Ballerina. One of the first 'homegrown' stars of her art, she had a significant career of around 20 years. Raised in Memphis from infancy, she received a scholsrship to return to New York for study with Michel Folkine. In 1935 she joined George Ballanchine's American Ballet then the next year was seen with Lincoln Kierstein's Ballet Caravan, a traveling troupe which showcased American choreography. In 1939 Annabelle became a charter member of Ballet Theatre (now, American Ballet Theatre) and on January 12, 1940, was the first company artist the dance the lead in Adolphe Adam's "Giselle" While there she earned praise for modern works including Agnes DeMille's "Three Virgins and a Devil" in 1941 and the following year Antony Tudor's "Pillar of Fire". Annabelle left the ensemble in 1943 but was to return as a guest over the years; turning to Broadway she earned a number of credits, among them the original cast of "Carousel" (1945-1947) and in 1959 "Juno". Annabelle gradually withdrew from the stage from around 1960 on and resided at Great Neck, Long Island, until 1995 when she relocated to Sharon, Massachusetts. From 2003 until her death from the effects of advanced age she lived with her son in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
Ballerina. One of the first 'homegrown' stars of her art, she had a significant career of around 20 years. Raised in Memphis from infancy, she received a scholsrship to return to New York for study with Michel Folkine. In 1935 she joined George Ballanchine's American Ballet then the next year was seen with Lincoln Kierstein's Ballet Caravan, a traveling troupe which showcased American choreography. In 1939 Annabelle became a charter member of Ballet Theatre (now, American Ballet Theatre) and on January 12, 1940, was the first company artist the dance the lead in Adolphe Adam's "Giselle" While there she earned praise for modern works including Agnes DeMille's "Three Virgins and a Devil" in 1941 and the following year Antony Tudor's "Pillar of Fire". Annabelle left the ensemble in 1943 but was to return as a guest over the years; turning to Broadway she earned a number of credits, among them the original cast of "Carousel" (1945-1947) and in 1959 "Juno". Annabelle gradually withdrew from the stage from around 1960 on and resided at Great Neck, Long Island, until 1995 when she relocated to Sharon, Massachusetts. From 2003 until her death from the effects of advanced age she lived with her son in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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