Sono Osato, a celebrated and accomplished ballerina, rose to prominence within the esteemed ranks of Wassily de Basil's Ballets Russes, thereby earning the affectionate nickname "Nonotchka" from her fellow troupe members, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
Born in the vibrant city of Omaha, Nebraska, Osato's family was a unique blend of ethnicities, with her father, Shoji, being a Japanese photographer, and her mother hailing from a mix of Irish, French Canadian, and Bohemian backgrounds, imbuing her with a rich cultural heritage and a free-spirited nature, characteristics that would later influence her artistic expression and approach to dance.
Osato, a force to be reckoned with, was driven by an unwavering determination to achieve her aspirations after being profoundly inspired by Léonide Massine's captivating performance in the iconic production of "Cleopatre".
Undeterred by her tender age, Osato embarked on an arduous journey of intense training in the vibrant city of Chicago, where she honed her craft under the watchful eye of her esteemed mentor, Berenice Holmes.
As a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication, Berenice Holmes arranged a prestigious audition for Osato in the glamorous city of Monte Carlo, which ultimately led to her being welcomed into the esteemed ranks of the Ballet Russe at the tender age of 14.
This remarkable achievement made Osato the youngest dancer to ever perform with the company, a distinction that earned her a weekly salary of $25, a modest yet significant reward for her tireless efforts and unwavering passion for the art of dance.
Osato's tenure with the company spanned six illustrious years, during which she consistently demonstrated her remarkable abilities as a ballerina, showcasing her technical proficiency and artistic expression in various roles.
Osato's impressive theatrical career spanned a significant period, specifically from December 1944 to February 1946, during which she took on the iconic role of Ivy Smith in the original Broadway production of the esteemed musical "On the Town". This notable performance was famously reprised by the talented Vera-Ellen in the 1949 MGM musical adaptation.
Throughout her illustrious career, Osato continued to captivate audiences with her versatility, appearing in a wide range of productions, including various stage shows, television programs, and films. One of her most notable roles was in the delightfully kitschy musical "The Kissing Bandit", which premiered in 1948 and featured the charismatic Frank Sinatra alongside her.
Sono Osato's professional trajectory underwent a significant shift following Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal event that had far-reaching consequences for her personal and professional life. As a result of her father's internment as an enemy alien, Osato was forced to confront the harsh realities of racial prejudice, a reality that would significantly impact her career trajectory.
In an attempt to distance herself from her Japanese heritage, Osato was compelled to adopt her mother's maiden name, a decision that would ultimately lead to her performing under the stage name Sono Fitzpatrick. This significant change in her professional identity was not the only challenge she faced, as the federal government imposed a ban on her touring with the Ballet Theater in both California and Mexico.
These restrictive measures, imposed in response to the anti-Japanese sentiment that swept the nation in the aftermath of the attack, effectively barred Osato from pursuing her passion for dance on a national and international stage. Despite these significant obstacles, Osato continued to persevere, her determination to succeed serving as a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft.
Sono Osato's life took a dramatic turn later on, as she found herself becoming a target of the House Un-American Activities Committee's (HUAC) infamous blacklist. This unfortunate event was triggered by her courageous decision to address a gathering of refugees from Franco's Spain, a move that ultimately brought her dancing career to a premature close by the end of the 1950s.
Following her departure from the world of dance, Osato settled in New York, where she would spend the remainder of her years. During this time, she was married to Victor Elmaleh, a Moroccan architect and entrepreneur, with whom she shared a life filled with love, support, and mutual respect.
In the year 2006, a notable milestone was achieved by a renowned individual as she founded the Sono Osato Scholarship Program for Graduate Studies at Career Transition For Dancers, a testament to her dedication to nurturing the artistic endeavors of others.
Prior to this accomplishment, she had already made a lasting impact on the world of dance by authoring her autobiography, "Distant Dances", in 1980. This poignant and introspective work serves as a testament to her remarkable life and career, offering a glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations she faced along the way.
Through her autobiography, readers are granted a unique opportunity to delve into the thoughts, experiences, and emotions of a true dance legend, gaining a deeper understanding of the dedication, perseverance, and passion that drove her to excel in her craft.
The publication of "Distant Dances" not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual but also serves as a source of inspiration for those seeking to follow in her footsteps, offering valuable insights into the world of dance and the importance of pursuing one's passions.
Sono Osato's remarkable life and career continue to be celebrated and honored through the Sono Osato Scholarship Program, which provides vital support to aspiring dancers seeking to further their education and pursue their dreams.
