rg Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 formal obituaries will likely be forthcoming in greater detail, but longtime dancer and recent NYCB balletmaster Victor Castelli died today. the news came first from NYCB press office and was announced to the audience at the NYCB's tues. eve. performance by Peter Martins, who spoke in front of the house curtain before it rose on MOZARTIANA. the evening's performance of this work was dedicated to Castelli's memory, in particular because it was on Castelli that Balanchine created the Gigue for the version of MOZARTIANA first shown on opening of the 1981 Tchaikovsky Festival. Link to comment
Farrell Fan Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 This is a shock -- a terrible loss. He was a great dancer in NYCB's greatest period. Link to comment
oberon Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 This is very sad news. I saw Castelli dance many times and always enjoyed him. He was a bright presence onstage. This is an unfortunate loss for the Company. Link to comment
Dale Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 How terrible. I too remember him from Mozartiana and several other ballets. He was so elegant in that role. Link to comment
vrsfanatic Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 A dear friend was lost today. May he find peace. Link to comment
Helene Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 That is very sad news. I saw him perform towards the end of his career, but the performances he gave in roles in which I remember him the most -- Candy Cane, Gigue in (Mozartiana), and Theme in Divertimento No. 15 are, for me, the gold standards, and I will never forget them. Pace, Victor Castelli. Link to comment
fandeballet Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 I saw him in a few things, especially Mozartiana. A great loss. When someone like him passes, we lose that direct tie to Mr. Balanchine, that tie is broken. He was a fine dancer, and probably was at least a valuable teacher too. Link to comment
Leigh Witchel Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 Castelli was also very important to Jerome Robbins' legacy as well - I believe he was the main ballet master for Robbins' ballets at NYCB. It's quite a loss. Link to comment
Paul Parish Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 THis is a terrible shock. Like many people, I know his actual dancing mostly from the "Mozartiana" which is available on video. What vitality and WIT!!!!Thsoe steps he makes so scouring, so incisive, WHAT ENERGY!!!!! And as Leigh says, he was a very important link in keeping he Robbins rep alive an in shape. THis is so saddening. Link to comment
carbro Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 I share the shock and sadness of the others who've posted here. And memories of Vic's modesty and elegance. And my wish that his passing, which came many years too soon, was peaceful. Link to comment
rg Posted February 9, 2005 Author Share Posted February 9, 2005 i didn't take exact notes but in his remarks last night peter martins did indicate that V.C. died 'peacefully' or word(s) to that effect. Link to comment
zerbinetta Posted February 9, 2005 Share Posted February 9, 2005 Oh, so sad. An elegant & musical dancer & a funny & charming man. Link to comment
Condor Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Former NYCB dancer and Ballet Master, Victor Castelli passed away on Tuesday morning, February 8, 2005 of pneumonia, after being diagnosed with cancer last October. He was 52 Years old. New York City Ballet will dedicate its final performance of "Mozartiana" this season to Victor’s memory, Sunday February 13 at 3:00pm. As many of you know Mr. B created the Gigue on Victor. Victor was a great dancer and much loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. The arrangement information provided by Victor’s family is: VICTOR CASTELLI There will be a viewing Thursday, February 10, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Bizub-Parker Funeral Home 47 Main Street Little Falls, New Jersey 07424 (973) 256-4700 for driving directions or more information go to: http://obit.bizub.com/obit_display.cgi?id=...listing=Current The funeral will be on Friday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. St. Catherine of Siena 339 Pompton Avenue Cedar Grove, New Jersey 973-239-7960 In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions to be sent to NYCB Dancer Emergency Fund New York City Ballet 20 Lincoln Center New York NY 10023 Link to comment
Ari Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Thank you for that information, Condor. I'm sure there are many who will want to pay their respects. Link to comment
vrsfanatic Posted February 11, 2005 Share Posted February 11, 2005 Thank you so much for the information regarding the funeral. The obituary is published in the NY Times today, but I do not know how to do the link. Correction/editions to the obituary...Victor grew up in Cedar Grove, New Jersey where his mother still resides. His "other ballet teachers" in NJ before SAB (one year) were Fred Danieli and the staff of the School of the Garden State Ballet. Link to comment
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