Evelyn Cisneros: The First Hispanic Prima Ballerina

 

Evelyn Cisneros: The First Hispanic Prima Ballerina

Evelyn Cisneros was born to a family that had migrated from Mexico and was one of the very first Hispanic prima ballerinas in the world of ballet. Being a Hispanic woman who was once interested in ballet as well, I felt inspired when reading Cisneros’ biography. It is a great accomplishment to be one of the first persons of color to be one of the faces of ballet. In fact, it is inspirational to other people of color to be the first person of color to accomplish any feat. It is for this reason that I have chosen to write about Cisneros’ life and accomplishments during her career in ballet, as her accomplishments have made me feel inspired and have made me believe that despite being a person of color, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to as well.

            Growing up, Cisneros was a very shy person. To Cisneros, ballet was a way of expressing herself through bodily movement. Cisneros began practicing ballet around the young age of eight, “…as a way to overcome her shyness” (Charlotte Ballet, 1). In fact, it was Cisneros’ mother who brought the idea of practicing ballet to her. Although Cisneros states that she disliked ballet at first, she states that she grew to like it over time. With this new appreciation towards ballet, Cisneros began to work very hard and dedicate many hours to ballet in order to become the best dancer she could be. “In high school, she took seven classes in a row without a lunch break so she could attend ballet class,” (Roberts, 20). Cisneros’ work ethic, besides her talent, would be a key factor in her success as a prima ballerina in her professional dancing career.

Evelyn Cisneros was motivated by her migrant family to always strive for excellence. “‘We were always told and expected to act as role models for the country of Mexico.’” (Roberts, 22). Being motivated by her family, and motivated to represent the country of Mexico in a positive manner, Cisneros strived for excellence not only in ballet, but also in her education. Although Cisneros dedicated many hours to ballet, she was also an excellent student who obtained excellent grades in high school. Cisneros was able to maintain a 3.86 grade point average and graduate high school at the age of sixteen.

            At the age of fourteen, Cisneros obtained a scholarship for the San Francisco Ballet. After graduating high school at the age of sixteen, she moved to San Francisco, where she was an apprentice beginning in the year 1976. Cisneros faced racial prejudice when performing and was even asked to wear makeup in order to lighten her skin tone. However, “all demands to lighten her skin dissolved once she rose to principal,” (Roberts, 28). Cisneros was able to prove that despite having a darker skin tone than many other ballerinas, she was talented enough to become a prima ballerina. In addition, Cisneros’ work ethic also helped her to overcome physical barriers that would have otherwise not allowed her to be as great in ballet. “Her left hip was too tight and left foot was pigeon-toed – potential career enders… (Roberts, 19).” These physical barriers, however, would not stop Cisneros from becoming a prima ballerina. Through practicing ballet for countless hours, Cisneros was able to overcome these physical barriers and become the very first Hispanic prima ballerina.

 Despite all obstacles, Cisneros succeeded in ballet, and even performed for Nancy and Ronald Reagan at the White House. Cisneros became of importance to the San Francisco Ballet, “performing nearly every starring role in the company’s repertoire…” (Charlotte Ballet, 1). Cisneros has participated in many ballets in leading roles, including Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, and La Fille Mal Gardee. Not only has she participated in lead roles, but she has also had works created for her, “…choreographers have created works for her, including Tomasson, Val Caniparoli, James Kudelka, and Mark Morris,” (The Portland Ballet, 3). Even when Cisneros attempted to transition into other ballet companies, the other companies withdrew their contracts because “…the San Francisco board had told the director he could not lose her,” (Roberts, 36). Cisneros, with her outstanding talent, had become of great importance to the San Francisco Ballet.

            Evelyn Cisneros has been subject to racial prejudice and has faced many obstacles throughout her career as a professional dancer. Cisneros faced physical barriers, which involved her left hip being too tight and a left foot that was “pigeon-toed”. Had it not been for her work ethic and talent, these physical barriers would have prevented her from being an excellent dancer. Cisneros also faced prejudice as a Hispanic ballerina, having been asked to lighten her skin tone with makeup to perform in ballets. However, despite having been asked to lighten her skin tone to perform, Cisneros succeeded in becoming the first Hispanic prima ballerina, and demonstrated that one did not need to have a light skin tone in order to be successful. From being a very shy child, to facing physical barriers, Cisneros has overcome many obstacles and proven herself as a talented ballerina. Being the first Hispanic prima ballerina, she has inspired many children as well, proving that her skin color and background would not stop her from being a talented dancer. It is through hard work and determination that Evelyn Cisneros has achieved such talent and recognition, inspiring other individuals to achieve their dreams despite any obstacles they may face.

Images

Evelyn Cisneros, performing in her last ballet with the San Francisco Ballet. Cisneros retired from the San Francisco Ballet at age 40 (1999).

Evelyn Cisneros performed ballet with the San Francisco Ballet for the majority of her career. She became an important part of the ballet company (1987).

Evelyn Cisneros was one of the first Hispanic Prima Ballerinas. Although now retired, she continues to participate in different ballet programs as an educator. 

Videos

Evelyn Cisneros in Cendrillon pas de deux, San Francisco Ballet - YouTube

Evelyn Cisneros en Cenicienta Variacion 1 acto San Francisco Ballet - YouTube

 

Works Cited

“Hispanic Heritage Month: Evelyn Cisneros.” Charlotte Ballet, 20 Sept. 2021, https://charlotteballet.org/2021/09/20/hispanic-heritage-month-evelyn-cisneros/.

Roberts , Kathaleen. “First Hispanic Prima Ballerina Recalls Obstacles She Overcame.” Albuquerque Journal, 18 Sept. 2016, https://www.abqjournal.com/847146/dancing-through-barriers.html.

 “Evelyn Cisnerose.” The Portland Ballet, 4 Aug. 2020, https://theportlandballet.org/portfolio/evelyn-cisnerose/#:~:text=Since%202000%2C%20Cisneros%20has%20taught%20at%20summer%20intensive,Academy%20Director%20for%20Ballet%20Pacifica%20in%20Irvine%20California.