Fernando Bujones passed away from Lung Cancer last night
follow link for more info

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertai ... -headlines

This took my breath away.......Bless him and may he be remembered always for all his talents and dedication to ballet. An amazing man.
My heart goes out to his family and all of those that surrounded him.

Terrible, shocking news. He was far from old. I'd had no idea he was ill.

It's so sad. I remember seeing Bujones dance as a child-- his dancing was always so beautiful.

No word of his passing on his official website, but you can see some wonderful photos of him here.

Fernando was one of the greatest dancers of all time. I truly believe this. This is a sad day for all who love ballet. May he rest in peace, and my heart goes out to his beloved family.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE







Fernando Bujones Dies at Age 50

(November 10, 2005 – Orlando, Florida) – Fernando Bujones,
Artistic Director of Orlando Ballet, died in Miami early this morning
after a very brief and unexpected battle with a malignant melanoma.
Bujones, one of the finest male dancers of the 20th Century, leaves
behind a legacy of international accomplishment in performance,
choreography and teaching in addition to a world-class ballet
company. Immediate Past President or Orlando Ballet Tricia Earl said,
"Fernando came to Orlando Ballet and took an average local company and made it into a world-class organization. He was an exceptional gift
to the world of dance - not only as a performer but with the legacy he
leaves."

Born in Miami of Cuban parents, Bujones enjoyed an
extraordinary performing career. With a meteoric rise, first as a
gifted dance student at the world-famous School of American Ballet in
New York City, then as Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theater,
becoming the first American dancer to win the prestigious Gold Medal
at the Varna International Ballet Competitions, and lastly as Artistic
Director of the Orlando Ballet, Bujones became a living legend in
dance. His success and artistic achievements span over almost three
decades and his charismatic presence and incredible technical prowess
captivated audiences all over the world.

Orlando Ballet Board President Linda Landman-Gonzalez
said, "Fernando Bujones' gift to all of us was his passion for dance
and teaching and the way in which he inspired all with whom he
worked. His inspiration to so many across the world and most
importantly to all of us here at Orlando Ballet will always be a part
of us." His name now and forever will be part of dance history,
joining other legendary figures like Vaslav Nijinsky, Rudolph Nureyev,
Erik Bruhn and those rare others whose contributions to the world of
dance transcend the ordinary. His art brought so much joy to the
millions of people who saw him dance. He has motivated and inspired
young generations of dancers all over the world. His personal warmth
and passionate spirit transcended the dance world and uplifted all
those who had the opportunity to know Fernando Bujones.

Orlando Ballet Executive Director Russell P. Allen said,
“All of us at Orlando Ballet have lost a mentor and a friend. It will
be incumbent upon us to now finish the season with the same force and
trajectory that Fernando has built into the company thus ensuring that
his legacy lives on.”

Fernando Bujones is survived by his wife Maria Bujones,
daughter Alejandra K. Bujones, his mother Mary Calleiro, sister and
long-time coach Zeida Cecilia Mendez, father Fernando Bujones Sr.,
half-brother Manny Bujones, half-sisters Susi and Annette Bujones. A
funeral service will be held in Miami, Florida, the city where he was
born, on Monday, November 14, 2005. The family has requested that
support of Orlando Ballet through contributions to the Fernando
Bujones Endowment Fund be given in lieu of flowers.


For more information on Orlando Ballet and the Company’s 32nd season, visit:

www.orlandoballet.org

Established in 1974, Orlando Ballet is the only professional ballet
company in central Florida. The 32-year-old organization employs 28
national and international professional dancers, performing both
full-length classical ballets and repertoire programs. Via its
mission, Orlando Ballet seeks to entertain, educate, and enrich the
cultural growth of our community through the highest quality of dance.

For more information about the marvellous career of Fernando Bujones please visit his website:

http://www.fernandobujones.com/index.cf ... D=pd6oaKnF

and Orlando Ballet has a biographical overview:

http://www.orlandoballet.org/FernandoBio.htm

Fernando Bujones was a wonderful presence in Boston, and there is a small sculpture of him in the lobby of Boston Ballet's studio/office building.

Here's the Globe's obit with the Boston angle: Fernando Bujones, 50; called top US male ballet dancer

So sad, so very sad.

I have so many memories of his performances here in San Francicso. One was the Third Act - Shades scene - from La Bayadere - in the days when only that act was done. He partnered Gelsey Kirkland that afternoon. Can you imagine? I don't recall him partnering her in anything else while they were here - we knew at the time how lucky we were. And I'm reminded again in this time of sadness.

My heart and prayers go out to his family.

DGH

Wow, a truly dark day today is, we will all miss you "nando".

LMCtech posted in another topic:

So sad. So young. Incredible dancer. Big loss to the dance community.



more...

shocking news indeed. He was an amazing dancer and a great friend. God bless his soul and his family.

Fernando was not just a wonderful artist and dancer, but a wonderful person. He guested with the Australian Ballet in the mid 80's on our Japan tour and he was just a joy to watch and have a beer with after the show. Generous and not affected by his stardom. I will remember him for his friendship and art. God bless his soul and the family he leaves behind.
Paul.

Welcome to criticaldance, Paul, and thanks for your insight into Mr. Bujones.

He was very much a "class act".

He was just so young. All that incredicble ballet knowledge is now lost with him. Dance in general and ballet especially is an art based on oral tradition and direct passage of knowledge from genration to generation. Bujones' genration has been hard hit by AIDS and now cancer and it is to the detriment of the education of the next generation.