Dancer Frank Augustyn Named Director of Dance at Adelphi
The new director, a dancer of worldwide fame and exquisite skill, has taught at some of Canada's finest schools of ballet
Garden City, NY
December 4, 2000
Frank Augustyn, one of classical ballet's leading male dancers, who has been grouped with Rudolf Nureyev and Edward Villella, has been appointed director of the dance program at Adelphi University.
Begun in 1937 by the great dancer Ruth St. Denis, Adelphi was one of the first college programs in dance in the United States.
"Frank Augustyn is a dancer of worldwide fame and exquisite skill," said Adelphi's director of performing arts, Nicholas Petron. "We are absolutely thrilled that someone of Frank's stature will be teaching not only our fine dance students but all our performing arts majors at Adelphi. He brings with him an international caché and an outstanding reputation that beautifully reflect the values of our excellent program."
Adelphi's president, Robert A. Scott, said, "Frank Augustyn's appointment as director of the dance program continues Adelphi's great tradition in the arts, preparing the directors, dancers, actors and choreographers of tomorrow. The performing arts program here, already one of the best in region, has been much enhanced by the addition of this superb dancer and educator."
A typical review of Augustyns work states: "Augustyn on stage is a revelation: one can discern the sense of men dancing, the logic and eloquence of it all..."
Augustyn, a Canadian, comes to Adelphi with a background of training from The National Ballet School in Toronto. He has most recently taught at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, where he was awarded the Ashley Fellowship. His extensive teaching and consultative experience includes some of Canada's finest schools of ballet, such as The National Ballet School, as well as The University of New Brunswick, and McMaster University. He has received honorary doctorates from both McMaster and York Universities.
In addition, Augustyn has been artistic director of the Ottawa Ballet and Le Gala des Etoiles in Montreal. From 1989 to 1994 he was guest artist at the National Ballet of Canada, and from 1982 to 1986, he was principal guest artists of the Boston Ballet. Earlier, he was principal dancer at the Berlin Opera Ballet and, for more than nineteen years, of the National Ballet Company of Canada. Among his many awards are the prestigious Order of Canada and a best from the International Ballet Competition in Moscow. He is the author of two books, including Frank Augustyn: A Memoir, published to acclaim earlier this year. His third book, which will be out next year, is based on his television series Footnotes: The Classics of Ballet, which airs on Bravo.
On his arrival, Augustyn said, "I am absolutely delighted to join the performing arts family at Adelphi. The students I've met are wonderful and talented, and I hope that my thirty-five years of dance experience can be an asset to them and to the university. I'm looking forward to developing their skills and the dance program as well."
Adelphi University, chartered in 1896, was the first institution of higher education for liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. Through its schools and programs -- The College of Arts and Science, the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the Honors College, University College/ABLE Program, and the Schools of Business, Education, Nursing, and Social Work -- the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls over 7,000 students from 37 states and 60 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation.
Media Contact
For additional information, please contact:
Lori Duggan Gold
Vice President for Communications
p - 516.877.3693
f - 516.877.3266
e - duggangold@adelphi.edu
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