Yvonne Mounsey

Yvonne Mounsey joined New York City Ballet as a principal dancer for George Balanchine after performing with Massine’s Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and de Basil’s original Ballet Russe. During Ms. Mounsey’s distinguished career with New York City Ballet, she created the role of Center Spanish in Balanchine’s original production of The Nutcracker. Among the other roles she created are The Harp in Fanfare, The Queen in The Cage, and The Other Woman in Lilac Garden.
Her performances were much acclaimed, particularly her Siren in Balanchine’s Prodigal Son. In 1960, Ms. Mounsey co-founded the Johannesburg City Ballet, now Pact Ballet, one of the world’s major dance companies.