Former NYCB Principal & RB Guest, Albert Evans, dies

[Bruce Wall]

This is TRULY shocking .... Such a lovely and talented man ... gone far, FAR too soon.  RIP

 

https://instagram.com/p/4QiHNhqRf6/

 

https://instagram.com/p/4QfgrjJ5CR/

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204458550728632&set=a.1133754148868.2020465.1377723438&type=1&theater

 

https://instagram.com/p/4QXoARP_wH/

 

(London saw Mr. Evans in the role that had been created for him by William Forsythe in 'Herman Schmerman'.  Mr. Evans danced at Covent Garden on that occasion - as he had at NY State Theatre in the piece's NYCB creation - opposite Wendy Whelan.)  

Edited June 23, 2015 by Bruce Wall

[MAB]

This is dreadful, surely he wasn't that old?  Have vivid memories of him in Western Symphony, such a character as well as being a fine dancer, I believe he was doing a lot of coaching of late, what a terrible loss to the company.

[Jan McNulty]

Oh how dreadfully sad! I too remember him in Western Symphony. I was only fortunate to see him dance a handful of times; he was such a vivid dancer.

 

Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[alison]

Far too soon indeed.  How terribly sad.  My heart goes out to his family - and to his NYCB family.

[Douglas Allen]

Shocking news, made more so as it was so unexpected.

 

It seems so recent that he had such an "exuberant" time at his farewell performance in 2010. The fact that it was so recent makes the news seem worse in some way.

 

I first saw him in 1988 at the American Music Festival (he was in Feld's The Unanswered Question)when he had just joined City Ballet and he was a major player with City Ballet over the years. I loved him in Temperaments and I loved him with Wendy Whelan. He worked well with Justin Peck as well.

 

So very, very sad. He was only in his forties - never knew his exact age.

[Bruce Wall]

It's funny but out of so many performances he gave in works by so many of the 20th/21st Century choreographic masters I think I will always remember Albert Evans for being so uniquely his own man in those roles that were created expressly on him in everything from Red Angels to simply being the best cat I've ever seen in Sleeping Beauty (Peter Martins' production, 1991).  No one rolled on the floor and purred quite like Albert did on that opening night with his legs wittily sprung in any and seemingly every direction.  His joy was always infectious be it in Four Temperments or Agon and was often shared in breathtaking thrills with Wendy Whelan.  The impression and excitement Albert Evans generated as a dancer; as an SAB teacher or - more recently - as a NYCB Ballet Master must surely endure in the hearts and minds of many for much time to come.  .  

Forty seven is no age to go. ... Not all ALL.  Still, what a life.  Bless you, Albert.  

Edited June 23, 2015 by Bruce Wall

[Bruce Wall]

A brief notation of Albert Evans' passing:

 

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/ballet-star-albert-evans-dies-short-illness-31972863

 

Albert Evans speaks in his home town (Atlanta, GA) in 2010:

 

Edited June 23, 2015 by Bruce Wall

[MAB]

He talked about his art so eloquently, many thanks for posting this.

[Bruce Wall]

An extremely moving tribute from a fellow dancer to Albert Evans:

 

http://www.thoughtsfromthepaint.com/thoughts/for-albert

 

and, for the record, the NYT obituary is here.  

Edited June 24, 2015 by Bruce Wall

[Bruce Wall]

A touching gesture which took place at the Royal Ballet's opening gala at the Koch (formerly NY State) Theater;

 

More solemnly, the evening included a moment of silence for former New York City Ballet principal Albert Evans, who died Monday at the age of 46. “He was just such a gentle soul,” said Tom Gold, who danced with him at New York City Ballet.