founded as the Ballet American in 1957 by Ward Fleming and Thelma Hill. It received financial support from Lucy Thorndike and Theodore Handcock. Although their earliest recorded performance was in 1954 at the Brandon House, their first official performance was in May 1957 at the 7th annual Choreographers Night, presented by New York Ballet Club. The group performed works by Louis Johnson (Folk Impressions and Variations), Graham Johnson (Raisin’ Cane) as well as classics such as the Waltz, Blue Bird Pas de Deux and Theme and Rhapsody. The New York Negro Ballet company was not restricted to the states. After their official first show, they had an international tour of England and Scotland. In Glasgow, they performed Raisin’ Cane, Harlot and Mardi Gras, which was created by Ernest Parham. Unfortunately, in the middle of this tour, the company was forced to disband after the death of Lucy Thorndike, who provided financial support.
Other influential members of this company include Anthony Bassae, Charles Neal, Elizabeth Thompson, and many other.
Sources:
A Conversation with Sylvester Campbell, Ballet Review, pg 24-34
Ward Fleming Founds Ballet Americana, MoBBallet
Barbara Wright, MoBBallet
Jones-Haywood and Sylvester Campbell, MoBBallet
Fatmata Nallo
