David Vaughan RIP

[rg]

according to those closest in to David in both the ballet world and that of Merce Cunningham, especially over the past few months when he was in ill health, the well-known author, historian and archivist died this morning.

no details have been announced about a memorial, but formal obituaries both here and in England, where David was born, are likely to published in print and on line.

 

[dirac]

I am so sorry to hear this. This is a huge loss.  Condolences to friends and family.

 

His Frederick Ashton and His Ballets remains the indispensable work on Ashton, and his Merce Cunningham: Fifty Years is just as essential. RIP.

 

 

[sandik]

Even when you know bad news is coming, it's still so hard when it arrives.  He could be kind, and arch, and erudite, and pragmatic -- all in a couple of sentences.  He was there, and he paid attention.

[vipa]

So sorry to hear that. I have many fond memories of David. I even shared the stage with him way back in the day. He was a wonderful and unique man.

[Kathleen O'Connell]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this! I really enjoyed his "The Dance Historian Is In" programs at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. 

 

The NYPL had begun to announce guest hosts for some of the more recent programs, and I'd wondered if Vaughan might be in ill health. I hope that the NYPL keeps the program going, and that it finds some way to keep his name and memory associated with it in his honor.

Edited October 27, 2017 by Kathleen O'Connell

[kfw]

I'd heard he was in hospice so I'm not surprised, but I'm sad nonetheless. I didn't even know who he was when I first heard him speak, at a seminar when the Cunningham company was at the American Dance Festival in '95 (?). Since then I've loved his Cunningham history both in print and digitally. I had the pleasure of speaking to him briefly a few times - once at my request he named the dances we'd just seen excerpted at an Event - and I envy those who knew him. 

[Drew]

The Cunningham Trust sent out several tweets which I only just saw this moment. I only knew him through his writings...which I admired and enjoyed.  Sad news--may he rest in peace. And condolences to all who cared about him.

Edited October 28, 2017 by Drew

[Peg]

He will be missed by many.

At the September “The Dance Historian is in” session, the NYPL announced that the monthly program would continue and that David Vaughan’s name would continue to be associated with it. 

[CharlieH]

Sad news, even if we knew about his condition in the past months. Wonderful scholar and gentleman. May he Rest in Peace.

[Drew]

Re-posted by the Cunningham Trust:

 

 

[Dale]

So sad. I loved reading his writings and going to his screenings. I know several people who were friends with him and I offer them my condolences.