David Chavez

Thanks to David, who choreographed a 1969 production of West Side Story for the Albuquerque Light Opera, I began a life of dance, dancing and teaching for over 50 years. I was a rank beginner at that time, going on stage directed by David with seriousness but such warmth and support. I have David to thank, along with my other wonderful first teachers in Albuquerque (The Haydens and Joanne Emmons) to have given me the passion of dance and a unique inspired artistic life that has taken me...

Just thinkin' about David. The Watermelon Mountain Jug Band (Me Member) did an original show with him, he was the consummate director, all knowing, all seeing, all over everything...loved him. He was the kind of guy that you would say..."greatest guy in the world."

Great guy, talented, gracious, visionary, special, really. Jeff and Raja and Robin Burrows

So very heartbroken to hear of David's passing. When I lived in Albuquerque I took jazz dance classes with him A brilliant dancer and artist. He surely is missed

Dave was a great friend and we started dancing professionally together. He was a brilliant dancer and I loved being on stage with him. My Mother Suzanne Johnston adored him and loved his choreography for the N.M. Ballet company and all the dancers loved his amazing stage direction.
Great talent and he will be missed remember Dave 5 ...6 ...7 ...8 love ya dear.

I showed artwork with David at Weems Gallery in Albuquerque and also in numerous art festivals. I feel myself very fortunate to have gotten to know David, and remember one especially pleasant experience when we had a show together in Old Town Albuquerque. The show did not produce many sales that night, but we entertained ourselves with David's mom trying to teach me Spanish, and my poor, but funny attempts to pronounce the words properly. David was a great artist and even better person. God...

David, you were always my special brother and friend as we were growing up. You remain the same today and you always will be. Thank you for the laughter.

So Sad to hear this my Mom had told me about his Illness. David was actually my Inspiration of wanting to become a Dancer. I would alway's think of him and will NEVER forget his Last Dance Performance at Popejoy it was Phenomenal & Breathtaking. RIP David hope to see you on the Other Side.

We miss you David. But you will be with us whenever we hear a theme or see a scene from ‘Lawrence’ or Westside Story, or see a painting of anything representing the history and culture of our state.