Mme. Hermine Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 Tobias Leibovitz, well known to ballet fans the world over as the owner/manager of the Ballet Shop, passed away on August 7. There has not been an obituary but I post this having come from his funeral yesterday. I may have some further detail from the family within a few days, but wanted this as a short mention for those who knew him and the shop for lo those many years. Link to comment
Drew Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 Thank you for sharing this sad news. I remember the Ballet Shop very well (and can picture Mr. Leibovitz in my head though I did not know him personally)--it was a wonderful place to find all kinds of books, programs, photos etc. At a certain time in my life I would drop in before almost every ballet performance I attended. A few years ago, quite by chance, I picked up a photo of the shop from an outdoor book (and-what-not) seller near Lincoln Center. RIP Tobias Leibovitz... Link to comment
vrsfanatic Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 Thank you for posting. My rare trips to NYC always miss The Ballet Shop. Being always early for the ballet, it was a wonderful place for me to wander through as a young ballet student awaiting the ballet to begin. I have a large ballet memorabilia collection, I believe because I was so fascinated by his store. He was always encouraging to me, although I am sure he was only trying to sell a book or two. He was a part of my ballet life, while he was unaware, from my childhood until the shop closed. He influenced my love of all things Russian ballet. May he rest in peace. Link to comment
mimsyb Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 Oh yes, The Ballet Shop and Tobias were such a huge part of my early ballet days in NY also. I too have so many books, articles, etc. bought from his shop. Always a deep pleasure to be there and peruse the shelves. RIP. Link to comment
Stage Right Posted August 11, 2015 Share Posted August 11, 2015 I'm sad to hear this, as I, too, have many wonderful memories of The Ballet Shop and its owner (I'm not sure I even knew his name back then, although I can picture him in my mind's eye). I loved that place! May he rest in peace. Link to comment
Natalia Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Toby L. was also one of the great collectors of ballet films, books and memorabilia. His partner in life and co-owner of the Ballet Shop, Norm, preceded him in death a few years ago. I reminder both of them fondly, as well as a very kind associate, Joe,who usually helped customers at the front of the shop. RIP, Toby Leibovitz! Link to comment
Birdsall Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Toby L. was also one of the great collectors of ballet films, books and memorabilia. His partner in life and co-owner of the Ballet Shop, Norm, preceded him in death a few years ago. I reminder both of them fondly, as well as a very kind associate, Joe,who usually helped customers at the front of the shop. RIP, Toby Leibovitz! Do you know how old he was? Link to comment
Mme. Hermine Posted August 16, 2015 Author Share Posted August 16, 2015 I think he was in his late 60s or thereabouts. Link to comment
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