Jillana (born 1934) is an American ballet dancer and instructor, and a former principal dancer with New York City Ballet.
Early life and education Jillana was born Jill Zimmerman in Hackensack, New Jersey. She took lessons in tap and ballet dancing as a small child. Jillana attended the School of American Ballet, beginning at age 11, after earning a scholarship.The Deseret News – Google News Archive Search She trained there under George Balanchine.Ballet Idaho's Dancers Learn From A Balanchine Disciple | Boise State Public Radio She was recruited by the New York City Ballet (then known as Ballet Society) one year later; when she was thirteen she made her first appearance with the company. At age 17, she was featured in Seventeen magazine, in the January 1952 issue.Seventeen Magazine, January 1952 at Peruse VintageSeventeen Magazine, January 1952 - Full Vintage Flip Through
Career After six years of experience with the New York City Ballet company, she was promoted to principal dancer; she continued in this capacity for twenty years."New York City Ballet Spring Gala: Fanfare for a New Theater, If I Loved You, Allegro Brillante and Everywhere We Go". DancdTabs, 8 May 2014 Balanchine created roles for her in many ballets, including Liebeslieder Walzer.Jillana: Memories Of Her Balanchine Days - Los Angeles Times"THIS WEEK; City Ballet Holds an Alumni Weekend". By GIA KOURLAS. The New York Times. April 25, 2004BWW Reviews: Ballet in Cinema from Emerging Pictures Presents 'La fille mal gardee' - BWWDanceWorld
Jillana has danced with a number of partners, including Jacques d'Amboise, Arthur Mitchell, and Edward Villella. Jillana has also performed with other ballet companies including American Ballet Theatre and National Ballet of Washington, D.C. She has appeared on Broadway, in the musical Destry Rides Again, and in a number of television shows, including Noah and the Flood (with choreography by George Balanchine).
Jillana has worked as an instructor at New York City Ballet, School of American Ballet, Joffrey School, Paris Opera Ballet and Ballet West.Martin leads 16 Ballet Lubbock dancers into prestigious summer workshops | Lubbock Online | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Jillana now runs her own summer dance program, The Jillana School.The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and ... - Eliza Gaynor Minden - Google Books She sets ballets on companies worldwide for the George Balanchine Trust.
References
DANCE REVIEW; Present Congratulates Past, Bowing to City Ballet Alumni - New York Times