Carmen de Lavallade... dancer, choreographer, professor and actress. Her name rolls off your tongue as water gliding over smooth stones. I saw her dance at Jacob's Pillow in 1962 or 1964, can't remember which, never forgot her elegant dance lines, lithe technique, towering physical presence.
When I read that she is returning to Jacob's Pillow in Becket, MA, at age 83, to perform "As I Remember It," the die was cast. I'm returning to this renowned center opened by Ted Shawn in 1930 and the rich culture pit of the Berkshires, as I remember it, from my summers of venturing to dance, theater, music - to see many of talented names of the day perform. I have to thank my mother Elena, an inveterate supporter of the arts, for fostering my interest in places like Jacob's Pillow, Tanglewood, summer stock theater in Stockbridge, MA and the Music Inn in Lenox, MA. When she died at 92, she still harbored an interest in the arts.
So thanks, mom, I'll be thinking of you when I read the program guide for this world premier event tomorrow night.
Carmen reminisces in 2010
Carmen de Lavallade: Dealing with Race in My Career
Carmen de Lavallade: My Advice to Young People
Carmen de Lavallade: The Politics of Dance
Carmen tells the Creation Story...gives you an idea of her range and vitality
TEDxEast - Carmen DeLavallade The Creation: Plus 40
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