Date of Birth: December 29, 1952
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Biography
Gelsey Kirkland, an esteemed American ballerina, was born on December 29, 1952, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She is renowned for her extraordinary talent, artistry, and dedication, which have left an indelible mark on the world of ballet. Kirkland began her ballet training at a young age and quickly rose to prominence in the dance community. She joined the New York City Ballet (NYCB) at the tender age of 15, under the tutelage of the legendary George Balanchine. Kirkland’s performances in iconic ballets such as “The Nutcracker,” “Firebird,” and “Romeo and Juliet” earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. Her partnership with Mikhail Baryshnikov further catapulted her to international stardom. Throughout her career, Kirkland struggled with personal challenges, including battles with eating disorders and substance abuse. She courageously shared her experiences in her autobiography, “Dancing on My Grave,” which shed light on the pressures faced by professional dancers. Despite these obstacles, Kirkland’s resilience and passion for dance brought her back to the stage. She later transitioned into teaching and coaching, co-founding the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York City. Her contributions to the world of ballet have inspired countless dancers and continue to shape the future of the art form.
5 Interesting Facts about Gelsey Kirkland
1. Gelsey Kirkland joined the New York City Ballet at the age of 15.
2. She famously danced the role of Clara in the 1977 television production of “The Nutcracker” alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov.
3. Kirkland co-founded the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in New York City.
4. She authored two autobiographies: “Dancing on My Grave” and “The Shape of Love.”
5. Kirkland received the Dance Magazine Award in 1984 for her outstanding contributions to the field of dance.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gelsey Kirkland
1. “Dancing is a sweat job.”
2. “It is not the movement but the energy behind it that makes a dance true.”
3. “Art is the signature of civilizations.”
4. “The only dance masters I could have were Jean-Georges Noverre, Sergei Diaghilev, and Balanchine.”
5. “To dance, put your hand on your heart and listen to the sound of your soul.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth Gelsey Kirkland achieved is estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Gelsey Kirkland does not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet](http://www.gelseykirklandballet.org/
2. [IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0456175/
3. [Gelsey Kirkland on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelsey_Kirkland
4. [Biography on BalletHub](https://ballethub.com/directory/gelsey-kirkland/
