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Lorraine Graves (ballerina)

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Lorraine Elizabeth Graves
Born(1957-10-05)5 October 1957
Died21 March 2024(2024-03-21) (aged 66)
EducationLake Taylor High School
Indiana University Bloomington
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)[1]
Career
Former groupsDance Theatre of Harlem
DancesBallet

Lorraine Elizabeth Graves (5 October 1957 – 21 March 2024) was an American ballerina and teacher.[2]

Early life and education

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Graves was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Tommy E. Graves Jr., the founder of Graves Funeral Home, and Mildred Odom Graves, a school teacher.[3] She began ballet training at the age of eight after being exposed to televised performances.[4] She was the first African American student at a local ballet academy, Academy of the Norfolk Ballet.[4]

Graves received her early education from the Lake Taylor High School.[3][4] She earned a bachelor's degree in ballet from Indiana University Bloomington in three years, graduating a year early.[4]

Career

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Upon moving to New York City, Graves joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem and quickly became a principal dancer.[4] Her notable performances included roles in a Creole version of Giselle set in Louisiana, Stravinsky's Firebird, and Balanchine's The Four Temperaments.[4] Graves was known for her commanding stage presence and technical skill.[4] After her performing career, Graves served as the ballet mistress of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, assisting the artistic director in preparing dancers for performances.[4]

Graves retired from performing in 1996 due to a lupus diagnosis but continued teaching ballet at the Governor's School for the Arts in Virginia for over 20 years.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Dunning, Jennifer (15 January 1982). "DANCE THEATER OF HARLEM A MAGNET FOR YOUTH". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  2. ^ Reese, Brian (1 April 2024). "LORRAINE GRAVES (1957-2024)". WAVY.org. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  3. ^ a b Alexander, Otis (20 April 2024). "LORRAINE GRAVES (1957-2024)". BlackPast.Org. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Williams, Alex (31 March 2024). "Lorraine Graves, Pioneering Harlem Ballerina, Dies at 66". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 July 2024.