“Stanley Holden...reminds one of the great comedians of the British music-hall...artists whose comedy depended not on telling jokes but on characters created out of close and loving observation.”
David Vaughan, Frederick Ashton and His Ballets
He was considered the finest character dancer in Royal Ballet history.
Stanley Holden left us too soon when he died at age 79 on May 11, 2007. He bestowed upon his friends, family and fellow dancers an unyielding dedication to excellence and an infectious celebration of life.
Not to mention a wicked sense of humor.
We won’t see his like again.
The LADI producers—Howard Ibach, Richard Kuller and Jamie Nichols—are indebted to Stanley’s commitment to this event, which at its beginning did not display the polish and professionalism it currently enjoys.
Yet Stanley lent his time, his experience and not least his reputation and good name to LADI and to us. We hope that trust was repaid in kind.
We could not have done it without you, Stanley.
Our friend will forever remain a presence in the LA Dance Invitational. And while we will miss him desperately, we’ll always remember his passion: teaching.
The Stanley Holden Award
Which is why he was so rightly proud of the annual teaching honor we named for him, the Stanley Holden Award for Distinguished Teaching. He was the first recipient in 2001.
In 2008, we will resume its annual presentation to another deserving honoree.
Stanley Holden: 1928–2007.
Stanley Holden at his 75th birthday party, with Executive Producer Howard Ibach.
Judy and Stanley Holden, Jamie Nichols and Howard Ibach at Howard’s 50th birthday party, November, 2006.
Certificate of Tribute to Stanley from the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villarairagosa.
