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Key moments and achievements from Carmen de Lavallade's life.
Carmen was born
· New York, New York, United States
Career Milestone
In 1949, de Lavallade became a member of the celebrated Lester Horton Dance Theater, where she rose to the status of lead dancer from 1950 to 1954. Her training with Horton, one of the most important modern dance pioneers, laid the foundation for a career that would span seven decades and influence the trajectory of American dance.
Career Milestone
In 1949, de Lavallade became a member of the celebrated Lester Horton Dance Theater, where she rose to the status of lead dancer from 1950 to 1954. Her training with Horton, one of the most important modern dance pioneers, laid the foundation for a career that would span seven decades and influence the trajectory of American dance.
Stage Debut
In 1954, de Lavallade made her Broadway debut in House of Flowers alongside future dance legend Alvin Ailey. The production marked her transition from the West Coast modern dance world to the New York stage, where she would establish herself as one of the most versatile and acclaimed performers in American theater and dance.
Stage Debut
In 1954, de Lavallade made her Broadway debut in House of Flowers alongside future dance legend Alvin Ailey. The production marked her transition from the West Coast modern dance world to the New York stage, where she would establish herself as one of the most versatile and acclaimed performers in American theater and dance.
Career Achievement
De Lavallade performed as prima ballerina in productions of Samson and Delilah and Aida at the Metropolitan Opera, following in the footsteps of her cousin Janet Collins, who had been the first African American prima ballerina at the Met. Her presence at the Met represented a continuation of her family's barrier-breaking legacy in classical dance.
Career Achievement
De Lavallade performed as prima ballerina in productions of Samson and Delilah and Aida at the Metropolitan Opera, following in the footsteps of her cousin Janet Collins, who had been the first African American prima ballerina at the Met. Her presence at the Met represented a continuation of her family's barrier-breaking legacy in classical dance.
Academic Career
In 1970, de Lavallade became choreographer, performer-in-residence at the Yale School of Drama and a member of the Yale Repertory Company and the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard. This dual appointment at two of America's most prestigious universities recognized her artistic excellence and her ability to train the next generation of performing artists.
Academic Career
In 1970, de Lavallade became choreographer, performer-in-residence at the Yale School of Drama and a member of the Yale Repertory Company and the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard. This dual appointment at two of America's most prestigious universities recognized her artistic excellence and her ability to train the next generation of performing artists.
Founded Organization
In 1996, de Lavallade, along with Gus Solomons Jr. and Dudley Williams, founded PARADIGM, a groundbreaking dance company for mature dancers over the age of 50. The company's mission to promote and celebrate the talents of mature artists on stage challenged ageism in the dance world and proved that artistic excellence has no expiration date.
Founded Organization
In 1996, de Lavallade, along with Gus Solomons Jr. and Dudley Williams, founded PARADIGM, a groundbreaking dance company for mature dancers over the age of 50. The company's mission to promote and celebrate the talents of mature artists on stage challenged ageism in the dance world and proved that artistic excellence has no expiration date.
Won Award
In 2017, de Lavallade received the Kennedy Center Honors award for lifetime achievement and contributions to American culture. The honor crowned a career that included the longest performing record at Jacob's Pillow (1953-2014) and contributions spanning ballet, modern dance, Broadway, film, television, and academic instruction over nearly seven decades.
Won Award
In 2017, de Lavallade received the Kennedy Center Honors award for lifetime achievement and contributions to American culture. The honor crowned a career that included the longest performing record at Jacob's Pillow (1953-2014) and contributions spanning ballet, modern dance, Broadway, film, television, and academic instruction over nearly seven decades.
Carmen de Lavallade passed away
