Littlefield, Catherine (1904–1951)

views updated

Littlefield, Catherine (1904–1951)

American ballet dancer and choreographer. Born Sept 16, 1904, in Philadelphia, PA; died Nov 15, 1951, in New York, NY; dau. of Caroline Littlefield (c. 1882–1957, ballet dancer); sister of Dorothie Littlefield (c. 1908–1953, ballet dancer); m. Sterling Noel.

Pioneer in American ballet, made stage debut in NY in Ziegfeld production of Sally (1920) and subsequently danced in Kid Boots, Annie Dear and Louie the XIV; was première danseuse with Philadelphia Civic Opera (1925) and Philadelphia Grand Opera (1926–33) and produced many of the ballets within the operas presented; founded the Catherine Littlefield Ballet (Oct 1935) which became the Philadelphia Ballet (1936); made London debut with her company in Barn Dance, Moment Romantique, and Termina (1937); devised choreography for ice shows and more than 20 ballets.

About this article

Littlefield, Catherine (1904–1951)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article