25 replies to this topic

[rg]

The following was forwarded to me via DanceMagazine:

For Immediate Release
>  
> Fernando Bujones
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> Fernando Bujones, one of the finest male dancers of the 20th century has passed on after a very brief and unexpected battle with malignant melanoma.
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> Born in Miami of Cuban parents, Bujones enjoyed an extraordinary performing career.  With a meteoric rise, first as a gifted dance student at the Julliard School of Music's world famous School of American Ballet in New York City, then as Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theater, becoming the first American dancer to win the prestigious Gold Medal at the Varna International Ballet Competitions, and lastly as Artistic Director of the Orlando Ballet, Bujones became a living legend in Dance.   His success and artistic achievements span over almost three decades and his charismatic presence and incredible technical prowess captivated audiences all over the world.
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> His name now and forever will be part of Dance history, joining other legendary figures like Vaslav Nijinsky, Rudolph Nureyev, Erik Bruhn and those rare others whose contributions to the world of Dance transcend the ordinary.   His art brought so much joy to the millions of people who saw him dance.   He has motivated and inspired young generations of dancers all over the world. His personal warmth and passionate spirit transcended the dance world and uplifted all those who had the opportunity to know the man.
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> He is survived by his wife Maria Bujones, daughter Alejandra K. Bujones, his mother Mary Calleiro, sister and long-time coach Zeida Cecilia Mendez, father Fernando Bujones Sr., half-brother Manny Bujones, half-sisters Susi and Annette Bujones.   A funeral service will be held in Miami, Florida, the city where he was born.

[Farrell Fan]

This is heart-breaking. May perpetual light shine upon him.

[Juliet]

Somehow....I thought he'd beat it......

He gave us all so much.....
I am so sorry.

[zerbinetta]

Pace darling Fernando.

And thank you.

[tango49]

Such a sad day for his family, friends and for those who's lives he touched with his kindness and his passion.  May his light shine bright in heaven.  Peace to you Fernando forever and always.  For those who knew you, our hearts are broken today.   Tango

[Cygnet]

This is indeed a sad loss.  May he rest in peace.

[klingsor]

Thank you Fernando. You made me smile. No easy task.

RIP

[Joseph]

Very very sad news... My best to his family and friends. He was dancing in Boston when I was there as a student at the BBSchool. I am fortunate to have been in his presence during Don Q and Sleeping Beauty back in 1993. He is a definite inspiration for any aspiring male dancer.

[Giannina]

What a shock!  Sympathies to his family.  I saw him in his prime.  His partnership with Cynthia Gregory was a marvel to behold; like dueling banjoes they brought out the best in each other, reveling in every moment, as did we.

Giannina

[leibling]

It seems like only yesterday I was looking at pictures of Bujones and Cynthia Gregory in Dancemagazine in Black Swan. I only met him once, but I guess his name was ingrained in my mind, being an icon of classical ballet from my childhood. How fast it all seems to go...

[Alina]

I put this on the other link but I am so saddened especially for Maria and his family I am repeating my post here. I was dancing with Boston Ballet when Fernando met Maria. Their relationship was truly a great love story. Two people meant for each other. My heart goes out to her-so soon and young to lose the love of your life. The same to his daughter that he loved dearly. Dad should be there to see you graduate, marry, have his grandchildren. Seems so unfair, tragic, and unexplainable. It is a huge loss to the dance world and a monumental one for his family. We as his dance family shall never forget all he has contributed.

[sz]

Fernando was my first ballet partner and my first beau, childhood sweetheart, while at SAB.

Those who knew him and/or ever had the pleasure of dancing with Fernando, will never forget how elegantly beautiful his style was.  Fernando's regal, Cuban, princely, pride made his brilliant technique and lines of perfection so fascinating and heart wrenching to watch.  Lines, lines, lines... Fernando could not make a bad one if he tried!  His turns, beats, and jumps made your jaw drop to the floor.  But we will most remember Fernando for his refinement and pure physical, classical beauty.  He was born to be a ballet's cavalier!

[ViolinConcerto]

Very, very sad.

Here is the link to the NYTimes obit:
http://www.nytimes.c...X ITdP35nsCgPdw

If it doesn't work, just go to NYTimes.com >arts >all headlines and it should be there.

[atm711]

"Good night, sweet Prince, and flights of angels
     sing thee to thy rest"

[Brioche]

So sad, so very sad.

I have so many memories of his performances here in San Francicso. One was the Third Act - Shades scene - from La Bayadere - in the days when only that act was done. He partnered Gelsey Kirkland that afternoon. Can you imagine? I don't recall him partnering her in anything else while they were here - we knew at the time how lucky we were. And I'm reminded again in this time of sadness.

My heart and prayers go out to his family.