10 Women Who Light Up the Arts Scene
Artistic powerhouses who prove 50+ is #theperfectage to take center stage.
These creative trailblazers show that inspiration only gets better with age.
The Costume Designer
Catherine Zuber, 66, six-time Tony Award-winning costume designer
"In my 60s, I have more fun with my work. I'm very conscious of doing a good job, but I have more confidence that I'll achieve my goals. And I have no time for things that are toxic — I seek out experiences and people that bring positive energy. Life is too short to invest in anything that doesn't create joy."
The Professional Dancer
Renee Robinson, 50s, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Dancer turned Teaching Artist at Yale University
"I am in a state of gratitude, surprise, and joy in my 50s. I've discovered that what I've learned as a professional dancer and principal with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater can be shaped into wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration for not just young dancers, but also anyone who studies dance and the art of storytelling. I'm still living my dance life, this time off the stage too."
The Broadway Director
Diane Paulus, 50, Tony Award-winning artistic director of the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University and Director of Waitress on Broadway
"I want to create theater that makes us feel alive and fully engaged with the changing world around us. I believe industry leaders must talk about what has been difficult and challenging — presenting the 'perfect' can send the wrong message for young women who might feel 'That's not me, I can't do that....' When you hit 50, you've lived through tough times and survived them, and you're not afraid to share."
Wardrobe: Dress: similar styles by Zara
The Classical Composer
Karen LeFrak, 69, composer, author, and a director of the New York Philharmonic
"The appreciation I have for health and family and friends at this stage of life is so vibrant it's almost neon. And after a 30-year hiatus as a mother and grandmother, I'm back in music! I compose every day and have had my music choreographed and performed all over the world. It's never too late to dream big."
Wardrobe: Tie Sleeve Top, ANN TAYLOR, $60
The Book Editor
Andrea Davis Pinkney, 53, Scholastic vice president and New York Times best-selling author
"As a black girl growing up in the 70s, there weren't a lot of books with characters who looked like me. I'm keenly aware that children's books have the power to transform lives. At my age, transformation comes from reaching back to pull others forward. It's why I make books for kids."
The Film Programmer
Doris Casap, 51, senior vice president of film programming for HBO
"At 51 I know that I am responsible for my own life experience, and find things that make me happy, like concerts, art, retreats, even dance clubs! At this stage, I can also dedicate time and energy to activism for feminism and human rights. This is the perfect age for me to be a leader because being at peace with myself, I can be even more available to others. My meaning of success? Joy!"
The Conductor
Victoria Bond, 71, composer, conductor, and producer of the Cutting Edge Concerts New Music Festival in New York
"My profession in music is an emotional roller coaster, and there was a time when I'd fall into a black hole because of critics, but over the years I've come to have an inner stability. I like being the age I am — I'd never want to be 20 again! I keep doing what I do, and I'm busier than ever."
Wardrobe: Isabella Blazer, REISS, $370; Roll-Tab Sleeve Blouse, VINCE CAMUTO, $89
The Worldwide Bestseller
RJ Palacio, 53, worldwide bestselling author of Wonder
"I'm the daughter of Latin-American immigrants, and I worked very hard to prove myself, to achieve, to validate the tough choices I know my parents made. I have also been blessed by good fortune, but it takes a lot of work to be this lucky. Audentes Fortuna iuvat. Fortune favors the bold."
Wardrobe: Bare Shoulder Blouse, ANN TAYLOR, $90
The Book Publisher
Katherine Tegen, 55, publisher of the Divergent series and of Katherine Tegen Books at HarperCollins
"I'll always be a believer in the power of reading and the way it can shape a young person's mind. Plus, now that I'm in my 50s I have an infallible bestseller radar."
The Romance Writer
Eloisa James, 55, bestselling author and, as Mary Bly, a Shakespeare professor at Fordham University
"At this age, I am strong. I have learned to say no. It's an ongoing process, beating back my wish to agree, to be liked, to win a 'most helpful' badge. But I'm polishing the ability to say no, especially in instances in which I'm asked to work for free."
Photographer: Taea Thale; Wardrobe Stylist: Jennifer Hitzges; Makeup: Mark Edio, Rommy Najor; Hair: John Ruidant, Charles McNair
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