Lorraine Elizabeth Graves (1957-2024) was an American ballerina and teacher.[2]
Lorraine Elizabeth Graves | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 October 1957 |
| Died | 21 March 2024 (aged 66) |
| Education | Lake Taylor High School Indiana University Bloomington |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)[1] |
| Career | |
| Former groups | Dance Theatre of Harlem |
| Dances | Ballet |
Early life and education
editGraves 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
editUpon 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
edit- ^ Dunning, Jennifer (January 15, 1982). "DANCE THEATER OF HARLEM A MAGNET FOR YOUTH". The New York Times. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ Reese, Brian (April 1, 2024). "LORRAINE GRAVES (1957-2024)". WAVY.org. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Alexander, Otis (April 20, 2024). "LORRAINE GRAVES (1957-2024)". BlackPast.Org. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Williams, Alex (March 31, 2024). "Lorraine Graves, Pioneering Harlem Ballerina, Dies at 66". The New York Times. Retrieved July 7, 2024.