Evelyn Cisneros

Evelyn Cisneros-Legate (born Evelyn Cisneros on November 18, 1958 in Long Beach, California) is an American ballerina. Evelyn, who is Mexican American, is considered the first prima ballerina in the United States of Hispanic heritage. She holds an honorary doctorate from Mills College and the University of California at Monterey Bay.

Background Evelyn was raised in a family of migrant workers strongly involved with the Hispanic community. She was always encouraged to be proud of her heritage. Cisneros-Legate received a scholarship for the summer in 1974 to the School of American Ballet. Despite this potential downfall for finding a career, as ballet is grounded in outward rotation, she overcame what could have become a disability through a strong work ethic. This company was under the directorship of Co-Artistic Directors, Lew Christensen and Michael Smuin. Cisneros-Legate performed three nights a week while studying with the company, making $5 for her work. In 1992 Cisneros-Legate was also honored by Huntington Beach, California, where she had attended Marina High School, for her contribution to art during the city's fifth annual arts awards program. She was named as an outstanding performing artist. She grew to become San Francisco Ballet’s “prima-ballerina” and an international star under Lew Christensen, Michael Smuin, and Helgi Tómasson. As Artistic Director, she produced The Nutcracker performed at the Barclay Theater for 21 performances.

As of September 2020, Evelyn was appointed as the new Director of the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, running all four campuses of the school. Artistic Director of the Academy, Adam Sklute, mentioned her appointment as the dynamic next step in building Ballet West Academy to a world-renowned institution for dance education.

Major roles Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty Odette/Odile in Swan Lake The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker Cinderella in Cinderella Juliet in Romeo and Juliet Principal ballerina in Themes and Variations Principal role in Lambarena Lise in La Fille mal Gardee