Obituary: Norwegian soloist Guri Pahle Glad, legendary Carmen de Lavallade, Ron Protas - Graham's controversial confidant

• Guri Pahle Glad, former soloist of The Norwegian National Ballet, The Norwegian Opera and Ballet said on 6th January 2026 on its Instagram post. She joined then the Opera Ballet in 1963 and was a part of the company until 1985.

  
  

• Carmen de Lavallade, legendary American dancer, choreographer and actress, passed away on 30th December 2026, according to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She was 94. She came into prominence when black dancers and artists faced enormous challenges. She performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dance Theater of Harlem, American Ballet Theatre and numerous other operas, films and many other productions. Many dance companies and news organisations paid tribute to her.

  
  
  
  

• Ron Protas, controversial confidant of Martha Graham, died in October 2025, The New York Times reported (subscription required) on 8th January 2026. He was 84. Protas had almost no dance experience yet Graham "named him her sole heir and bequeathed him rights to her dances, setting off a grueling legal battle over her legacy with the troupe she had founded," according to the newspaper.

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Updated on 13th January 2026 to correct to say Guri Pahle Glad was a part of The Norwegian National Ballet until 1985,