Role

:

Performer

Birth

:

January 2, 1917 in Berlin, Germany

Death

:

April 9, 2003 in Santa Fe, NM

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Vera Zorina was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of dance and theatre. Born on January 2, 1917, in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of a Russian father and a German mother. Her birth name was Eva Brigitta Hartwig, but she later changed it to Vera Zorina, inspired by the name of a character in a Russian novel. Zorina began her dance training at the age of nine, studying ballet and modern dance. She was a natural performer and quickly gained recognition for her talent. In 1933, at the age of 16, she joined the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, one of the most prestigious dance companies of the time. She quickly rose through the ranks and became a soloist in the company. In 1936, Zorina moved to the United States to join the Ballet Theatre (now known as the American Ballet Theatre). She quickly became one of the company's leading dancers, known for her grace, athleticism, and dramatic flair. She performed in many of the company's productions, including "Giselle," "Swan Lake," and "Romeo and Juliet." In 1941, Zorina made her Broadway debut in the musical "I Married an Angel." The show was a huge success, and Zorina's performance was widely praised. She went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "On Your Toes" and "One Touch of Venus." Zorina's success on Broadway led to a career in Hollywood. In 1943, she starred in the film "The Goldwyn Follies," which was produced by the legendary movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn. The film was a showcase for Zorina's talents, and she received rave reviews for her performance. Zorina went on to appear in several other films, including "Follow the Boys" and "Tonight and Every Night." She also worked as a choreographer, creating dance sequences for films such as "The Unfinished Dance" and "The Secret of Convict Lake." Throughout her career, Zorina received many awards and honors for her contributions to the world of dance and theatre. In 1941, she was awarded the Dance Magazine Award, which recognized her as one of the most promising young dancers of the time. In 1989, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, in recognition of her contributions to the world of theatre. Zorina was also known for her personal life. In 1944, she married the composer George Balanchine, who was also the co-founder of the New York City Ballet. The couple had a daughter, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1946. Zorina later married the businessman Goddard Lieberson, who was the president of Columbia Records. The couple remained married until Lieberson's death in 1977. Zorina continued to perform and teach dance throughout her life. In the 1970s, she became a faculty member at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she taught dance and choreography. She also served as a judge for several dance competitions, including the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. Zorina passed away on April 9, 2003, at the age of 86. She left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and influential dancers of her time. Her contributions to the world of dance and theatre continue to inspire and influence performers and audiences around the world.

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