Todd Bolender Obituary

Feb. 27, 1914 - Oct. 12, 2006 Todd Bolender, Artistic Director Emeritus of Kansas City Ballet, died on Thursday at the age of 92. Mr. Bolender, a dancer, choreographer, teacher and director, became highly instrumental in both the creation and dissemination of classical dance as an American art form. He served as artistic director of Kansas City Ballet from 1981 to 1996. Mr. Bolender passed away Thursday afternoon at the University of Kansas Medical Center of complications from a stroke. Born in Canton, Ohio on February 27, 1914, Mr. Bolender grew up in a family in which the arts, music and theater in particular, were an important part of life. In 1931, when he was 17, Mr. Bolender went to New York to study theatrical dance, taking up full time residence there at about the same time George Balanchine arrived in this country. Under Mr. Balanchine's supervision, Mr. Bolender studied at the fledgling School of American Ballet with such Russian teachers as Pierre Vladimiroff, Felia Dubrovska, Anatole Oboukhoff and Ludmilla Schollar. He also trained with Muriel Stuart and, pursuing a strong interest in modern dance, studied with Louis Horst and Harald Kreutzberg. The two greatest influences on his choreography, Mr. Bolender was to say later, were Ms. Wigman and Uday Shankar. Asked why he became a ballet dancer, Mr. Bolender said simply it was the Depression and he needed a job. As a dancer, Mr. Bolender had an unusually long career, lasting from 1936 to 1972, when he performed onstage for the last time in New York City Ballet's Stravinsky Festival, for which he also choreographed two pieces, Serenade in A and Piano Rag Music. Not only was he a member of every permutation of the company that became New York City Ballet, he also danced with Littlefield Ballet in the late thirties, performing in Catherine Littlefield's Barn Dance and the first American Sleeping Beauty. He performed with Les Ballets Russe de Monte Carlo for one season (1945-46) and with Ballet Theatre for four months in 1944 before being sidelined with an injury. Mr. Bolender was a versatile dancer, originating roles in the work of Balanchine--most notably Four Temperaments, Renard, and Agon--and in much of the choreography of Jerome Robbins as well. In Eugene Loring's work, he originated the State Trooper in Filling Station and Alias in Billy the Kid. Critic and historian Doris Hering, writing in the International Dictionary of the Ballet calls him "a superb comedian with a penchant for high camp." Mother Goose Suite, made in 1943, was the first of some three dozen ballets Mr. Bolender made in the course of his long career, eleven of them for NYCB. Mr. Bolender's choreography is in the repertoires of Kansas City Ballet, NYCB, American Ballet Theater, the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, San Francisco Ballet Company, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. His best known works, both of which are still in active repertoire, are Souvenirs and The Still Point, both made in 1955. was for ballet companies, Mr. Bolender also choreographed for musical theater, opera and television, starting in 1952 with Time Remembered for Albi Marre Productions. In 1969, he choreographed The Conquering Hero, followed by Cry for us all in 1970. In Turkey, where he worked in the seventies, Mr. Bolender choreographed My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Man of La Mancha, and Showboat. Mr. Bolender taught throughout his career in New York and as a guest teacher all over the United States as well as in Turkey, Japan, Austria, and Germany. From 1963 to 1966, he was ballet director for the Cologne Opera House and from 1966-69, he filled the same role in Frankfurt. With Janet Reed he was a founding director of Pacific Northwest Ballet in 1975 and for three years starting in 1977 he was ballet director in the Ataturk Opera House. In 1981, he became the artistic director of Kansas City Ballet, which for a time became the State Ballet of Missouri, and was named artistic director emeritus in 1996. He was active in the preservation of Balanchine's work, coaching dancers in his roles in the repertoire for the Balanchine Foundation's Film Archive and reconstructing Renard for the Kansas City Ballet in 1998. In 2004, Kansas City Ballet announced that its new home, scheduled to open in 2008, would be named the Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity. In 2006, Mr. Bolender was awarded the Dance Magazine Award for his lifetime achievement in dance. Survivors include a brother, Charles Bolender of Canton, Ohio, a nephew Paul Buckwalter of Canton, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews. A gala celebration of his life will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, survivors request donations to Kansas City Ballet to be used for scholarships for the school which he founded, Kansas City Ballet School. They should be sent to: Kansas City Ballet, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108, Attention Todd Bolender Memorial Gift.

Published by Kansas City Star on Oct. 15, 2006.
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Memories and Condolences
for Todd Bolender

Not sure what to say?





Je was Mijn Beste regiseur-stop de wereld-en de Beste Directeur Keulen, en EEN Geweldig mens.
Dank VOOR DAT, JE zAL Nooit Vergeten.

margareth valkonet

May 16, 2010

I was lucky enough to find an oil painting by Don Middleton, dated 1982 that he dedicated to Todd Bolender. This is a beautiful painting that is titled, "Dancescape". Does anyone have background information on this painting. It appears as if it is a tribute to Todd Bolender's great work, and part of the KC Ballet history.

