February 19
Born Today:
Lauren Anderson
Houston Ballet’s Lauren Anderson (1965) broke barriers even before the historic promotion of Misty Copeland (1982-) to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Anderson became one of the first black principal dancers performing for a major American ballet company in 1990, dancing with the company until 2006. Artistic Director Ben Stevenson (1936-) choreographed the ballet Cleopatra (2000) specifically for Anderson.
Also Born Today: Tap dancer John W. Bubbles (1902-1986), known as the creator of rhythm tap, was half of the vaudeville duo Buck and Bubbles, along with Ford Lee “Buck” Washington (1903-1955). The duo had a four decade collaboration.
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Broadway Premiere: Crazy for You in 1992
Dance Premiere: Dark Elegies in 1937