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1937 ~ 2012
Passion, a word not nearly powerful enough, helps describe Joy's dedication to classic ballet. Her career began with the legendary George Balanchine when she was a 16-year-old dancer with the New York City Ballet ("Symphony in C," "Swan Lake," "Firebird," and many others). It continued with nearly four decades of teaching aspiring young dancers in a score of schools. She was founder, manager or director (or all three) in local and regional companies from Oklahoma to California to Utah.
Joy Feldman Ludlow died Saturday night (June 9, 2012) in her home in Salt Lake City, surrounded and embraced by her loved ones. She hadn't smoked in 25 years, but the cause of death was lung cancer. She was 75.
After she retired, her boundless energy focused on gourmet cuisine and charming her friends, neighbors and relations with thoughtful entertainment and spirited conversations.
"She was always glowing," said her lifelong friend, Deanna Zollinger, who came from Somerset, N.J., to say goodbye. "People were always coming and going in her house. She loved people."
Joy was born in Brooklyn on April 6, 1937, the only child of Louis and Lillian Feldman (née Halfer). After study with the School of Performing Arts and the School of American Ballet, in a very short time she joined the New York City Ballet in 1953. She performed with the company until 1961. Tours took her to Australia, the Far East and Europe. Then as now, the NYCB was considered the best in the world. The director and ballet master was Mr. Balanchine, the brilliant choreographer whom Joy regarded - according to her husband - as a father figure. He would have a profound influence on her later career as a teacher of ballet.
She was married on June 3, 1960, to Conrad Ludlow, who would be a principal dancer with the NYCB for many years. In 2011 he retired from the University of Utah after 25 years as a teacher and associate professor of ballet.
Joy's career as a performer ended when she chose to raise a family, but in 1970 she became an instructor with the Andre Eglevsky School of Ballet. Three years later, she and Conrad founded Ballet Oklahoma and its ballet school. She was the director. She was also co-founder and co-director of the Department of Ballet at Oklahoma City University.
Later, in Utah, she served as the director for the Ballet West Academy and as an adjunct professor of ballet for the University of Utah Ballet Department. She was a visiting artist-in-residence at schools throughout the country. She also helped found the New York Connection, a summer ballet camp in Bozeman, Montana, where she was a primary ballet instructor for several years.
As an instructor, she was highly regarded for her skills in teaching pointe and technique.
"She had such beautiful combinations," said a fellow instructor, using the word for ballet exercises usually improvised by the teacher. "Complex, yet simple."
Joy is survived by her husband, Conrad; her son, Rhys, and daughter-in-law, Vivian Cordial, in Richmond, Calif., and her son, Morgan, and son-in-law, Alex Yemat, in Seattle, Wash.; her grandsons, Noah and Nathan Ludlow, in San Rafael, Calif.; her brothers-in-law, Lynn, in San Francisco, and Roger, in Sunnyvale, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Joy's request, no funeral services are planned; the family encourages donations in her memory to local hospice organizations. Further information: [email protected]
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by L.F. Ludlow, brother-in-law.
She worked played and danced in her namesake, joy,
Roseline Bodiford
Coworker
December 10, 2020
I was so fortunate to have Joy & Conrad as early influences & teaching in OKC, shortly after they relocated. Their influence on the arts community was a gift to the state. Joy instilled in me the importance of passion, discipline & perseverance in whatever one does in life. Conrad, I graduated from 1 year shy of your in Utah arrival & miss your wonderful insights, classes & love. Both of your always in the back of my mind. I know there is a bit of Joy in every dancer she touched.
June 20, 2019
I just googled Joy and Conrad. In the late 70's I had studied with them in San Francisco, California when they had their company in Mil Valley. I stayed with them and everyday crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in a big converitable to get to the studio. Joy taught me not only the principles of ballet but she also shared her love of cooking. Where I learned about cooking live lobster and eating Munster cheese and mint jam with lamb. Joy and Conrad have been woven in my memories and conversation about my fabric life's journey. Even in this day today I celebrate Joy and Conrad. Karyl Apache
Karyl Apache
September 4, 2017
We love you Joy! I bet you are dancing right now and cooking to your hearts content. ❤
Kimberly Downing
July 13, 2015
I just found out about Joy's passing. She and Conrad were both ballet teachers of mine at the University of Utah. I really liked Joy and she was a true gift to life. Conrad, I am so sorry. I remember you foundly as well and really enjoyed both you and Joy's dedication and kindness to your students.
