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Lupe Serrano (1930–2023), ballerina who danced with Nureyev

by Linnea Crowther

Lupe Serrano was a prima ballerina with the renowned American Ballet Theatre.

Ballerina

Born in Chile, Serrano later moved to Mexico with her family, and it was there that she made her professional debut with the Mexico City Ballet. After receiving great acclaim in Mexico, she relocated to New York City and joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a featured soloist. In 1953, Serrano became a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, the first Latina to hold that position there. She would remain with the company until her 1971 retirement as prima ballerina. She toured the world with the American Ballet Theatre, gaining the admiration of exacting Russian audiences and catching legendary dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s attention. After his 1961 defection to the U.S., he invited Serrano to dance with him, and they performed together on TV and on stage. After her retirement from dance, Serrano became a respected teacher at institutions including the National Academy of Arts and the Washington Ballet. Her students included first daughter Chelsea Clinton and actress Lea Thompson.

Tributes to Lupe Serrano

Lupe Serrano, our brilliant teacher and mentor has passed away at 92. Her light will never dim. We will always love you Lupe!😢Ms. Collins and Ms. D’Angelo

Posted by Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Full obituary: The New York Times

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