Stephanie Dabney, a well-known dancer died at the age of 64. She died on Wednesday, according to the report from the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Let’s see what happened, how did Stephanie Dabney die, and her cause of death in detail.
How did Stephanie Dabney die?
It is with great sadness that we share the news that one of America’s great ballerinas, Stephanie Dabney has passed away. Stephanie was a Principal Dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem, joining the Company in 1975 at the age of 16 years old, first as an apprentice and six months later becoming a full company member. She danced in virtually the entire repertory of the company, including Agon, Le Corsaire, Serenade among many other ballets. However, she is best known for her role as the Firebird in Dance Theatre of Harlem’s acclaimed production of Firebird, choreographed by John Taras. Her performances as the Firebird electrified audiences around the world, making her one of the most celebrated Firebirds of all time. A consummate artist, she transformed how we saw ballet and was an inspiration to generations of young ballerinas. She leaves behind a legacy that we are grateful to have been part of. We will miss Stephanie deeply. Details regarding a memorial service will be shared soon.
Stephanie Dabney cause of death
In 1990, Ms. Dabney’s test was positive for AIDS. She has survived, with the help of advanced medicines. The crisis subsided, however, the harm and damages continued. After a year-long struggle with opportunistic infections, she retired from performing dances. As an HIV survivor, however, she managed to teach ballet at Spelman College. But the exact cause of her death was not revealed yet.
Medico topics have been trying to reach out to the family and relatives for comment on the incident. So far no responses have been received. We will update the page once enough information is available. More information on Stephanie Dabney’s cause of death will be added soon.
Stephanie Dabney’s Early life
Dabney was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, where she started her ballet training at the age of 4. After that, she joined a masterclass in the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
While attending a master class at BWR’s studios with Arthur Mitchell, the artistic director of Dance Theater of Harlem, offered her an apprenticeship offer.
Dabney was given the opportunity to become a full company member after six months. She continued performing ballerina in the Dance Theatre of Harlem from 1979 through 1994.
Stephanie Dabney’s career
Stephanie Dabney was well known for the title role in Firebird, which John Taras choreographed. According to Ballet Western Reserve, she was the first African American ballerina to perform the title role. Her notable performances include performing in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics opening ceremonies in 1984.
Dabney earned recognition for her performances throughout her time with DTH in a variety of works, like George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, The Four Temperaments, and Allegro Brilliante. Voluntaries by Glenn Tetley, Rondo Capriccioso by Bronislava Nijinska, Manifestations by Arthur Mitchell, Frankie, and Johnny by Ruth Page and Bentley Stone, Swan Lake and Creole Giselle by Frederic Franklin, as well as Billy Wilson’s Concerto in F. Dabney stopped dancing professionally in 1996 and started instructing ballet at Spelman College.
Tributes for Stephanie Dabney
Juan Michael Porter II tweeted,
RIP Stephanie Dabney. As the Firebird, the former principal ballerina of @DTHballet demonstrates her effortless arabesque, million-mile-long legs, & endlessly flexible back while entrancing her partner, Donald Williams. She was an inspiration to so many―especially Black dancers.
Brittany Pierre tweeted,
Rest in Power Stephanie Dabney. Seeing a video of her in Firebird at The Dance Theater as a young kid lit my passion for dance and started my journey in ballet. Truly a Black pioneer.
Dance Theatre of Harlem tweeted,
It is with great sadness that we share the news that the great DTH ballerina, Stephanie Dabney has passed away. Details regarding a memorial service will be shared soon.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that the great DTH ballerina, Stephanie Dabney has passed away.
Details regarding a memorial service will be shared soon.
Yvette Campbell tweeted,
Remembering a beautiful dancer who inspired me to dance. Seeing Stephanie Dabney perform as The Firebird in @DTHballet was like magic. #resrinpower beautiful princess.
Richard Cameron tweeted,
Sending prayers, love, and light to family and friends. (Born July 11. 1958 – September 28, 2022)
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