Farrell, Suzanne (1945–)
Farrell, Suzanne (1945–)
American ballerina. Name variations: Suzanne Ficker. Born Roberta Sue Ficker, Aug 16, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio; dau. of Robert and Donna Ficker; studied ballet at University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and School of American Ballet; m. Paul Mejia (dancer), Feb 21, 1969 (div. 1997).
Leading interpreter of the work of choreographer George Balanchine, danced with the New York City Ballet (1961–69), attaining stardom with performance in Don Quixote (1965); danced roles in La Valse, Concerto Barocco, Liebeslieder Walzer, Donizetti Variations, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Invesiana, Glinkaiana, Stars and Stripes, Prodigal Son and Symphony in C; also danced in a trio of new ballets that Balanchine created for her, the romantic Meditation, the abstract Agon and Clarinade; danced with Ballet of the 20th Century (1970–75); returning to New York City Ballet (1975–87), performed in premieres of other Balanchine ballets: Chaconne, Union Jack, Davidsbündlertänze, Mozartiana and Vienna Waltzes, perhaps the single most successful ballet in the company's history; became a master teacher at Kennedy Center (1993); taught and staged Balanchine ballets for companies in US and abroad. Films include A Midsummer Night's Dream (1966) and Elusive Muse (1996); appeared on tv in "Dance in America: Choreography by Balanchine" (1977–79).
See also autobiography (with Toni Bentley) Holding on to the Air (Summit, 1990); and Women in World History.