Jacques d’Amboise

Date of Birth: July 28, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: May 2, 2021

Biography

Jacques d’Amboise was an American ballet dancer, choreographer, and educator. Born Joseph Jacques Ahearn on July 28, 1934, in Dedham, Massachusetts, he became one of the most celebrated male dancers in American ballet history. D’Amboise joined the New York City Ballet at the age of 15 and quickly rose to prominence under the mentorship of George Balanchine. He was known for his powerful athleticism, charming stage presence, and versatility in both classical and contemporary roles. Throughout his career, d’Amboise performed in numerous ballets, including iconic roles in “Apollo,” “Western Symphony,” and “Stars and Stripes.” He also ventured into film, appearing in the musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954). In addition to his performance career, d’Amboise was deeply committed to dance education. He founded the National Dance Institute (NDI) in 1976, an organization dedicated to bringing dance to children and fostering a love of the arts. His work with NDI has had a lasting impact, reaching thousands of students across the United States. Jacques d’Amboise received many accolades throughout his life, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and the MacArthur Fellowship. He passed away on May 2, 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of dance.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacques d’Amboise

1. Jacques d’Amboise was one of the first ballet dancers to popularize male ballet in the United States.

2. He was a protégé of George Balanchine, who created several roles specifically for him.

3. D’Amboise appeared in the classic MGM musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954).

4. He founded the National Dance Institute (NDI) to make dance accessible to children.

5. D’Amboise was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1995 for his contributions to the arts.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacques d’Amboise

1. “Dance is communication, and so the great challenge is to speak clearly, beautifully, and with inevitability.”

2. “I have always been dancing; from the time I was a kid, I would move around like I was dancing.”

3. “For me, teaching children brings the greatest joy. They are the future, and through dance, they can learn discipline, respect, and the beauty of expression.”

4. “Dance has given me everything. It’s given me a life, a purpose, a way to communicate my innermost thoughts.”

5. “The arts are not just a discipline, they are a way of life, a way to connect with humanity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jacques d’Amboise’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Jacques d’Amboise had four children: George, Christopher, Charlotte, and Catherine. His daughter Charlotte d’Amboise followed in his footsteps and became a celebrated dancer and actress.