Maracci, Carmelita (1911–1988)

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Maracci, Carmelita (1911–1988)

Spanish-trained American dancer and choreographer. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay (some sources claim Goldfield, Nevada), 1911; died 1988; studied ballet and Spanish dance in California; taught dance in Los Angeles.

Made professional debut in Los Angeles, CA (1930); appeared with her own group, weaving Spanish techniques into her style of dance with fine castanet and heel work; choreographed solos: Viva Tu Madre, Nightingale and the Maiden, Etude, Cantine, Fandanguillo, Gavotta Vivace; trios: Another Fire Dance, Sonate, Portrait in the Raw España, Flamenco; group dances: Narrative of the Bull Ring and Suite; as well as the ballet Circo de España for the Ballet Theater in 1951; was a long-time friend of Agnes de Mille; taught ballet to Gerald Arpino, Erik Bruhn, Leslie Caron, Cynthia Gregory, Robert Joffrey, Allegra Kent, Carmen de Lavallade and Jerome Robbins.

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