its the mom Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 It appears from Rosalie O'Connor's facebook page that Johan Renvall has passed away: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153028497382633&set=a.10151010875862633.404856.630757632&type=1&theater Beautiful youtube of him: Link to comment
Helene Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 I was lucky to have seen him dance. What sad news. Rest in peace, Mr. Renvall. Link to comment
Alexandra Posted August 26, 2015 Share Posted August 26, 2015 This was a shock to hear/read. I loved his dancing. Link to comment
rg Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 JR was unforgettably Makarova's first-cast Bronze Idol in her staging of LA BAYADERE. quite a shock, to learn of his death. Link to comment
Drew Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 Very sad (and shocked) to read this news. I have vivid memories of seeing Renvall dance for the first time (without having any idea who he was) when he was brand new to ABT; he just soared across the stage in the Russian Dance of Baryshnikov's Nutcracker and we all felt a kind of thrill. And, of course, Renvall had a rare, shining beauty. Later when he took the role of Nutcracker Prince just watching him remove the Nutcracker mask and emerge in all his princely radiance was magical... Among the handfull of other times I saw him dance--including wonderful performances as the Bronze Idol already mentioned--I especially treasure a performance of Gurn in which his buoyant, easy, and just plain beautiful Act I varation stole the show, for a moment at least, from Baryshnikov's James. Also want to mention the warm way he smiled at Kirkland when partnering her in Great Galloping Gottschalk. Fluff made completely and utterly charming when these two danced it. Link to comment
Alexandra Posted August 27, 2015 Share Posted August 27, 2015 ABT has commented: ABT mourns the passing of former Principal Dancer Johan Renvall, who joined the Company in 1978. His 18-year career with ABT was highlighted by such roles as the Bronze Idol in "La Bayadère," Franz in "Coppélia," the Peruvian in "Gaîté Parisienne," the Nutcracker-Prince in "The Nutcracker" and James in "La Sylphide." Following his performing career, Johan passed on his knowledge as a member of ABT's Summer Intensive faculty. Link to comment
Amy Reusch Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 So young. He had a company for a little while..in the '90s?. I was trying to find reviews via Google but nothing is really popping up... Link to comment
Philip Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 So sorry to read this. Does anyone know how he died? I remember some ballet he did, tour second, and decended into grapnde plié with two more in the middle and returned to straight stsnding leg to finish with two more. Someone mentioned that he had been an ice skater when he was young, that explained it. I always wondered what had happened to him after he retired. Philip Link to comment
Amour Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 I believe Johan taught a bit in NYC at City Center. So sorry to read that he died. I've been trying to find an official obituary but no luck. Link to comment
Cygnet Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 This is very sad news. I remember his totally in the moment Mercutio in "Romeo & Juliet." He was an impeccable dancer and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Johan. Link to comment
jsmu Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 I remember him in 'Murder,' a hilarious David Gordon ballet for Baryshnikov at ABT, with Edward Gorey scenery and costumes. His starring role had multiple personalities, including one in drag. Superb in every way. Link to comment
Amy Reusch Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 NY Times has published an obituary... Perhaps it should be linked here. http://nyti.ms/1JsS40z Link to comment
Drew Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 Thank you Amy for the link... Link to comment
sandik Posted August 30, 2015 Share Posted August 30, 2015 I remember him in 'Murder,' a hilarious David Gordon ballet for Baryshnikov at ABT, with Edward Gorey scenery and costumes. His starring role had multiple personalities, including one in drag. Superb in every way. I envy you having seen this. Link to comment
Pamela Moberg Posted September 6, 2015 Share Posted September 6, 2015 How tragic, a very gifted dancer who had so much more to give. Rest in peace, Johan Renvall. Link to comment
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