Origins & Early Life

Carmen de Lavallade (March 6, 1931 – December 29, 2025) was an American actress, choreographer, and dancer. For many years, she was associated with and married to Tony Award–winning actor, dancer, and director Geoffrey Holder. In 2017, she received the Kennedy Center Honors award for lifetime achievement and contributions to American culture. De Lavallade was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 6, 1931, to Creole parents from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She was raised by her aunt, Adele, who owned one of the first African-American history bookshops on Central Avenue. De Lavallade's cousin, Janet Collins, was the first Creole/African descendant prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera. The family was Catholic. She began studying ballet with Melissa Blake at the age of 16. After graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School in Los Angeles, she was awarded a scholarship to study dance with Lester Horton.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

De Lavallade became a member of the Lester Horton Dance Theater in 1949 where she danced as a lead dancer until her departure for New York City with Alvin Ailey in 1954. Like all of Horton's students, she studied other art forms, including painting, acting...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1931 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1931
• March 6 (03-06) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 6
• 2025 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2025
• December 29 (12-29) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 29