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Gerald Arpino Obituary
Arpino was a dancer and choreographer when he established the troupe in 1956 with its namesake, the late Robert Joffrey.
Ballet spokeswoman Beth Silverman says Arpino died Wednesday morning in Chicago after a prolonged illness. Arpino was 86.
The Joffrey has became known for commissioning groundbreaking young choreographers, performing socially relevant pieces and reconstructing "lost" ballets of the early 20th century.
In its previous base of New York, the Joffrey often struggled for funding in the shadow of the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. It moved to Chicago in 1995.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
17 Entries
michelle obenchain
October 12, 2012
gerry was a wonderful man, funny and caring. i was just thinking of him and am devistated to read of his passing. he'll forever be in my thoughts.
Isabel and Richard Braun
November 4, 2008
Gerald Arpino will be missed. Fortunately, his legacy lives on in the company he built and in the inspired works he created.
Debra Burman
November 3, 2008
Mr. Arpino was my mentor as a young aspiring dancer. He sponsored me at ABT on scholarship in NY and helped me to find my way, which was not to be a dancer after all in the end. I was 13 years old at the time, and I have fond memories of him when I helped pre-performance making bouquets and applying sparkle dust on the dancers of the Joffrey Ballet. He and Mr Joffrey were the absolute most wonderful, inspiring, talented people in the world. Best time of my life, and he will be surely missed.
An Arts Fan
November 1, 2008
To the Family of Mr. Arpino:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. His talent and expression of life will be missed by all.
May the many comforting promises from the pages of the holy bible bring you some solace as you mourn his loss. One of these promises is mentioned at John 5:28 & 29.
Take Care,
How you can show support
Floyd Rueger
October 31, 2008
To an incandescent visionary who inspired many, contributed much, and raised the bar of artistic expression. Now he belongs to the ages.
roger todd
October 31, 2008
my thoughts and prayes are with you and his extended family -the joffrey ballet....mr roger todd
Angela
October 31, 2008
I am really sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He was such a talented man. I hope that Revelation 21:4 will bring you some comfort at this hard time.
Thomas Widgeon
October 31, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!!
October 30, 2008
My his spirit give you peace.
With Deepest sympathy
The Castro Family
Mario and Latrecia Parris
October 30, 2008
To the Family
keep your head up and keep your faith in God may he rest in peace
God Bless you in the name of Jesus
Joanne Lehr
October 30, 2008
my prayers go out to him and his family JL
Henryk Zaleski
October 30, 2008
Rest in peace.
ANNA LOUISE
October 30, 2008
REST IN PEACE GERALD ARPINO
D. ZIMMERMAN
October 30, 2008
REST IN PEACE GERALD ARPINO
Margaret King Stanley
October 29, 2008
All of us in San Antonio who enjoyed the Joffrey Ballet in their frequent appearances here are saddened by the news of Jerry's passing. He was a devoted dance supporter and a special person. We will always remember "Jamboree," the ballet created for our city. Most of all, we will miss him.
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