Born: 1965 (Houston, Texas)
Lauren Anderson is an American ballet dancer and former principal dancer with the Houston Ballet. Born on February 19, 1965, in Houston, Texas, she made significant contributions to American ballet as one of the first African-American ballerinas to become a principal for a major dance company.
Raised by Lawrence Anderson, a school administrator, and Doris Parker-Morales, a classical piano teacher, Lauren grew up in a supportive and artistic household. She began her artistic journey by taking dance and violin lessons. However, due to financial constraints, she decided to focus solely on dance, recognizing that she could always pursue music later in life. At the age of seven, she started training at the Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy, where her passion for ballet blossomed.
Anderson’s interest in ballet intensified after seeing a performance by Arthur Mitchell’s company, Dance Theatre of Harlem. This exposure to ballet dancers who looked like her was crucial, as there were few African-American ballerinas for her to look up to. Inspired and determined, Anderson embarked on a dedicated ballet training journey at the academy. Her talent and potential were evident early on, and she performed in the ballet company’s first production of The Nutcracker.
Completing her academic education at Lamar High School in 1982, Anderson chose the Houston Independent School District over Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts due to conflicting project due dates with her Nutcracker season rehearsals. Throughout this time, she faced criticism about her body being too muscular for ballet success. However, undeterred, Anderson adopted a meatless diet and started taking Pilates classes to achieve the desired ballet physique.
In 1983, at the age of 18, Anderson joined the Houston Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet. Over the years, she steadily rose through the ranks, and four years later, she was promoted to soloist. Anderson achieved a significant milestone in 1990 when she became the first African-American principal dancer at the Houston Ballet. This remarkable accomplishment marked a pivotal moment in American ballet, opening doors for future generations of diverse dancers. Debra Austin had previously been promoted to principal dancer at the Pennsylvania Ballet eight years before Anderson, making her the second African-American female ballet dancer to achieve this prestigious position in a major American ballet company.
During her impressive career, Anderson captivated audiences with her outstanding performances. Notably, her portrayal of the title role in Cleopatra garnered international recognition and acclaim. She also had the privilege of interpreting the works of renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, and Christopher Bruce, among others. Anderson’s dedication, artistry, and resilience paved the way for other African-American ballet dancers and left an indelible mark on the world of ballet.
After retiring from the Houston Ballet in 2006, Anderson decided to step away from dance altogether in 2009. However, her impact and legacy continue to inspire and uplift aspiring dancers. In recognition of her contributions to the art form, Anderson’s pointe shoes from her final performance were honored in 2016. They found a place of significance in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, forever preserving her remarkable journey and achievements.