Maria (Boehme) Dare

Maria was born in Portland, Oregon.  Her parents did not believe in dancing.  Maria could not understand how something so beautiful could be wrong.  It is unknown where she received her initial training.  By the early 1930s she was doing a toe dance solo for Lindendare School of Dance.

Maria was a dancer, choreographer and teacher of Ballet, Spanish, Flamenco, Mexican, Hulu,  Character dancing.  Her career spanned more than 70 years.  She was most noted as owner of The Ballet House in Portland Oregon.  When Maria died, The Ballet House was the longest established studio under same management, having existed 57  years.  Most of all she was a kind, caring, loving,  ethical person.  In addition to teaching dance, she  demonstrated how to add years without growing old.

 

can be seen in the pics on this page.

The longer drupies were used 1920s-1940s

Costume in “Z” drawings a close match to

 

Maria performed in Portland Oregon; taught for Serge Dare

at The Ballet House.  Then several Ballet House dancers, including Maria & Serge went to Los Angles.

 

Evolution of Dance Wear

 

In Ballet House Master Class image

Maria, and others, are wearing

“Rompers.”  By 1950, Leotards

had replaced Rompers..

 

Maria danced in Hollywood films & on stage.

She studied ballet, pointe, pas de deux, at

the American School of Dance.  Took classes from Eugene Loring. 

At the Cansino Studio she improved her

skills in Flamenco & Hindu

Serge Dare opened a Dance Supply store in Hollywood.

 

Maria & Serge married in California

 

 

 

Maria’s father became ill.  Her family needed her.

Serge & Maria returned to Portland & reopened The Ballet House.

 

Maria & Serge waited 5 months for the 1st student to arrive.

 

Revised:  April 2022

Page by Rozanne of Zandance

email: connect.with.rozanne@gmail.com