Hightower, Rosella

▪ 2009

      American ballerina and ballet teacher

born Jan. 30, 1920, Ardmore, Okla.

died Nov. 3/4, 2008, Cannes, France

had an international career during which she was renowned for her lyricism and virtuosity. Hightower was a Native American of Choctaw descent. She began her study of ballet in Kansas City, Mo., in 1928 and in 1937 traveled to Europe. Hightower performed with Leonide Massine's Ballet Russe (1938–41), with Ballet Theatre (now American Ballet Theatre; 1941–45), and then primarily with Marquis George de Cuevas's company until his death in 1961. In 1962 Hightower founded the Centre of Classical Dance in Cannes; it came to be considered one of the leading ballet schools in Europe. She also served as the director of the Marseille Opera Ballet (1969–72), the Nancy Grand Theatre (1973–74), and the Paris Opéra Ballet (1980–83) in France and La Scala Ballet in Milan (1985–86). Hightower was named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1975.

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▪ American ballerina

born Jan. 30, 1920, Ardmore, Okla., U.S.

died Nov. 3/4, 2008, Cannes, France

      American ballerina and ballet teacher.

      Hightower began ballet classes in Kansas City, Mo., with Dorothy Perkins in 1928. When she was 17 years old she studied in Europe, first performing with Leonide Massine's Ballet Russe (1938–41). Hightower then performed primarily with Marquis George de Cuevas's company until his death in 1961, after which she formed the Centre of Classical Dance in Cannes, France.

      Hightower served as the director of the Marseille Opera Ballet (1969–72) and also of the Nancy Grand Theatre (1973–74); in 1980 she was appointed director of the Paris Opéra Ballet.

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