Suzanne Farrell, the youngest ballerina in The New York City Ballet ever, was born Roberta Sue Flicker, and was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. When she was eight years old, her parents signed her up for ballet lessons, hoping that they would help make their tomboy daughter more ladylike. She studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory for Music. In 1959, Diana Adams was touring the country looking for talented youth for Balanchine's School of American Ballet. She selected Suzanne to audition for Balanchine, and she made it, on full scholorship. Ms. Farrell joined the corps de ballet in 1961, and by summer 1962, she was dancing featured roles. She had numerous roles created for her and danced principal roles in countless ballets. She was named a Principal dancer in 1966. Ms. Farrell left NYCB after her mairrage to Paul Mejia, another dancer, because relations with Balanchine became strained. She then joined the controersial Ballets of the 20th Century company, headed by Maurice Bejart, a Belgian choreographer. Eventually, Suzanne re-joined NYCB, and formed a friendship with Balanchine that would last until his death in 1982. Ms. Farrell developed arthritis in her hip in 1983, but continued dancing for four more years. At the age of 42, she required hip-replacement surgery and retired from dance in 1989. Since her retirement, she has toured the world teaching Balanchine ballets and technique to countless students and dancers from countless schools and companies. She also is the artistic director of Fort Worth Ballet.
Diamonds
Suzanne Farrell and George Balanchine in Don Quixote
Balanchine's Tzigane
In Concerto Barocco
In rehearsal with Balanchine for Don Quixote
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