Robyn Gardenhire (Photo – Pasadena Senior Center)
Los Angeles City Ballet founder and artistic director Robyn Gardenhire, a prominent leader in the African American and Los Angeles ballet and dance communities, will share her inspiring story at the Pasadena Senior Center.
By News Desk
Gardenhire began her ballet and dance journey as a young girl growing up in Lynwood, CA. Her mother, who dreamed of becoming a dancer herself, enrolled Robyn in local ballet lessons at the age of three at a predominantly African American ballet school in Compton. Robyn quickly showcased her talent and trained with top ballet instructors before joining the Joffrey II company at the age of 16. After performing with the Joffrey and the Cleveland Ballet, she was offered a position with the American Ballet Theater (ABT) by Mikhail Baryshnikov.
While at ABT, Gardenhire challenged the company to diversify its ranks. Her advocacy led to a scholarship for Misty Copeland to attend ABT’s Summer Intensive Program, which eventually helped her become the company’s first African American woman principal dancer.
In 2000, Gardenhire founded the Los Angeles City Ballet, where she focuses on providing students of color and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds access to ballet education. She has also served on the boards of several ballet organizations, advocating for the importance of diversity.
The event is free for Pasadena Senior Center members and $5 for non-members. Reservations are suggested. To register or for more information, visit this website or call 626-795-4331.
African-American Ballet Icon Robyn Gardenhire February 27, 2025 2:00 pm Location Pasadena Senior Center 85 East Holly Street Pasadena, CA 91103
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