Actor, choreographer, and dancer, Zina Bethune, died tragically on February 12, 2012 at 12:05 a.m. in an apparent hit-and-run automobile accident in Los Angeles. As a true testament to her never ending desire to help, Bethune stopped to assist an injured animal in the road and was hit by oncoming traffic.
Zina Bethune had an extensive career in television, theatre, and film – and as a pioneer in the cyber arts. Zina began her acting career as a young child, with her impressive resume including starring roles television, feature film, and Broadway theater. Zina starred in the primetime television series, “The Nurses” and frequently guest starred on the “Judy Garland Show.” She played opposite Harvey Keitel in Martin Scorsese’s film “Who’s that Knocking at my Door” and starred on Broadway’s “Grand Hotel.”
At age six, Zina began her ballet career at George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet. She also danced with the New York City Ballet, where she starred at the first televised “Clara” in “The Nutcracker.” Zina appeared worldwide as a guest Prima Ballerina.
In 1980, Zina founded Bethune Theatredanse (now Theatre Bethune) and has led her multi-media company on tours to Europe, Asia, and North America, plus a special invitation to perform at the White House. Among her many accomplishments, Zina has choreographed and directed over 50 dance works, videos and theatrical productions. Most people were unaware that Zina achieved all of this while being substantially disabled with a dysplastic hips, scoliosis, severe lymphedema and other conditions.
Theatre Bethune is the first professional dance program in America to create a participatory dance program for disabled youth called Infinite Dreams. Zina strongly believed that “Infinite Dreams is for all people and is about the spirit and joy of dance – your spirit’s not disabled, why should what you do be disabled?”
Zina was a pioneer in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and participated in developing inclusion guidelines for The Kennedy Center Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability. Zina’s innovative work with arts and disability is now a worldwide movement that has received commendations from three U.S. Presidents, four Los Angeles Mayors, Senators, Governors, Actors Equity and The United Nations.
“She's brought light and joy to thousands of people with her choreography and dance. In addition to her groundbreaking multi-media dance performances, Zina has worked for over 25 years to provide dance and drama to children with disabilities. Think of the lives that she has made bright and now she is gone," says Paula Woodley, longtime friend, producer and member of the Theatre Bethune Board of Directors.
Zina Bethune is survived by her husband, Sean Feeley and her mother, stage, TV and film actor, Ivy Bethune and countless loving friends. She will also be deeply missed by the over 8,000 students and graduates of the Infinite Dreams program.
There will be a private service for Ms. Bethune in a few days and a memorial service open to the public in the near future to celebrate her life and art.
In lieu of flowers, kindly support Theatre Bethune. You can donate online at www.theatrebethune.org/contribute.html or www.bethuneinfinitedreams.org/support-donate.html or by mail at: Bethune Theatredanse, 3342 Barham Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90068.
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