Today, October 1st, we wish Edward Villella a happy birthday! One of Americas most celebrated male dancers, Edward Villella did much to popularize the role of the male in dance through the artistry and virility he exhibited during his performance career. Mr. Villella was born in Bayside, New York in 1936. He entered the School of American Ballet at age ten but interrupted his dance training to complete academic studies. A graduate of the New York Maritime Academy, he obtained a B.S. in marine transportation, lettered in baseball, and was a championship boxer. He returned to SAB following graduation in 1955, and in 1957 was invited to join the New York City Ballet, where he was quickly promoted to Soloist (1958), and then to Principal Dancer (1960). Mr. Villella originated many roles in the NYCB repertoire, among them, the Rubies section of ‘Jewels,’ and the role of Oberon in ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream.’ Perhaps his most famous role was in the 1960 revival of Balanchines 1929 masterpiece, ‘Prodigal Son.’ Mr. Villella originated principal roles in Jerome Robbins’ ballets ‘Dances at a Gathering’ (1969) and ‘Watermill’ (1972). Mr. Villella also served as muse for Robbins’ ‘Afternoon of a Faun’ (1953); Robbins said he had been inspired to create the ballet by seeing a young dancer, Edward Villella, stretching in a rehearsal studio, bathed in sunlight. Following his performance career, Mr. Villella served as artistic advisor to several regional companies and, in 1986, founded Miami City Ballet. In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Villella was presented the 1997 National Medal of Arts. That same year, Mr. Villella was also named a Kennedy Center Honoree. Enjoy this clip of Mr. Villella partnering Patricia McBride in a moment from ‘The Nutcracker’ (choreography is by Kurt Jacob)… https://youtube/watch?v=7Q6sj94JogI
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 23:25:48 +0000
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