Patricia McBride
Patricia McBride: A Distinguished American Ballet Dancer and Choreographer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Patricia McBride is an American ballet dancer and choreographer born on June 23, 1945.
Birth and Death Dates
June 23, 1945 - (still living)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Ballet Dancer, Choreographer
Early Life and Background
Patricia McBride was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began her dance training at the age of three with Marjorie Thompson and later studied under renowned instructors such as Irmgard Bartenieff and Merce Cunningham.
Growing up in a family that valued the arts, McBride's parents encouraged her to pursue her passion for dance. Her early exposure to various dance styles laid the foundation for her future success. McBride's dedication and hard work earned her a scholarship to study at the School of American Ballet, where she trained under the tutelage of George Balanchine.
Major Accomplishments
During her illustrious career, McBride has had the privilege of performing lead roles in numerous iconic ballets, including George Balanchine's "Jewels" and Jerome Robbins' "Harlequinade". As a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, she danced alongside some of the most renowned choreographers of her time.
In addition to her impressive stage presence, McBride has also made significant contributions as a choreographer. Her ballets have been performed by several prominent companies worldwide, including the American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Notable Works or Actions
McBride's choreographic style is characterized by its lyricism, elegance, and technical precision. Some of her notable works include:
_"The Fifth Season"_ (1982)
_"The Concerto Barocco"_ (1990)
Her contributions to the world of ballet extend beyond her own choreography. McBride has been instrumental in promoting dance education and preservation. She has served on the boards of several organizations, including the New York City Ballet and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Impact and Legacy
Patricia McBride's impact on the world of ballet is immeasurable. As a dancer, she set the standard for technical excellence and artistic expression. Her choreographic work has inspired generations of dancers and choreographers.
McBride's commitment to dance education and preservation has helped ensure the continued evolution of this beautiful art form. Her dedication to promoting the arts has left an indelible mark on the world of ballet.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Patricia McBride is widely quoted and remembered for her tireless advocacy for dance education, her commitment to preserving the art form, and her contributions as a choreographer. Her legacy continues to inspire dancers, choreographers, and arts enthusiasts worldwide.
Through her remarkable career, Patricia McBride has demonstrated that with hard work, determination, and passion, one can achieve greatness in any field.
Quotes by Patricia McBride
When you dance, it takes a lot of stamina, but it never seemed like work 'cause I was doing something that I so loved doing. It was always a joy. And you know, to have beautiful ballets made specially for you is such an honor. I always said it was better than diamonds.
My daughter arrived when I was five months pregnant with my son. We adopted Melanie from Korea; she was 2 years old, almost 3. I always wanted to have a family. I had a good example because Melissa Hayden was a ballerina in our company, and she had two children and danced afterward, and Allegra Kent also did.
Mr. Balanchine was a great gentleman, and he loved his dancers. He was devoted to his company. He came to the ballet every night, and his presence was felt. It was like the whole company was dancing for him. And if he liked you, he trusted you to be yourself. He didn't try to change you and make you into something you were not.
Mr. Balanchine wanted me to be myself. He didn't want me to look like anyone else. I love teaching our company dancers the Balanchine ballets. I try to give them what was passed down to me and what I learned from him. They dance it so beautifully. It also keeps me close to Mr. Balanchine. He's with me every single day.
It was extraordinary 'cause I was 17 years old when I first danced with Edward Villella. And we were both young. But I had seen him dance, and he was already a star. So he was just so gentle and wonderful and kind, and we had a great rapport together. He was one of the most exciting dancers of our day.
In the beginning, he taught you how to hold your fingers, use your head, hold your shoulders, how you glissade, bourre - the exact way he wanted you to do the steps. It was relearning the whole Balanchine technique.
I've had an extraordinary life as a dancer. You tour the world, you see all the great capitals of the world, the beautiful old opera houses all over Europe - you go everywhere. As a teenager, I would always say, 'I can't believe this is happening to little me,' because it was always a dream to dance.
I remember my dreams when I was a junior soloist. 'Oh, I hope I don't end here,' I thought. 'I want to do the ballerina in 'Scotch Symphony.' I don't want to be the little Scotch girl.' And I actually went beyond my wildest dreams. I worked with Balanchine. I had ballets choreographed for me.
I have such respect for... the Kennedy Center Honors. To be an artist in America and to be honored for it is extraordinary. In Europe, they really honor their artists. And you are on a very high level. And here it's not as revered as it is in Europe or Russia or anywhere in the world.