Sydni Bennett (Dance '19) is in the Chicago Tribune! She recently made history as the first African American to be crowned Miss Illinois Teen USA in the pageant’s 34-year existence.

“Diversity shouldn’t be a burden to ballet companies in the 21st century. It should be a necessity. If art is a reflection of the people, ballet must embody this by having dancers from all different walks of life while telling stories and displaying concepts that tap into different experiences.”