**Excerpt**: Legendary dancer Carmen de Lavallade receives a Kennedy Center Honor, recognizing her contributions to American dance and her trailblazing journey.
**Key Points**:
– Carmen de Lavallade, 86, is honored at the Kennedy Center for her impact on American dance.
– She faced racial barriers in her early career, paving the way for future generations.
– De Lavallade has collaborated with notable figures, including Alvin Ailey and Geoffrey Holder.
– She has remained active in the dance community, teaching and performing.
– De Lavallade has taken a stand on social issues, including boycotting a White House reception in 2017.
A Pioneering Journey
Carmen de Lavallade, a trailblazer in American dance, received the Kennedy Center Honor in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the art. At age 86, she continues to inspire young dancers, exemplified by her recent instruction at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
De Lavallade’s career began against significant odds. In her own words, she noted the scarcity of dance studios willing to accept Black students. Despite these challenges, she secured a place in a prestigious dance company while still in high school, where she introduced her friend Alvin Ailey to the world of dance.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1954, de Lavallade performed in the Broadway production “House of Flowers,” where she met Geoffrey Holder, whom she married shortly after. Their partnership was both personal and professional, with Holder contributing to her performances. Following his death in 2014, de Lavallade began cataloging their shared memories, emphasizing the importance of preserving their history.
A Voice for Change
Throughout her career, de Lavallade has not only excelled as a dancer but has also been an advocate for racial equality in the arts. In 1961, she faced discrimination when she was not permitted to perform with a white dancer on a popular television show. This experience, alongside her activism, has shaped her stance on social justice.
In 2017, she opted out of a White House reception after expressing discontent with then-President Trump’s remarks regarding racial tensions in the country. De Lavallade articulated her decision as a personal privilege, emphasizing her long history of compliance and the significance of her refusal.
Conclusion
As she accepts her Kennedy Center Honor, Carmen de Lavallade reflects on her journey with pride, stating, “I’m glad to think that whatever I did meant something.” Her legacy continues to resonate within the dance community and beyond, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions despite obstacles.
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