Billy Wilson and West Side Story

Billy Wilson performed as Juano in the original London production of West Side Story in New York in 1957. He was the only black dancer cast for the production. During Billy’s performance in West Side Story, Madame Sonia Gaskill noticed him and invited him to join the Dutch National Ballet as a soloist in Europe. He accepted that opportunity and although it was uncommon, he became a Black dancer in the role of soloist in a classical ballet company. This was this opportunity that led Billy Wilson to Europe. 

Left Picture: Cover of Original 1957 West Side Story
Sources:
A Celebration of the Life of Billy Wilson, dancer, choreographer, director, educator
Billy Wilson | Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Production of West Side Story | Theatricalia

More about West Side Story:

West Side Story by the London Company was envisioned and directed by Jerome Robbins. Jerome thought of remaking Romeo and Juliet in New York City. As a Broadway musical it was said to have “ushered in a new musical era”. It was performed for two years in the US and for almost three years in London. 
COMPOSER: Leonard Bernstein
PLAYWRIGHT: Arthur Laurents
LYRICIST: Stephen Sondheim

CAST Original Broadway 1957:
Tony – Larry Kert
Maria- Carol Lawrence
Anita – Chita Rivera
Riff – Michael Callan
Bernardo – Ken LeRoy
Lt.Schrank – Arch Johnson
Doc – Art Smith
Krupke – William Bramley

Sources:
A Celebration of the Life of Billy Wilson, dancer, choreographer, director, educator
West Side Story Suite | New York City Ballet
West Side Story Cast
 

Daisy Rosalez