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IN MEMORIAM
STANLEY HALL
Stanley Hall, an internationally recognized
ballet dancer, choreographer, and teacher died on June 21, 1994. He
taught ballet at The University of Texas at Austin from 1968 to 1984,
where he held the rank of professor in the Department of Physical and
Health Education and the Department of Drama.
Born in Birmingham, England, in 1917,
Mr. Hall trained at London’s Sadlers Wells (now Royal Ballet) School
and upon his graduation joined the company as a soloist. As a professional
ballet dancer, he partnered some of the world’s greatest ballerinas,
including Moira Shearer and Margot Fonteyn. In the late 1940s he left
London to tour the United States with Les Ballets de Paris under the
direction of Roland Petit. After studying jazz dance in Los Angeles
with Jack Cole, Gwen Verdon, and Bella Lewitzky, he appeared in more
than 30 Hollywood movies including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,
Oklahoma, and Carousel. He continued his American career
by performing in television specials, in musicals for the stage, and
in nightclub acts, where he toured with headliners including Betty Grable,
Jane Russell, and Liberace.
After settling in Austin in 1968, he
joined the UT faculty where he taught all levels of ballet technique.
He quickly became a leading figure in the Austin dance community by
first directing Ballet Concerto, and then assuming leadership of the
Austin Civic Ballet (now Ballet Austin) from 1968 to 1972. Mr. Hall
founded and directed his own civic ballet company, Austin Ballet Theatre,
from 1972 to 1986. Austin Ballet Theatre enjoyed tremendous success
as the company-in-residence at the Armadillo World Headquarters, a popular
Austin music hall. Mr. Hall created an eclectic repertoire for the company
with choreography ranging from classical ballets to modern and jazz
dances.
Mr. Hall launched the professional careers
of many of his students, proof of his highly developed teaching and
coaching skills. He was well loved and respected by his students and
colleagues alike. His death left a distinctive void in the Austin community.
<signed>
Larry R. Faulkner,
President
The University of Texas at Austin
<signed>
John R. Durbin, Secretary
The General Faculty
This memorial resolution was prepared by Sondra Lomax.
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