Stephanie Sizemore

January 4, 2009

Cousin of Gina Artese

Steven Lloyd

September 28, 2008

We love you

Rob Kingsland

May 3, 2007

Although I never got to visit with you often enough for my liking,Todd, your regular presence in the building always changed the sense of the place. Everyone, not just our dancers,seemed to stand straighter and be more alert. The respect you carried with everyone here was palpable. You reminded me by your grace, your civility and the mark you made on the history of dance why I chose this field for my life's work. Thank you, Todd.

Jeffrey Bentley

January 2, 2007

When I think of Mr. Bolender I think of what he brought to daily rehearsal. There were days that you knew you were in for the worst, but other days that he shared himself which always made him more human to me. There was always a bit of fear in this man that you looked up to and over time came to love. It was really his way of keeping you on your toes, I suspect. Always a real majesty behind his mystery. His sharp wit and humor was; for me, the most memorable. I will never forget him speaking with all of us dancers about staying out of the sun. We were rehearsing the Spring Season and dancing his ballet; An American in Paris. Many of the women were showing tan lines and a few of us were even a bit sunburnt. He stopped rehearsal and declared to all of us..."Your skin...your skin should be the color of a peeled apple."...."You should be so white your blue!" I don't know if that was his own or a variation on a theme-so to speak, but that was one of many and I will continue to reflect on his wisdom, his teaching, and ofcource his wicked humor. Love to you Mr. Bolender. You are a man to be celebrated!

Don Love

November 11, 2006

I feel very sad about this news. Mr. Bolender was a kind man and I feel honored that I had a privilige to briefly meet him.
He will be remembered fondly.

Tamara Tomic-Vajagic

November 1, 2006

I feel honored to have worked with Mr Bolender although I was only a child at the time. He was a tiny, elegant man of extreme intelligence.

Marian Kuemmerlein

October 31, 2006

I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Bolender, a man who truly amazed me! He was a remarkable, intelligent person whose innate artistry always shined through. Though his personal history in the dance world is enough to prove his unmatched talent, his ability to move, even in his late years, as well as his creativity and humour, opened my eyes to what a true artist he was. Noone could move like him. His intensity and devotion were inspirations to me. Todd was truly an astonishing character and master of his art. I send out my deepest appreciation, love and respect for Mr. Bolender.

Angela Grove

October 22, 2006

I danced in Kansas City Ballet with Mr. Bolender as Director until '91. He was a teacher/mentor who taugt by his attention to detail in the art of making dances. He was meticulous in every way. I've been inspired by his quest for beauty in all things.

Douglass Stewart

October 20, 2006

i worked with todd in Koln in the 60s and he remained a friend and a shinning example of professionalism, open mindeness, and a true searching artist. he sponsored me when i went to work in turkey. there his name is holly to all who worked with him. i will miss him greatly, but his voice and standards will always be in my ear.

joel schnee

October 20, 2006

I would like to extend my condolences to Mr. Bolender's family and friends. We can all look forward to the resurrection when Mr. Bolender will dance like a gazelle!

Thomas Smith

October 20, 2006

I had the honor of helping recreate the masks for "Renard".
Having danced the part of the Fox, Mr. Bolender shared his memories of that experience with us each time he entered the work room.
His recollection of the original production was as clear as if he had just left the stage.
Working with him was the chance of a lifetime and I will treasure it always.
He has my respect, and to his loved ones, my condolences.

Carol Brookover

October 20, 2006

I had the honor of beginning my professional career with Todd and have been priviledged to remain in touch with him for twenty years. I am constantly remembering his energy, musicality, theatricality and demand for perfection.That gift he passed on to so many dancers. I hope I am able to pass on what I learned from him. He was a true gentleman and source of inspiration.

Eve Lawson

October 19, 2006

After reading of Mr. Bolender's passing this morning, my mind has been filled with memories of the years I danced with the State Ballet of Missouri. Every day that I spent in Mr. Bolender's presence, I was aware that I was being coached by a living legend. He believed in my abilities and helped me gain faith in myself. The male dancers from the company will never forget our men's classes!!

Scott Alan Barker

October 18, 2006

I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Todd Bolender. As a dancer with the State Ballet of Missouri I had the experience of working with Mr. Bolender from 1986 until I retired from performing in 1992. My background and training as a dancer resulted in a style different from many of the ideals of neo-classical ballet that Mr. Bolender held. However, he always asked more of his dancers than they thought they could deliver. In doing so, in his belief that something more could always be achieved, he asked his dancers to reach further and to deliver worthy performances. His belief in the possibilities and potential of each of his dancers made working with him rewarding on a purely artistic level that is rarely experienced elsewhere.

