Carla Maxwell joined the Limón Dance Company in 1965. She soon became a principal dancer under José Limón's direction and, in 1978, was appointed artistic director. During her tenure, the Company has emerged as one of the finest repertory dance ensembles in the world. She received the 1995 Dance Magazine Award and a 1998 New York Dance and Performance (Bessie) Award for “finding a creative present in the context of a revered past, and thereby offering choreographic opportunity to multiple generations of artists; for inspired leadership and artistic accomplishment.”

Acclaimed as a brilliant dramatic dancer, she danced many major roles with the Company, including the title role in Carlota, Limón’s final ballet which he choreographed for her. Ms. Maxwell is responsible for many of the Company’s reconstructions of Limón dances, and as a choreographer she has created works for the Company and regional companies throughout the United States.

Photograph © Martha Swope