Sandra's obituary
Sandra Noll Hammond
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sandra Noll Hammond, 89, on September 13, 2025. Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1935, Sandra left her southern roots as a young adult to pursue a passion for dance in New York City. From there she lived an extraordinary life throughout the world, fulfilling her dream as a dancer, an educator and a leader in dance history. She authored the quintessential beginner ballet technique book, Ballet Basics, as well as numerous articles supporting her extensive research on early ballet technique. Sandra taught at University of Arizona, University of California Santa Barbara, and eventually became a full professor and director of the dance program at University of Hawaii in Honolulu where she retired in 1995.
Sandra was a distinguished woman and a beacon of wisdom and strength to those who knew her. She often remarked that “the finger of God” led her to areas that provided opportunities to successfully use her talents.
Please visit Sandra’s Wikipedia page for more details about her extraordinary life at :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Noll_Hammond. And in addition her page on CORPS de Ballet : https://www.corps-de-ballet.org/past-recipients/sandra-noll-hammond/
As we mourn Sandra’s departure, we also celebrate her amazing legacy. Her grace, courage, guidance, and research will continue to inspire and guide us.
Please use this page to share memories of Sandra so that we may all learn something new about this remarkable woman.