Erica Lall: Redefining Beauty and Belonging in Ballet

At just two years old, Erica Lall felt the irresistible pull of the dance studio and snuck into her sisters’ rehearsal. Although at first compelled by admiration of her sister, Erica fell in love with the challenge of dance and officially began classes at age four. However, as one of the few Black dancers in her program, Erica faced challenges that tested her confidence but ultimately shaped her into a role model for future generations.

Erica struggled with her confidence. She often felt she did not belong as “the ballet world is not always a welcoming place for Black women”. However, the mentorship of the first Black principal dancer at Houston Ballet, Lauren Anderson, inspired Erica to persevere. Although Erica was too young to see her perform, her interactions with Lauren in the hallways of the Houston Ballet evolved into a friendship that helped Erica build her confidence through the years.

According to Erica, “She’ll coach me in person when I’m home, and she’s someone who made sure that I was okay and wanted to see me progress in my career”. These interactions reminded Erica that another woman once in her shoes overcame the same barriers and achieved success.

Motivated by her love for ballet, Erica moved to New York alone when she was fifteen. During these years in her tiny apartment—where the biggest appliances were a mini fridge stocked with yogurt and a bunk bed—Erica began to realize that her dream of becoming a professional dancer was within reach. Although it cost her the quintessential teenage experiences like prom and homecoming, Erica says, “It didn’t bother me to take on these adult roles so early. I’m grateful for it because it helped me get closer to achieving my dreams”.

Furthermore, one of the most important turning points in her career was when she began wearing tights that matched her skin colour. This boosted her confidence and helped her to embrace her natural beauty and true identity on stage. According to Erica, “It’s so easy to say,  “find your confidence” and everyone has their timeline, but once you find it, you understand that you are there for a reason and can build your strengths.” Moments like this remind Erica how far the ballet world has come in terms of inclusivity, but also how there is more work to be done. “Black women can lead as ballerinas; it’s just that people need to allow us to do it and see our beauty”.

As Erica’s career progresses, she is encouraged to see more dancers of colour entering the ballet world—while also becoming a role model for those who remind her of her younger self. When Erica donated eight tickets for a performance in which she was performing a principal role, she became inspired to create Opportunix, an NGO that provides tickets for students studying the performing arts. Erica loves the personal interaction with the students and feels it is important for young people of colour to see themselves in a standout role. By providing access to ballet, the opera, and the symphony Opportunix helps every kid envision a future in the performing arts —one that, over time, will reshape the arts and the ballet world into a more inclusive space.

ABOVE: The dancers of the National Ballet of Canada (Erica Lall is second from the left) in Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle. (Photo: Bruce Zinger)

Erica’s career continues to reach new heights, especially as she achieved a career milestone in Ottawa last month. Since childhood, Erica adored the ballet Giselle and the character of Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis. Traditionally reserved for tall dancers, the role felt out of reach as Erica assumed she was too short to land the part. Through talent and determination, Erica defied expectations and landed her dream role.

Looking ahead, Erica is determined to follow in Lauren Anderson’s footsteps and achieve her dream of becoming a principal dancer with The National Ballet of Canada. On a deeper level, Eric believes ballet is about more than just personal success—it’s about reshaping dance into a space where diversity is embraced and celebrated. “The ballet world should look like the actual world. We’re all diverse and have different looks, and that is what makes it beautiful”.

Header image: Karolina Kuras