Wilson, Sallie (1932–)

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Wilson, Sallie (1932–)

American ballet dancer. Born April 18, 1932, in Fort Worth, TX; trained with Margaret Craske.

Danced with Ballet Theater in New York City (1949–50); joined Metropolitan Opera Ballet under Antony Tudor, but returned to Ballet Theater (1954) and remained there for most of her long career; created roles for Herbert Ross's Concerto, Metamorphoses, and Paean (all 1958); featured in classical repertory, including Dim Lustre, Gala Performance, Giselle and Jardin aux Lilas; created roles for Jerome Robbins' Les Noces (1965), Michael Smuin's Schubertiade (1970) and Alvin Ailey's The River (1971) and Sea-Change (1973); celebrated for her portrayal of Hagar in Tudor's Pillar of Fire, The Accused in Agnes de Mille's Fall River Legend and Emilia in José Limón's The Moor's Pavanne; also danced with New York City Ballet and created roles in Graham's Episodes and Balanchine's Panamerica (1959–60).