Mary Day, Teacher of Ballet, Dies at 96
Mary Day, one of American ballet's most distinguished teachers and the longtime artistic director of the Washington Ballet, died recently of heart failure. She was 96.
Her teacher, Lisa Gardiner, founded the Washington School of Ballet in 1944 and then a small performing group. Later, she assumed directorship and trained many students who became members of the very top companies, national and international. Her alumni range from Shirley MacLaine to Kevin McKenzie of American Ballet Theater. Mr. McKenzie, studied with her since childhood.
Ms. Day became a nationally recognized teacher. Through the Washington Ballet, a respected regional company of some 20 dancers, she introduced Washington to an adventuresome repertory of old and new works. Until her retirement, The Washington Ballet was known as a showcase for young talent.
Some of her other students were Amanda McKerrow of Ballet Theater, Virginia Johnson of Dance Theater of Harlem, Patrick Corbin of the Joffrey Ballet and the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Mimi Paul of New York City Ballet, Marianna Tcherkassky of Ballet Theater and Bonnie Moore of Ballet Theater and the Royal Ballet. Mr. McKenzie danced with the Joffrey before becoming one of Ballet Theater's danseurs nobles.
Ms. Day's most popular production was her 1961 version of "The Nutcracker." Daughters of American presidents, including Chelsea Clinton and Caroline Kennedy, passed through the Washington School of Ballet, and Ms. Clinton had a small role in "The Nutcracker."
Ms. Day leaves no immediate survivors.