Sincerely,
Sasha Mamula
Sasha mamula
July 10, 2015
My wife Karlene Hoole nee Duff will be 77 on 20 March 2015 .In 1958 the NYCB performed in Sydney during May and June and I have a program from that time. Karlene was with the Borovansky Ballet which soon became the Australian Ballet and the NYCB were a dancer short on account of the sudden illness of one of them . After audition Karlene was selected and was given 24 hours to learn the part with 4 in the act. The others whispered to her on stage to guide her along. At that time she was waiting to take up a scholarship for the Royal Ballet School in London , having been awarded this my Nanette de Valois. She told me very recently that she and Joy Feldman became very close at the time in 1958. Joy being a year older. We were sad to learn when going onto the internet that Joy Feldman Ludlow had died in 2012 and we send our condolences to the family. Kerlene and I were married over fifty years ago and have lived in Southern Africa ever since then as I am a descendant of the British settlers of 1820
Kind regards Karlene and Robert Hoole Durban South Africa
March 12, 2015
Everyday we love you and Conrad like family. The boys and I miss you and love you always. Namaste.
Kimberly Downing
March 16, 2014
Dear Conrad, Rhys and Morgan,
once more I would like to express my deep sorrow. May I ask you, since I unfortunately did not know about Joy's departure, to ask you to deposit for me a little piece of a nice "stone" on her grave, with which I want to express that i have visited her there. Thank you so much, Tommy Frakl
March 14, 2014
Dear Conrad, Rhys and Morgan, I just now found about Joy's death as I was surfing the net. I am so sorry! When I first arrived in NYC,17 years old, and sort of lost, Joy took me under her wing. In this guest book I saw many references to her wonderful cooking and hospitality. It made me think of the many delightful evenings I spent with her and her parents in Brooklyn.
Soon I felt quite at home in NY! I like to think I played a part in your getting together as I told her all about you many times! Love, Roberta
Roberta Meyer
December 19, 2013
Joy Ludlow was a true gift to our world.
Her elegance , beauty and style will be forever missed.
I am so very grateful and honored to know Joy and Conrad Ludlow.
They are the salt of earth. Kind , reliable and honest are only a few words to describe them.
They are the true definition of good.
I will forever miss Joy's amazing talent in the kitchen and for those of you that had the opportunity to experience an evening with the Ludlow's, what an event! What a Family!
Joy, I love you and I miss you.
To My friend Conrad and your Son's my heart goes out to you.
With much Respect and Love,
Michael Bullock
August 6, 2013
I was privileged enough to take classes from Joy while I attended the Ballet West Conservatory. She was a wonderful example, and a true joy to be around, always pushing me to be my best. I am so sorry for your loss, she will always hold a special place in my heart.
Allison Taft
October 7, 2012
Love and miss you joy!
Kimberly, Zachary, Ian and Bodi Downing-wade
September 17, 2012
Dear Conrad and family, so sorry to hear of Joys passing. There was no one like her. She had a profound influence on me in so many ways. No matter where I studied or worked no classes compared to hers. The eight eight adagios, hundreds of releves and intricate combinations. I absolutely adored her. She will be missed.
Carol Boyle Davidson
September 14, 2012
I didn't know Joy, but I know her son, Morgan. Through him I met her in spirit. She seems to me to have been a very special and beautiful woman, artist, and mother. I mourn her passing and wish comfort to all who love her.
Pat Milton
August 11, 2012
When I met Joy Ludlow (or Morgan's mom) in 1988, I was a 17-year old high school senior. One evening, a friend and I were invited over for dinner. I remember thinking the Ludlows' home was too sophisticated to be in Salt Lake City, which I viewed as totally uncool. I will never forget the meal either. I remember eating sweet potatoes prepared in a way that I had never had them, and thinking that it was the first time I had them done right. Her food was fantastic. But the most amazing part of that experience was how important both Joy and Conrad made us feel. We were just a bunch of know-nothing teenagers, and I remember during the dinner discussion feeling like my opinions were very important. I felt like an adult. So few people in this world treat one another (adults let alone teens) with that kind of warmth and respect. I was really struck by her class and beauty. When you met Joy Ludlow, you knew no matter how old you were, that you had met someone important and very special.
August 10, 2012
The memories we share here preserve Joy's loving spirit. I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute two small things about Joy.
When Conrad and Joy would visit us for the holidays, somebody in the family (Was it Conrad? Was it Lynn?) made up a colorful holiday button that read: "CONRAD BRINGS JOY!" What an appropriate name, Joy.
Secondly, and more importantly to my childhood brain, was that every time Conrad and Joy did visit, it meant we added two playmates to our family-Joy's beloved Rhys and Morgan...
Chris Ludlow
August 10, 2012
As a child, I was in awe of Joy, for she was so beautiful and sophisticated. She was always vibrant and her love of life so present. I have to imagine that she was to others as she was to me. She was just immensely generous. She hugged, she held my face in her hands, she asked a hundred questions, she praised and she beamed.
Joy was a person who drew others in, and she was lavish with her affection and exuberance. When I saw her last, though she was throwing a party and concocting a complicated many course dinner, she stopped everything to hold my face in her hands and tell me that she loved me.
Joy was a beautiful example of how to love and how to live this life.
