Magali Messac
Encyclopedia
Magali Messac, a European/American ballet dancer, was born and raised in the south of France, where she received her early training from Olga and Henry Taneeff. At the age of seventeen, she joined the Hamburg Ballet
, and four years later, was promoted to principal dancer. That year, she received the Oberdorfer prize for the most talented young artist. In 1978, she came to the United States as a principal dancer for the Pennsylvania Ballet
, and in 1980, was invited by Mikhail Baryshnikov to join American Ballet Theater as one of their principal ballerinas. Ms. Messac finished her performing career in Seattle with the Pacific Northwest Ballet
.
Throughout her career she danced the major roles of the classical repertoire. She was also admired for her strength and beauty in contemporary works, including a wide selection of ballets by George Balanchine, and Anthony Tudor. Original ballets were created for her by a number of choreographers, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, John Neumeier, Marcel Marceau, and Glen Tetley.
She studied with many important teachers, but Maggie Black, who trained and privately coached her in New York, was her greatest influence.
Ms. Messac currently lives in Seattle, Washington where, for many years, she was on the faculty of Cornish College of the Arts
. She also taught advanced ballet classes for Spectrum Dance Company. She was a permanent faculty member for the American Ballet Theater's summer intensive.
Besides her involvement with dance, Magali Messac is a Gyrotonic
Master Trainer. The Gyrotonic
Expansion System is a conditioning program, both for dancers and the general public. Ms. Messac established her studio, GYROTONIC SEATTLE, as the leading training facility in the Pacific Northwest.
Hamburg Ballet
Hamburg Ballet, also known as the Hamburg State Opera Ballet, is an internationally acclaimed ballet company located in Hamburg, Germany. Since 1973 it is directed by the American dancer and choreographer John Neumeier....
, and four years later, was promoted to principal dancer. That year, she received the Oberdorfer prize for the most talented young artist. In 1978, she came to the United States as a principal dancer for the Pennsylvania Ballet
Pennsylvania Ballet
Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protégée Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the leading ballet companies in the United States. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company’s annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including the...
, and in 1980, was invited by Mikhail Baryshnikov to join American Ballet Theater as one of their principal ballerinas. Ms. Messac finished her performing career in Seattle with the Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet is a ballet company based in Seattle, Washington in the United States. Founded in 1972 as part of the Seattle Opera and named the Pacific Northwest Dance Association, it broke away from the Opera in 1977 and took its current name in 1978. It is said to have the highest per...
.
Throughout her career she danced the major roles of the classical repertoire. She was also admired for her strength and beauty in contemporary works, including a wide selection of ballets by George Balanchine, and Anthony Tudor. Original ballets were created for her by a number of choreographers, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, John Neumeier, Marcel Marceau, and Glen Tetley.
She studied with many important teachers, but Maggie Black, who trained and privately coached her in New York, was her greatest influence.
Ms. Messac currently lives in Seattle, Washington where, for many years, she was on the faculty of Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts
-Library:The library at Cornish College specializes in art, dance, design, music, performance production, and theatre. As of 2011 it holds 4700 CDs, 40,000 books, has 2,200 videos, and subscribes to 154 periodicals...
. She also taught advanced ballet classes for Spectrum Dance Company. She was a permanent faculty member for the American Ballet Theater's summer intensive.
Besides her involvement with dance, Magali Messac is a Gyrotonic
Gyrotonic
The Gyrotonic Expansion System is an exercise modality created by Juliu Horvath, an ethnic Hungarian born in Romania.Horvath was a swimmer and gymnast before becoming a ballet dancer with the Romanian State Opera Ballet....
Master Trainer. The Gyrotonic
Gyrotonic
The Gyrotonic Expansion System is an exercise modality created by Juliu Horvath, an ethnic Hungarian born in Romania.Horvath was a swimmer and gymnast before becoming a ballet dancer with the Romanian State Opera Ballet....
Expansion System is a conditioning program, both for dancers and the general public. Ms. Messac established her studio, GYROTONIC SEATTLE, as the leading training facility in the Pacific Northwest.