Carmen De Lavallade Analysis

Regarded as one of the greatest figures in the dance field, award-winning dancer and choreographer Carmen de Lavallade remains esteemed by all who treasure her contributions to ballet. After fifty years, de Lavallade continues to maintain and heighten a career comprised of Broadway, film, opera, television performances, and choreographed work. Described as mesmerizing and ethereal by both dance connoisseurs and critics alike, de Lavallade has dedicated a lifetime to expressing traditional forms of dance, as well as modernizing the art form in a way that allows dance to preserve rather than be eradicated of meaning. Known as a modern dance pioneer, Lavallade altered the aesthetics of ballet in a manner that mirrored her own svelte and intensely expressive movements. Upon entering the world of dance as a choreographer, de Lavallade was among the first women of color to expand dance by creating successful pieces during a time black individuals were socially excluded from ballet. Born on …show more content…
In an interview with Wallace Cheatham for Dialogues on Opera and the African-American Experience, de Lavallade states, “I think support [for black dancers] is growing because when I go to the theater, I see more people of color. After all, blacks were kept away from classical dancing, or classical anything… I think blacks are beginning to feel more comfortable… participating in classical dance... “ (Cheatham 6). During a time people of color were a minority in dance, de Lavallade prospered as a choreographer who essentially revolutionized modern dance and its concepts of beauty. Carmen de Lavallade unquestionably lifted the position of black dancers as pawns in ballet to be included in unconventional yet modern and strikingly beautiful performances. For this reason, de Lavallade will eternally be remembered as one of the greatest and original choreographers who has contributed to ballet and modern