Goddard Finley

October 16, 2006

Todd was my good friend not only during the Balanchine years but when we worked together in Ankara, Turkey presenting the first ever Broadway musical "Kiss Me Kate" It was a great success and was the first touring American production. He was well respected throughout Turkey for his mild mannered direction and was a truely honorable representative of the American culture. We have lost a true icon of the ballet world.

Maestro De Rosa

October 16, 2006

The love you had for the art of dance was like no other. The details, perfection and devotion you demonstrated was the greatest lesson I learned from you as a dancer. I had the best years of my dancing life while working for Mr. Bolender. I will miss you greatly. Thank you for a marvelous career and great road that you paved for me today! Never forgotten...greatly missed.

Deena Budd

October 16, 2006

I am extremely thankful to have known and worked with Mr. Bolender. I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity. It was truly an honor and a privilege! He was, and still is, one of the finest human beings anyone could ever know.... He will be deeply missed!

Bryan Cunningham

October 15, 2006

Everyday with Mr. Bolender was an etreme delight. His teaching,his coaching, his amazing attention to detail is what I will miss the most. I started with him as a 9 year boy and grew up with this delightful, classy, intelligent man who so enriched my life on on a daily basis. I still dance in the company 19 years after he believed in me and my talent enough to hire me and train me in this manner. I still try to do everything in the way that he taught it to me. I hope that he is still looking down on us and smiling and still sending us a bit of the grace that he showed us everyday. Thank-you Todd I love you and will miss you.

Christopher Barksdale

October 15, 2006

Scott Chamberland

October 15, 2006

He was indeed a great man, mentor and teacher. Hopefully we can honor his memory by passing along his energy, dedication to detail, and love of dance to our children and students. Thanks for everything Mr. Bolender- you will be missed but never forgotten.

Sean Duus

October 14, 2006

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Bolender while he reconstructed the ballet "Renard" and on his "Arena". He was so specific in what he wanted. Every aspect of the dance was important. I learned to take care in every single second of my dancing, not just the big moments. Thank you Mr. Bolender, it was truly an honor.

Denise Small

October 14, 2006

What can I say about Mr. Bolender...He saw me as a young dancer at 15...hired me at 18 and I danced for him for 16 years. He was my mentor, my teacher, taught me everything I know. I had the honor of dancing in so many of his marvelous works, and his energy and love of the craft of ballet lives in my soul to this day. I only hope that I can pass that on to my students. I love you Todd, and thanks for all that you gave me!!! I am trying to teach fondu like you told me!!! Shine on in heaven!!! I always wanted to read all the books that you had in your office. Jody Anderson Kansas City Ballet 1983-1999

Jody Anderson Miller

October 14, 2006

I went to the ballet this evening and had to keep reminding myself that I was not going to see him there. Mr. Bolender was the classiest, most darling gentleman I have ever known...irreplaceable. I am so thankful to have had the honor to work for him, and feel so lucky to have known him. Mr. Bolender will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Lauren Wright Duus

October 13, 2006

Humble, kind, generous and an amazing dancer. Just a few words to describe Todd. You will be so missed!
I am grateful to have known you and had the pleasure of working with you. Your legacy will live on in the dancers lives you touched.

Sandra Jennings

October 13, 2006

I remember the young and handsome Todd Bolender with the Denham Ballets Russes. In 1945 he choreographed a delightful romp called 'Musical Chairs' (later changed to 'Comedia Balettica) with music by Stravinsky. RIP

Anne Moses

October 13, 2006

It was such an honor to have worked with this man. His grace will forever bless our lives.
Thank you Mr. B.

Cristina Betts

October 13, 2006

Mr.Bolender was a gentle genius. His teachings and beautiful choreography made him our "Mr.B". I danced in the State Ballet of Missouri school and company under Todd and feel privileged to have worked with him in several of his wonderful ballets. He was classy, good hearted and his inspiration will forever live on in our dancing and everyday lives. Thank you Mr. B...........Gina M.Artese

Gina Artese

October 13, 2006

As the mother of Jody Anderson Miller who danced with the company from 1983 to 1999 it was a special honor to have known this remarkable man. He brought so much to Kansas City and to Jody's life and our lives. What a long and glorious life he lived. May the heavens be blessed with his genious. Joanna and Jim Anderson, Emerald Isle NC

Joanna Anderson

October 13, 2006

You were an inspiration and loved in the city. I shall always remember you with every piece that is danced. You brought children to love the art of ballet and this will carry on with your legacy for years to come. Thank you for everything you have done. Dance in heaven for us.

Lauren LaPointe

October 13, 2006

Mr. Bolender, we hate to let you go... Thank you so much for all you have done for Dance. It was such a pleasure to watch you coaching Phlegmatic for the Balanchine Foundation's Interpreter's Archive, and to see your re-staging of Renard.

Amy Reusch

October 12, 2006

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