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Barbara Carson Obituary
Though Carson - once a soloist with the New York City Ballet - had started a classical ballet school in 1953, and by 1956 had founded what would eventually become Ballet Austin, there were no professional adult male ballet dancers in Austin capable of dancing the role of the Nutcracker prince.
So Carson hired one from out of state - Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo dancer George Zoritch, one of many impressive ballet world connections Carson had. But when Zoritch refused to dance with any student, Carson donned her pointe shoes.
After all, she wasn't ready for any one in Austin to see less-than-accurately performed ballet dancing.
"I was very particular about not doing something we (as a company) weren't ready to do," Carson said in 2012 interview.
Carson, 87, died Tuesday in Austin of complications from Alzheimer's and pneumonia, her daughter, Laurel Carson Lacy, said.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Carson
10 Entries
Daniel de Cordoba Sharkey
January 23, 2021
I had the honor of studying with Mme. Carson in 1962. Her advice to me was to go to New York City. I did and was blessed with a wonderful dance career. I will always cherish her kindness and wisdom.
Daniel de Cordoba Sharkey
Tyra Bevers
December 30, 2014
Mrs. Carson taught me pure ballet for over 10 years-the majority of my "career"! She made it possible for me to attend the School of American Ballet on a summer scholarship which I will never forget. Her influence on my young life was profound--she gave me a passion for ballet and many opportunities to pour out my spirit through dance. I am forever grateful for what she gave to me!
December 16, 2014
My first experiences with ballet were under the wonderful Barbara Carson. She was so precise and loved ballet so much it showed in everything she did. I was honored to have known someone with such excellence in her trade and was instrumental in bringingthe fine art of ballet to new heights in Austin. Our prayers are with you and Jonathan and Laurel. Jean Crawford
December 16, 2014
Barbara and her family were our first Texas neighbors in Austin in 1957. She and I spent many hours talking about our love of ballet.
Pat Wissler, Montgomery, Texas
December 13, 2014
I had the honor of studying and dancing under Barbara in Olympia, Washington. She was always so kind to me. My sympathies.
December 13, 2014
I am thinking about your family. I am an old Audubon friend. Barbara was creative, fun to bird with, thoughtful, a wonderful hostess. We have many special memories of her. Megan Phillips Lowery
Gary Goodfriend
December 11, 2014
Johathan and Laurel, I went to school with both of you and knew Bruce from when the family lived in Tarrytown in the 60s. My sincerest condolences to you and your families on the loss of your mother. She brought Austin into the 20th century as far as her ballet was concerned.
December 11, 2014
May you be comforted by knowing Barbara lived a full life and brought us all the wonderful world of Ballet.
Susie (Kasman) Krumholz
William Weiswasser
December 10, 2014
I remember both your parents very fondly.
December 10, 2014
It was a pleasure and a distinct privilege to meet both the elder Carsons, both my wife and son -- Junu and Dhrupad--too had the privilege of meeting these two great Americans full of love, life and care! May God bless her with eternal bliss and solitude. laurel carries the family tradition of care and love well! Monoranjan Bezboruah
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