Patricia McBride facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patricia McBride
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McBride in Balanchine's Jewels, 1967
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| Born | August 23, 1942 |
| Occupation | Ballerina, teacher |
| Years active | 1959–1989 |
| Spouse(s) | Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux |
| Children | Melanie Bonnefoux-DeCoudres, Christopher Bonnefoux |
| Awards | Kennedy Center Honors, 2014 |
Patricia McBride, born on August 23, 1942, is a famous ballerina. She danced for almost 30 years with the New York City Ballet. McBride joined the New York City Ballet in 1959. By 1961, she became a principal dancer. This made her the youngest principal dancer in the company's history. She performed for three decades, dancing in many roles. Some of these roles were created just for her by famous choreographers like George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins.
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Dancing with the New York City Ballet
During her 30 years with the New York City Ballet, Patricia McBride had many special roles created for her. These roles were made by two very important choreographers.
Roles Created by George Balanchine
George Balanchine created several roles especially for McBride. Some of these include:
- Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream
- The main dancer in the Intermezzo of the Brahms–Schoenberg Quartet
- A role in Rubies
- Parts in Who Cares?, like "The Man I Love" and "Fascinatin' Rhythm"
- Swanilda in Coppélia
- The paper ballerina in The Steadfast Tin Soldier
- The Pearly Queen in Union Jack
- A section called "Voices of Spring" in Vienna Waltzes
Roles Created by Jerome Robbins
Jerome Robbins also created many roles for Patricia McBride. These included parts in:
- Dances at a Gathering (where she danced the "pink" role)
- In the Night (the third nocturne)
- The Goldberg Variations
- The Four Seasons (the "fall" section)
- Opus 19/The Dreamer
In 1979, McBride also danced in Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. This ballet was based on a play from 1670 by Molière. She was also featured in a documentary film called A Portrait of Giselle.
Awards and Special Recognition
Patricia McBride has received many honors for her amazing career.
Retirement Performance
On June 4, 1989, the New York City Ballet held a special performance. This event was at the New York State Theater in New York City's Lincoln Center. It was a tribute to Patricia McBride as she retired from dancing.
Kennedy Center Honors
On December 7, 2014, Patricia McBride was given a very special award. She became a Kennedy Center Honors recipient. This award celebrates artists for their lifetime contributions to American culture.
Life After Dancing
After her career as a ballerina, Patricia McBride continued to work in dance.
Charlotte Ballet Work
Today, Patricia McBride is the Associate Artistic Director and a Master Teacher at the Charlotte Ballet. She helps guide and teach new dancers there.
Family Life
Patricia McBride lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has two children, Melanie Bonnefoux-DeCoudres and Christopher Bonnefoux. Her husband, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, was also a dancer and dance teacher. He passed away in 2025.
