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Legacy Oral History Online Collection

Maclovia Ruiz

Maclovia Ruiz3 RESIZED.jpg

Maclovia Ruiz (1910-2005) was born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1910. Maclovia’s six-decade career in dance spanned multiple dance forms and genres, such as interpretive dance with the San Francisco-based Peters Wright School to folk and classical Spanish dances learned from her father and in various immigrant social clubs in early twentieth century North Beach.  Maclovia also performed in ballroom dance clubs in Hollywood and New York City, in numerous early films, classical ballet roles for George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet, with the San Francisco Opera, and toured internationally with Spanish dancer Antonio.  After retiring from touring, Maclovia taught tai chi and recreational movement for elders in various San Francisco settings.  As shown in studio photographs, her skill and charisma as a performer allowed Maclovia to share her talent as an interpreter of music through movement that delighted audiences throughout the world.

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