Trailblazing Dancer & Actress Passes Away at 94 — Our Hearts Go Out

Carmen de Lavallade has died. She was 94. She was an icon, celebrated for her incredible impact as a dancer and for her contributions to the foundation of American modern dance.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announced her passing in a heartelt statement on December 30. 

Remembering Carmen de Lavallade

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater shared a lengthy message about de Lavallade’s life. The announcement on Facebook began with a quote by de Lavallade, “You can take a lifetime to discover what you want to say in your art.”

The announcement reads, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of the incomparable Carmen de Lavallade (age 94)—actor, dancer, choreographer, mother, and a true luminary of American dance and theater. We honor and give thanks for her extraordinary life, boundless artistry, and the generations she shaped through her work, her wisdom, and her presence.”

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The statement also gave insight into who de Lavallade was, celebrating her “remarkable career at 17 with the Lester Horton Dance Theater.” In addition to being a dancer, she also made her Broadway debut in “House of Flowers” in 1954 alongside Alvin Ailey. 

No immediate cause of death was announced, but the statement praised de Lavallade for being an inspiration. “We send our deepest love and condolences to Ms. de Lavallade’s son Leo Holder. Her family, friends, and all who were moved by her light. Her spirit will live on, forever woven into the fabric of our history,” the message ends. 

Tributes Pour in for Carmen de Lavallade

Tributes have poured in for de Lavallade and the brilliant life she lived. In the comment section of the statement, those who knew and respected her shared their thoughts. “She was my dance teacher in the early 1970s, when the Yale Repertory Theatre was in residence for the summer at East Hampton’s John Drew Theatre,” a comment reads. “Such kindness, such clarity, such JOY–a splendor of a human being. We are so fortunate to have had her with us for so long.”

“Rest In Power! I had the honor of attending a dance workshop Carmen Delavallade gave at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1981 where she taught us SARONG,” another person shared. “She was so gracious and lovely! I was the only male.”

A third comment reads, “I am blessed to have witnessed her artistry and been in her company. She is a mother to all of us who practice the discipline of dance.”

The American Ballet Theatre also paid tribute to de Lavallade with an emotional tribute and celebration of her life. Multiple other dance organizations and foundations. She will be missed!

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