My Journey

I'm Alyssa Hyman, ballet dancer and Maryland native. I started dancing at age 8 at Expressions Dance Company, a Black-owned studio in Annapolis,  MD. 

I've always loved Classical ballet, a tough passion for dancers of color. 

I grew up dancing when Misty Copeland gained popularity. She helped people realize that there is a path for Black dancers interested in Classical. But, the road is not easy.

I danced at studios in Annapolis and Severna Park until I was 14. During those years I attended summer intensives at:

• Ballet Theatre of Maryland
• The Rock School
• Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
• Colorado Ballet
• Louisville Ballet
• Joffrey Chicago

I was fortunate enough to have family support and at age 15 I began studying ballet at conservatory programs including:

• Nutmeg Conservatory
• Colorado Ballet Academy
• Ballet Met

In other words, I've been studying to be a professional ballerina most of my life.