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Trailblazing Dancer Carmen de Lavallade Passes Away at 94

12/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Carmen de Lavallade, a renowned dancer, died at 94 after a short illness, confirmed by her son Léo Holder.
Born in Los Angeles, she began her career in 1949 with the Lester Horton Dance Theater.
She made her Broadway debut in 1954 and worked with Alvin Ailey and Geoffrey Holder, her husband of 59 years, becoming one of the first Black prima ballerinas at the Metropolitan Opera.

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Story summary

Carmen de Lavallade, a renowned dancer, died at 94 after a short illness, confirmed by her son Léo Holder.
Born in Los Angeles, she began her career in 1949 with the Lester Horton Dance Theater.
She made her Broadway debut in 1954 and worked with Alvin Ailey and Geoffrey Holder, her husband of 59 years, becoming one of the first Black prima ballerinas at the Metropolitan Opera.