Choreographer and dancer Jacques d鈥橝mboise, who popularized ballet in this country while becoming one of the most celebrated dancers at New York City Ballet, passed away May 2 at his Manhattan home. His daughter, two-time Tony nominee Charlotte d'Amboise, the cause was complications from a stroke. Mr. d'Amboise was 86.
半岛体育 remembers the groundbreaking artist with this tribute, which was originally published in August 2019 to celebrate his 85th birthday.
Jacques d鈥橝mboise began his career as a dancer for New York City Ballet under the tutelage of George Balanchine. Though he went on to choreograph for NYCB, he did make his way to the theatre, performing in Broadway鈥檚 Shinbone Alley and dancing in films like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Carousel.
But in 1976 d鈥橝mboise founded the organization that would be his true legacy: the National Dance Institute. For the past four decades, NDI has been teaching children in New York City public schools to dance. The program serves over 6,000 students a week, the majority from low-income families, for free. While empowering all of the youth in the program to express themselves, NDI has also launched the careers of dancers, including , cast in Broadway鈥檚 West Side Story revival.
Even for those who did not study at NDI, d鈥橝mboise and his dancing have impacted some of today鈥檚 top dance minds. Here, they celebrate the performer and his contributions:
鈥淛acques has taught me many things aside from dance as an art form. He taught me that having patience for a vision and dream you have will allow you to enjoy and love every part of the process in turning those dreams into reality. I remember being in awe of Jacques鈥� jumping ability, I still am. He has inspired me to keep jumping and reaching for the stars through his honest and inspirational vision that he has brought to life with NDI.鈥�
鈥擠haron E. Jones (NDI alum & Action for the 2020 West Side Story Broadway revival)
鈥淭he students of NDI performed one of their dances for me when I visited, and it was a glorious experience! There was so much joy and pride in all of their faces. That experience reiterated the importance of Jacques鈥� work and his profound influence on the dance world. He has created safe spaces for all generations to find and celebrate joy through movement. It is a gift to witness!鈥�
鈥擟horeographer Camille A. Brown (Choir Boy, Once On This Island)
鈥淛acques is a legacy who has generously spent his time and money on creating a foundation to pass on his love and knowledge of dance. Jacques reminds me daily that art is for every person. Not elitist. But fundamental.鈥�
鈥擟horeographer Lorin Latarro (upcoming Almost Famous, Waitress)
鈥淎s a student, I performed the part Jacques originated in Western Symphony for SAB鈥檚 Annual Workshop. Little did I know I would go on to perform many of his roles at the New York City Ballet. It wasn鈥檛 until we worked on 鈥楢pollo鈥� together that I really understood how to dance. Jacques has become not only a mentor of mine but a friend. He flew all the way to Paris to see my first show of An American in Paris. I owe him so much. He paved the way for a guy like me to do what we both love to do.鈥�
鈥擳ony-nominated performer Robert Fairchild (An American in Paris)
鈥淲atching Jacques d鈥橝mboise and Sheree North in 鈥楾he Best Things in Life Are Free鈥� is a lesson in storytelling through dance. What made Jacques so special, you believed everything he did.鈥�
鈥擟horeographer JoAnn M. Hunter (London revival Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, School of Rock)
鈥淭he mere thought of Jacques d鈥橝mboise takes my breath away. When I was 14, I won a scholarship to the New York City Ballet. I saw Jacques dance in class and fell in love. Since then, Jacques has always brought dance to life. His body of work, especially in arts education with children, is unparalleled. Happy birthday, Jacques! Love from that 14-year-old girl.鈥�
鈥擳wo-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera (The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman)
Ruthie Fierberg is 半岛体育's former executive editor of features and branded content. She is also a freelance writer, moderator, and podcaster. Find more at .
