Thread by @NBCNews

A Black ballerina at one of Europe's premier ballet companies has called out racism in the elite dance world.

"Our skin color should not be a criteria, only talent should matter." #NBCNewsThreads (1/5) nbcnews.to/3jSuVNe

29-year-old French national Chloé Lopes Gomes says she was mocked for her skin color, leaving her feeling unsupported and humiliated.

"The harassment kept going, I was very depressed,” she says, adding the way she was treated led to her being prescribed antidepressants. (2/5)

During some 'Swan Lake’ performances she was made to wear white makeup, despite the school formally dropping this requirement.

"Asking not only a Black person but a ballerina to color their skin to look whiter, I don't think it's right — I felt very humiliated." (3/5)

The Staatsballett says it has launched an internal investigation and rolled out mandatory workshops against discrimination and racism.

"Discrimination and racism is a highly sensitive issue that is of importance to society as a whole, including the Staatsballett Berlin." (4/5)

Many Black dancers globally have voiced solidarity with Lopes Gomes, including TaKiyah Wallace, founder of a non-profit to improve representation.

"It takes guts to speak up. Chloé is inspiring dancers who look like her worldwide," Wallace says. nbcnews.com/news/world/bla… (5/5)