Throwback Thursday and Hugh Laing
Born on June 6, 1911 in Barbados,
the dark and handsome Hugh Skinnner who became Hugh Laing was known as a
dramatic dancer who specialized in the ballets of Antony Tudor. He was also an
actor, appearing in movies such as Brigadoon
and The Immortal Hour.
According to
Jack Anderson who wrote his obituary, Hugh Laing “was never considered a great
technician, yet his powers of characterization and his sense of theatrical
timing were remarkable”. John Martin, writing for the New York Times in 1952
said: Mr. Laing’s ''high-tension temperament has the power of suffusing the
simplest gesture with eloquence.''
Thus it is not surprising that he
starred with both American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, often
performing roles created by Antony Tudor. Hugh Laing went with Tudor to New
York in 1939 and danced in American Ballet Theatre’s first season. They soon
made names for themselves. He and Tudor
remained collaborators until Tudor died in 1987.
Hugh Laing was married to ballerina Diana Adams from
1947-1953..
He died of cancer on May
10, 1988, at the age of 77. He will always be remembered as one of the finest
dramatic dancers of the 20th century.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance History Factoid #121
“Hugh Laing was known as a great
dramatic dancer who specialized in Antony Tudor’s ballets.”
Link of the Day:
Quote of the Day:
“Read.
As much as you can. As deeply and widely and nourishingly and irritatingly as
you can. And the good things will make you remember them, so you won't need to
take notes.”
― A.L. Kennedy
― A.L. Kennedy
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