5 replies to this topic

[glebb]

I've just received word that Thomas Armour, my teacher, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night.
He taught me Le Spectre de la Rose and Prince Igor to name a few ballets.
I thank him most for lining the walls of his South Miami ballet studio with reproductions of Romantic Era Lithographs.
I hope Mel and Victoria will share their memories of Mr. Armour.

[Helene]

Rest in Peace, Thomas Armour.

My condolences to you and his students and his family.

[vrsfanatic]

What very sad news of a true icon in American ballet. A gentle soul indeed has passed. Condolences to his family, friends and students.

[Mel Johnson]

Thomas Armour put civic ballet on the map (see Encyclopaedia Brittanica, ser. 14) and was a major force in spreading the art over the landscape of America.  He led a long and productive life, touching thousands of dancers and being a model teacher.  I still begin about half my petit allegro combinations with demi-contretemps, just as he did (boy, did I get good at demi-contretemps!).  

May he have eternal rest,
May light perpetual shine upon him.

[Mel Johnson]

Obituary from the Miami Herald:

http://www.miami.com...al/14540865.htm

[sandik]

Mel Johnson, on May 7 2006, 03:47 PM, said:

Thomas Armour put civic ballet on the map (see Encyclopaedia Brittanica, ser. 14) and was a major force in spreading the art over the landscape of America.  He led a long and productive life, touching thousands of dancers and being a model teacher.  I still begin about half my petit allegro combinations with demi-contretemps, just as he did (boy, did I get good at demi-contretemps!).  

May he have eternal rest,
May light perpetual shine upon him.

Mel, this is such a nice tribute.  It's "Teacher Appreciation Week" at my son's school, so they've all been writing notes to teachers that they've enjoyed, and this made me think of that process.