February 15
Born Today:
Bill T. Jones
Contemporary dancer/choreographer Bill T. Jones (1952-), originally a student athlete, was inspired to dance after taking Contact Improvisation classes. His vast array of dance works includes pieces featuring spoken word and video, along with dance, and often he explores issues of race and identity. Jones had a hit show on Broadway, Spring Awakening (2006), that has also been produced at the West End in London.
Also Born Today: Supremely versatile ballet dancer John Kriza (1919-1975), who performed with American Ballet Theatre from 1939-1966, creating the title role in the Eugene Loring (1911-1982) ballet Billy the Kid, and as an original sailor in the Jerome Robbins (1918-1998) ballet Fancy Free (1944).