NEW YORK — It was a particularly tough year for ballet dancers, with their often short career spans. For one performer who was on the cusp of making history, it was especially difficult. Then he found inspiration in the Black Lives Matter movement and in a dance company willing to embrace change. 

And now that he’s back in a rehearsal studio, American Baller Theatre principal dancer Calvin Royal III is excited to just take up space.

"I spent many months just in my living room to do the best I can without kicking things over," said Royal about his 500 square foot apartment he shares with his boyfriend in Queens.

Before the pandemic hit, Calvin had been set to make dance history by starring alongside Misty Copeland in Romeo and Juliet last spring. It would have been the first time in ABT’s history that two leads in a classical ballet were performed by Black dancers.  

"It was gonna be just incredible to get on that stage and represent Black love in that way in such an iconic story. I was, I was just so looking forward to it," said Royal.

After that gut punch, the Black Lives Matter movement brought on more emotions.

"It's like, my brothers and sisters are out there being murdered and it just, it really hit me hard," said Royal.

Royal spoke out about racism where he thought he could have the most impact - at ABT. In 2019, he declined to wear white face makeup in the role of a Harlequin. The Black Lives Matter protests sparked new discussions about many aspects of dance including how slaves are depicted in classical ballets and other ways the the African-American experience had not been considered.

"So, what helped me through feeling that kind of just weight of the world is to be able to, in my own industry be able to have a voice and to to lend my voice to the things that I felt, and I experienced that needed to change, so that future Calvin's would not have to come into the ballet world and experience some of the things that I had to go through," said Royal.

ABT started a diversity initiative in 2013. It expanded this fall. ABT says it's re-examining all aspects of the of the company including doing away with the terms ballet master and mistress. When ABT dancers perform on stage again, they will no longer say welcome ladies and gentleman - just welcome.

Romeo and Juliet has not yet been rescheduled but when it is, Calvin says he'll be ready because he continues to prepare for the role.

Meantime, Calvin has the space he needs to make art and make change.