A recipient of numerous honours, including two Tony Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Chita Rivera was in Washington, D.C., as Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero, the third of Pedro Julio and Katherine del Rivero's five children.
Her mother, of Scottish, Irish, and Puerto Rican descent, as well as African American ancestry, which she discovered later in life, enrolled Conchita in singing, dance, and piano lessons. Dancing became her passion, and at the age of nine, she trained as a ballerina and auditioned for the renowned choreographer George Balanchine, winning a scholarship to School of American Ballet in New York City.
Chita Rivera is best known for her work in the performing arts. She played Anita in the original Broadway production of
"West Side Story" (1957), Velma Kelly in
"Chicago" (1975), and the lead in
"Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1992).
What you will learn about Chita Rivera: - Early Life and Background.
- Early Career.
- Breakthrough Performances.
- Honors and Awards.
- Personal Life and Demise.
- Recent Projects.
With a career spanning several decades, American actress, singer, and dancer Chita Rivera is considered a Broadway legend for her work in musical theatre.