En Avant (2022)

Plot Summary

“En Avant” highlights the internal struggle of a Black ballerina with self-acceptance as she faces racism in a white-dominated art form. It tells the story of one's battle with self-love through black-and-white imagery. After being cast in the lead role of a professional ballet, Ragan is pressured by the ballet’s director to lighten her skin with make-up, in order to be consistent with the white dancers on stage. She reluctantly goes along with the request, but with each performance in the lighter make-up, she feels more degraded. When a young adoring fan tells her she wants to be just like her, the dancer cannot continue to perform feeling such shame. She makes a decision to be authentic, and dance freely, in her own skin.

Full Cast & Characters

Toi'ya Leatherwood

Ragan

Kevin Scott Allen

Leon

Natalya James Washington

Bailey

Noraye Gardiner

Young Ragan

Katie O'Gara

Core Dancer #1

Emily Van Citters

Core Dancer #2

Eliza S. Tollett

Core Dancer #3

Anaïs Blake

Core Dancer #4

Director & Crew

Where to Watch En Avant Online

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