Amy Grigsby
August 8, 2012
I was so pleased to have had a chance to know Joy during the time she and Conrad were my neighbors in Mill Valley. I remember with much fondness lovely meals and great conversation. I'm so sorry she's gone, way too soon.
Judith Peck
July 16, 2012
I will always love Joy! I'm so grateful that I was able to reconnect with her at VCA. I will cherish the memories forever! Conrad, may you have comfort that she lead a wonderful and full life that touched so many with her generosity. My love to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Leslie Peck
Leslie Peck
July 12, 2012
Dearest Joy: You will dance forever in our fond memories of your love and generous goodness.
Lynn Ludlow
Margo Freistadt
July 10, 2012
We loved knowing Joy and the dinners with her and Conrad. My only sorrow is not spending more time with both of you. Conrad my heart goes out to you for the loss of your beautiful wife who was such a grand hostess and loved her friends with so much heart. What a wonderful human being she was and what a loss not having her around. I will dedicate all of my songs to her. Conrad my heart goes out to you. You and Joy have such an amazing story and I am honored to know you!
Hal & Rosemary Ruttinger/Tanner
June 29, 2012
So sorry to hear Conrad. I have fond memories of her wonderful hospitality and many joyous gatherings with food and lively conversation. All my best to you and the boys.
Lavinia
Lavinia Welch
June 26, 2012
We love you Joy and miss you so much! You are our family always. RIP.
Kimberly, Zachary, Ian and Bodi Downing-wade
June 21, 2012
Joy was a joy. She enlivened many a day at Virginia School of the Arts in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her risotto was fabulous. I treasure the fun, fellowship and friendship I had with Joy through her friends Petrus Bosman (RIP) and David Keener. Love & miss you, Joy! Randall Watts
June 19, 2012
Dearest Conrad, my condolences to you and your family. As the co-owner of The Ballet School here in Salt Lake, I will forever be greatful for the "JOY" that she brought to the many young students who had the opportunity to study with her. We are all touched by her passing.
Jan Clark Fugit
June 18, 2012
So sorry to hear this Conrad. Our condolences to you and your family.
Bryan and Laura Pitts
June 18, 2012
Joan and Bob Sydnor loved Joy and remember so many wonderful times with her and her husband Conrad. Love to her family
June 18, 2012
Dear Conrad and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Joy. When I was playing for the two of you at Ballet Oklahoma, I often thought how aptly she was named. What a lovely teacher she was! Such organic combinations, such musicality--with extraordinary energy and kindness, she was a beautiful guide for any young dancer. Her humor and grace will be sorely missed. I hope you find comfort and strength.
Karen Bentley
June 18, 2012
So very sorry dear Conrad. Jillana
June 17, 2012
Dear Conrad and Family~
My mother and I send condolence for your lovely Joy. We were glad that you moved to the "Wilshire" condo. We felt lucky to be neighbors friends. I loved that condo. I want to thank you for giving me the role of Titania in "Midsummer Night's Dream". I really enjoyed performing. Joy was a very hard teacher for pointe class but so good and helped me a lot. We will always remember and appreciate you and Joy.
Holly Williams-Sosa
June 17, 2012
So very sorry to hear of Joy's passing. My thoughts go out to Conrad and her family. She was an aptly named woman who brought "Joy" to everyone.
John Clifford
John Clifford
June 17, 2012
Terribly sorry to hear about this. I only knew her briefly in Oklahoma. She was vivacious, funny and so down to earth. Lovely women. My deepest sympathy. Marcus Galante NYC
Marcus Galante
June 17, 2012
Dear Conrad,
I just learned the terribly sad news of Joy's passing. We were NYCB apprentices together in "Nutcracker" and I will always think of her as a dear, caring, talented woman (blessed with gorgeous feet!) who was quick to smile and laugh. My heart goes out to you and yours in sympathy at your loss.
Janice Cohen Adelson
June 17, 2012
My heart goes out to the Ludlow family during this difficult time. Joy and Conrad have always been special to our family. My in law's have lived next door to Joy and Conrad for a few years now. We have always considered them part of the family. My husband Kai and I always loved going over to Joy and Conrad's for cocktail hour. Joy loved to entertain and was such an amazing cook. They spent Christmas Eve this past year with our family, I will always cherish those wonderful memories. Joy will always have a special place in our hearts. I'm grateful to know that she is no longer suffering and in a better place. It was a pleasure knowing such a sweet and kind person. We will never forget her. We love and miss you Joy, until we meet again.
Shantel Knowlton
June 17, 2012
Dear Conrad and family, I am so sorry to hear about Joy's passing. She was so kind to me when I was a new member of the NYCB, I will never forget her. My heartfelt condolences to all ~
Dear Conrad and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Joy. She was
Carol Sumner
June 17, 2012
Just think of the many ballet students whose lives were enriched by this dedicated woman and her husband. People in Salt Lake City and everywhere owe them a debt of gratitude.
June 17, 2012
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