Lilly: The First Latina Rockette - Hardcover

Colon, Lillian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 173797181X ISBN 13: 9781737971818

Publisher: Lilly Enterprises LLC, 2021

Synopsis

"When I stepped to the center mark and that spotlight hit me, I thought, Aqui estoy mami, aqui estoy!"

Meet Lilly, the extraordinary dancer who defied all odds to become the first Latina Rockette in history! Raised in a Bronx orphanage and separated from her beloved mother, Lilly's inspiring journey to the iconic Radio City Music Hall is a testament to her determination and spirit.

Delve into her captivating story and explore her collection of empowering works that celebrate diversity and dreams. From the nuns introducing her to the Rockettes as a little girl to gracefully stepping into the spotlight at the center mark, Lilly's story will leave you inspired and moved. Discover the magic of her heartfelt journey and immerse yourself in her world of dance and resilience.

About this title

About the Author

A veteran dancer, having been in the entertainment industry since the age of 16, Lillian Colon currently teaches jazz in New York City. Among many of her accomplishments in the dance world, Lillian holds the honor of being the First Latina Radio City Music Hall Rockette and was featured by the El Dario newspaper in 1997 as "The Puerto Rican Woman of The Year." She has appeared as a Guest of Honor and Godmother in three Puerto Rican Day parades.Graduating from the High School of Performing Arts, Lillian began her career at Lincoln Center as a "Shark" in West Side Story. After performing in various Latin night clubs, such as the Chateau Madrid, Lillian headed to the Los Angeles Playboy Club, where she performed nightly with Lainie Kazan. Lillian also performed at Sacramento's famed Broadway Music Circus, as her roots were founded in the New York theatre world.Lillian caught the eye of Steve Merritt and quickly became one of the lead dancers for the 61st Academy Awards. She quickly became a favorite Steve Merritt dancer, touring Mexico with Olga Breskin. Lillian performed in Olga's telebision show, night club act, and the Spanish film, Nora La Rebelde. After returning from Mexico, Lillian became a dancer and assistant choreographer with Menudo, ultimately replacing Miguel Gonz as their choreographer. A highlight of her career was the opportunity to perform in Can Can with one of her idols, Chita Rivera. This experience introduced her to Alan Johnson, once one of entertainment's most talented choreographers. Among many well-known choreographers, Lillian worked with Joe Layton, Donald McKayle and with the famed Michael Bennett in the 10th Anniversary production of A Chorus Line.All this led to Lillian dancing on the great stage that she had always dreamed of; The New York Radio City Music Hall, as a Rockette in the Christmas Spectacular and as the first Latina Rockette.In June 2021, Lillian realized another dream, appearing as a dancer in the blockbuster film In the Heights, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes, with Director Jon M. Chu. While the casting call was for dancers of all ages, Lillian was the only one over the age of 60 who auditioned - and was accepted into the cast!

From the Back Cover

Today, Lillian Colón inspires others to find the joy in dancing and was recently featured in Forbes' 50 Over 50 as a woman of excellence in the performing arts:

• Lillian Colón was the oldest dancer in the 2021 movie adaptation of the Broadway musical In the Heights.

• Lillian Colón, who became the first Latina Radio City Rockette in 1987 at age 32, is now working on her one-woman show, Lilly.

• Lilly chronicles how she went from an orphanage in the Bronx to performing worldwide.

From the Inside Flap

Lilly is the compelling true story of a young girl ripped away from everything she's ever known—her home, her family, her neighborhood, her culture—and placed in an orphanage, where she must learn to conform to strange new rules. As she grows up, Lilly makes new friends (and a few enemies) and discovers new passions, including an abiding love of dance. Driven by her desire to make a life on the stage, Lilly gets herself accepted to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan and embarks on the difficult path to become a professional dancer, even as she struggles to find peace and stability in her family situation and personal life. With grit and grace, Lilly makes her way in the competitive world of dance, ultimately stepping onto the great stage at Radio City Music Hall and into history as the first Latina Rockette.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lilly Enterprises LLC
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 173797181X
• ISBN 13: 9781737971818
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 216