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Edward Villella: An Intimate Evening

4,438 views · Published 11 December 2010 · 55:17 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: Chicago Humanities · 2010 · Entertainment

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You know the cliché about the little boy who is dragged along to his big sister's ballet lesson and then gets hooked? That was Edward Villella. From 1957 to 1977, he performed  with the New York City Ballet, earning acclaim as the greatest male ballet dancer the United States had ever produced. His consummate blend of masculinity and grace made him a favorite of choreographer George Balanchine, for whom he originated many great roles. In 1986, he founded the Miami City Ballet, where he continues to serve as artistic director and CEO. The Festival welcomes Villella for an intimate evening in which he reflects on his history as a dancer for one of ballet's greatest visionaries, as well as on his own vision for dancers today.

This program was generously underwritten by Gilda and Henry Buchbinder.

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