[4] To pay for the expensive classes, Evelyn's mother made the decision to work as a receptionist at Cyr’s studio.
[6] Despite this potential downfall for finding a career, as ballet is grounded in outward rotation, she overcame what could have become a disability through a strong work ethic.
[4] Throughout her time in the corps, she painted her neck, chest, arms, and face, as she was told to lighten her dark skin with makeup.
[12] She grew to become San Francisco Ballet’s “prima-ballerina” and an international star under Lew Christensen, Michael Smuin, and Helgi Tómasson.
[3] Following retirement from the San Francisco Ballet in May 1999, a Gala performance followed in her honor, and as a celebration, a documentary of her life was published, entitled Evelyn Cisneros, Moving On.
[8] She then became host of KQED’s monthly current events program “Bay Windows” and became an artistic consultant with San Francisco Ballet.
[8] This role had her hosting and providing content for Family Connection workshops, pre-performance talks, Community Matinees, and the Ballet’s popular Casual Friday Program.
[6] Cisneros-Legate also was adjunct professor at Endicott College building a ballet curriculum for groups like the YMCA’s gymnastics teams in Marblehead.
[8] She is also responsible for managing 32 instructors, 3 pianists, 2 administrators and for teaching and overseeing the 10 studios that make up The Hiland.
[8] In 2014 Cisneros-Legate was named by the Huffington Post as one of the "17 Ballet Icons Who Are Changing The Face Of Dance Today.
"[14] As of September 2020, Evelyn was appointed as the new Director of the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, running all four campuses of the school.