March 29: Today in Dance

Born Today: Diana Adams

Ballerina Diana Adams (1926–1993) danced with ABT in the 1940s and with NYCB from 1950–1963 and created roles in some of the best known ballets by George Balanchine 1904–1983), including Western Symphony (1954) and Stars and Stripes (1958). Perhaps her most noteworthy pairing was in the Pas de Deux section of Balanchine’s Agon (1957), partnering Arthur Mitchell (1934–2018) in an interracial duet — a groundbreaking feat rarely seen onstage at the time. Adams also appeared in the original stage production of Oklahoma (1943), choreographed by Agnes de Mille (1905–1993) and in the movie Invitation to the Dance (1956), directed by Gene Kelly (1912–1996).

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Broadway Premiere: The King and I in 1951, Newsies in 2012

Movies: George White’s 1935 Scandals released in 1935, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle released in 1939

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Check out more about dance at: https://www.dawndavisloring.com/todayindance

Dawn Davis Loring is delighted to announce the publication of her first book on dance: Dance Appreciation, co-authored by Julie L. Pentz. Available from Human Kinetics and from Amazon and other booksellers.

Open Mind, Insert Dance