The Arpino Spirit
As the 08′ season of Nutcracker came to an end at the Joffrey this afternoon, the usual excitement and grandeur of this particular production was apparent but Gerald Arpino’s presence was especially missed this season at the Auditorium Theater in his usual famed box seat and backstage greeting and encouraging all the dancers and staff alike. Since I joined the Joffrey in 2004, I will always remember fondly Mr. Arpino passing us by backstage on the way to his seat between acts giving us a tap on the shoulder or a hug and kiss, showing each and every one of us his genuine love and care. It was that spirit that drove us to strive for perfection in every performance and to make each one special and memorable because he would be watching attentively. Mr. Arpino, co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet, is responsible for the choreography in snow and waltz of the flowers in Joffrey’s version. Intricate patterns, distinct musicality, and extreme detail are characteristic to the Arpino style, and most evident in The Nutcracker.
His influence has had a profound impact on my perspective as a dancer, every detail from a simple reaction in the party scene or how to kneel in flowers was significant. Every role was equally important to the production and the success depended on the culmination of everyone working together; it also was a personal belief of his as well, based on the fact that Joffrey is an unranked company, every dancer proves to be a vital member.
Mr. Arpino passed away on October 29, 2008 at the age of 85 after a long illness. It was such an honor and privilege to have worked with such an incredible and passionate artist such as Mr. A. His impact on American dance is everlasting and was certainly ground breaking in his early years with the Joffrey.
An anecdote from former Joffrey dancer, Julianne Kepley, helps paint a vivid picture of Mr. Arpino. “When I first came to Joffrey, Mr. A’s presence was everywhere and almost overwhelming. He could be harsh and sometimes dancers would almost cringe if he came into the studio with a certain look on his face and started scanning the room for someone to nab. He could easily say something that could make a dancer cry. But somehow, I always started to laugh. Not that I didn’t take him seriously. Quite the contrary!!! It was just very funny what he chose to say to get his point across. Like the time he told me he wanted me look like “Julianne” vegetables. “That’s what I want to think of when I look at you, ‘Julianne green beans’!” I had to laugh. And he always laughed with me. It made me love him! It showed me that he wanted the best for me, for all of us. No matter how he put it into words…”
Everyone who encountered Mr. Arpino has a unique story to share and will always remember his unforgettable words. Kathleen Rae Thielhelm, a current company member, recalls her first encounter with Mr. A: “and my first real address, in rehearsal, by mr. a…”hey, you,…what’s your name?” His other notable quotes range from hygiene advice, such as “brush your gums” to “trust me baby; i got things up my sleeves.”
Never a dull moment and with each generation of dancers his impact was the same throughout. We will always have those memories to share with one another and still feel his presence in the studio and theater. Thanks for all the lessons Mr. A! Cheers!
