Carmelita Maracci Centenary 2008

Essence and Inspiration of an Individual Voice:

Beautiful Southern California weather graced her Centenary Celebration at the Plaza de la Raza in Lincoln Park on September 28, 2008.

Dance luminaries, aficionados and students gathered from everywhere. It became a reunion of many generations. Memorabilia, costumes, and artworks were displayed. A montage of photographs of Carmelita set the mood and enhanced the mise-en-scene while people assembled.

The program began with a reading of Allegra Kent’s description of the poignant dance, “The Nightingale and the Maiden”. Photographs of Carmelita, caressing tenderly and playing the castanets, were shown; while pianist Neil Galanter played music by Granados. As we imagined, those who had actually seen the dance were especially moved.

Setting the tone, Host Lili Barsha read the excerpt from Dance Anecdotes by Mindy Aloff leading into Michelle Hart’s reading of Agnes de Mille’s portrait from Dance to the Piper. Michelle then presented her personal anecdotes of classes at Perry’s Studio theatrically with humor.

Mari Sandoval gave a spirited explanation and demonstration of playing castanets. We then heard an archival audiotape of Carmelita playing castanets while doing heelwork in collaboration with Nino Albanese playing the piano.

To discuss her life and legacy, we were most fortunate to have an illustrious panel of speakers, which included Joan Bayley-Weamer, Don Martin, Julie Newmar, Donna Perlmutter, Barbara Perry, and Allegra Fuller Snyder. Tommy Rall was unable to attend.

Interwoven among the speakers were rare archival footage from Jacob’s Pillow, Newberry Library Ann Barzel Research Collection, and New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Jerome Robbins Dance Division.

Also celebrating with us, Carmen de Lavallade via audiotape and Donald Saddler on video.

In addition, we were privileged to have Miguel Bernal perform a Scarlatti piece that Carmelita had given him, and Katja Biesanz’s original portrait of Isadora Duncan to Satie.

Neil Galanter accompanied both dancers on the piano as well as played music that inspired Maracci -- Beethoven, Shubert, and Turina. Briseyda Zarate also danced in honor and in celebration at this event.

Julie Newmar & Miguel Bernal

Reception overlooking the lake: From left to right Allegra Fuller Snyder, Don Martin, Michelle Hart, Julie Newmar, Joan Bayley-Weamer, Elspeth Kuang, and Barbara Perry.

Thanks to everyone – for their patience, constant encouragement, and belief in this endeavor without which this celebration would not have been possible.

--Elspeth Kuang

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