Loretta Abbott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Loretta Abbott
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| Born |
Loretta Agatha Abbott
March 1, 1933 New York City NY, U.S.
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| Died | May 6, 2016 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Hunter College |
| Occupation | Dancer, Choreographer, Actress, Dance teacher |
Loretta Agatha Abbott (March 1, 1933 – May 6, 2016) was an American dancer, choreographer, and actress. She was also a teacher, singer, and director. Loretta was a very important early member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. She also helped start the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. She worked with the Clark Center for many years, from 1959 to 1989.
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Early Life and Education
Loretta Abbott grew up in Harlem, a famous neighborhood in New York City. She lived her whole life in Harlem in a brownstone house her father bought. Her father was from Panama, and her mother was from Jamaica.
Loretta started learning music and dance at age five. She took piano, voice, and dance classes. She studied dance with Ruth Williams and learned tap dance from Henry LeTang. As a child, she performed in talent shows in Harlem. She was part of a group called Ella Gordon's Peter Pan Kiddies. Loretta graduated from Hunter College in New York City. For a short time, she worked as a kindergarten teacher in Harlem.
A Life in Dance
Loretta Abbott was involved in dance for over 70 years! She became skilled in many dance styles. These included ballet, modern dance, and ethnic dance forms.
Working with Alvin Ailey
Loretta is especially known for her work with Alvin Ailey. He was a very important person in African American modern dance in the 1960s. Loretta was Ailey's dance partner in his most famous dance piece, Revelations. This was before he stopped performing in 1964.
On Stage and Screen
Loretta Abbott performed in many plays and musicals. She and Al Perryman performed in Purlie, a musical that won a Tony Award. A Tony Award is a big prize for Broadway shows. She also appeared in The Amen Corner, a play by James Baldwin. She was a dancer and helped with the choreography for the musical Amen Corner.
Loretta worked with many famous dancers and choreographers. These included George Faison, Carmen de Lavallade, and Donald McKayle. She was an original member of the George Faison Universal Dance Experience in the 1970s. She also performed as a main dancer for the Eleo Pomare Dance Company.
Loretta also appeared on television and in movies. She was in an episode of the TV series Good Times in 1976. She also appeared in the movie The Wiz (film).
Teaching and Inspiring Others
Loretta Abbott was a founding member of the New Dance Group. She also helped start the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. At the Clark Center, she studied with many great teachers. She also worked with many new choreographers.
She spent most of her life performing and supporting the arts. She helped many young choreographers at the start of their careers. Loretta also worked as a choreographer and guest lecturer with the Avodah Dance Ensemble. She helped create a dance called "Let My People Go."
Even in her 80s, Loretta was still dancing! She was part of the Phoenix Project. This project was with Dances for a Variable Population in New York City. It was a group of dancers in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. The project celebrated the beauty of aging and dance.
Awards and Recognition
Loretta Abbott received special recognition for her work. She won the AUDELCO Recognition Award for Excellence in Black Theatre. This was a Special Achievement Award given in 2013–2014.
