WILLIAM (BILL) MARTIN-VISCOUNT

Condolences & Memories (47 entries)

• I studied with Mr. Viscount at the Southwest ballet Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and just learned of his passing. Mr. Viscount was a wonderful teacher, and gave his students the opportunity to take master classes with professionals from around the country. I remember his comment in class "No bones in the soup!" during impossible balance combinations. He also gave us many performance opportunities, and taught us a large ballet repertoire. Like so many others have stated, I have learned many of my teaching methods from him. I will miss you, Mr. Viscount, and I use your corrections each time I dance. - Posted by: Shoshanna Corner (student) on: Jun 23, 2017

• My hugs go to Helen. Kids feel only actions and all I ever remember feeling from you was love for your brother and everyone that was a part of his dream here on earth. The happiest times my family every spent were in that big brick box mansion of magic where WMV filled the space that you warmly touched. I keep wanting to write here my memories of Bill (I can call you that now, but in life you were always my Mr. Viscount) but I stop. He was too big for me and so many others. He was THAT person that, after family, you pick for your team. That first round pick that no matter at what point of your life you are at you look back and say, "He's got to be in it; it's not MY life without WMV." His teachings and friendship and magic and truth will be a book. I feel it as deep as the love he was and will continue to be. - Posted by: Naturaleza Moore (Student) on: Sep 25, 2015

• For some reason this wonderful teacher entered my mind today...so many years ago I can remember the Cavalier dancing with his queen in a brightly lit memory from my past. Mr. Viscount was funny and full of energy and grace. Learning so much without even knowing it. One special memory was of him showing me how NOT to apply stage make-up!! I thank my teacher, June Landrith for knowing Mr. Viscount and sharing their friendship and knowledge and love of the dance with our young worlds lives!! He will always live as a once in a lifetime cherished moment to so many!! - Posted by: Belinda Bergstrom (former student) on: Oct 13, 2014

• Mr. Bill Martin Viscount I just learned of your passing and find myself remembering my first class with you in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I fell during a pirouette combination to which you replied, "No sitting in class". I attended Southwest Ballet Center's Summer program for several years before turning professional. During long summer days in that Texas studio your humor helped us all laugh and remember we loved what we were doing. I have such fond memories of your love of dance, life and people. Blessed are we who were touched by your grace. - Posted by: Susanne Brink Bomeisler (Student) on: Aug 04, 2014

• Our studio just heard of his passing. We were so sorry to hear but so glad to have had the opportunity to study with him. Several of us spent summers with him in Ft. Worth. He also spent a fall with us at Ida Clarke's studio in Lake Charles. Many of us that teach classes at LCDA quote him on a regular basis. "Snap, crackle, pop" was always a favorite to those of us with older bodies! He always made the hard work worthwhile because of his humor. - Posted by: Libby McCreedy Richards (Former student) on: Jun 18, 2014

• Mr. Viscount was a brilliant and wonderful human being, as well as the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and not just with regard to ballet. When we were driving long distances, he would quiz me on national capitals, mountain ranges, rivers, foreign vocabulary, and many other topics. The breadth of his knowledge was inspiring. Mr. Viscount was my guardian for several years, as we were traveling internationally, and I had to have a legal guardian with me for medical permissions, but even without this formality, he would have been the closest thing to a father I have had. I was devastated to hear of his death and had been trying to find a way to contact him for about a year previous to it to tell him of my marriage. I am very disappointed that my husband will never meet the man who meant so much to me. - Posted by: April Hunziker Bond (Former student and life-long friend) on: Aug 02, 2013

• I was Bill's student the summer of 1978 in Arlingon, Tx at Southwest Ballet Center. I'm so sad to hear he passed away. He had a huge impact in my life and though I'm no longer a dancer I still perform and much of the confidence I owe to Bill. My condolences go out to his family and many, many friends.. - Posted by: Debbie Cestero Fancher (Student Summer 1978 SWBC) on: Jun 09, 2013

• Never got a chance to talk with Bill, face to face. We always exchanged our letters. I am very sorry to hear of his passing away. - Posted by: Burhanettin H. Kandemir (Bill was my pen friend since 1950) on: Mar 22, 2013

• I learned today, February 3rd, 2013, that my most favorite ballet teacher, "Mr. Bill" had passed away over a year ago. My heart is so heavy because so much time has passed since last we spoke and we had been out of touch for so long. I was one of a handful of full time students in Ft. Worth Texas, when he opened his year round professional training program. It was the most amazing time in my young life and I have so many great memories, I don't know where to begin. We were few and very dedicated, his baby chicks and he taught us so much in every way! He would tell us, "if you can make it through Pirouette Prison, (we fondly called our school), we would make it anywhere!" He was so right. He'd not only tell us, but lead by example, how strong, pure technique would take you anywhere! I remember, he was a great lover of figure skating but never had the time to enjoy going. So, one year for his birthday, we kidnapped him and took him ice skating. It was so funny when he walked into teach our morning class and we were all standing there bundled up to go to the rink standing at attention at the barre. He was so funny; "Mon Dieu!, what is this all about" I can honestly say, we surprised him so much with this gift and I had never seen him so happy. He was of course an amazing ice skater too and could spin like the dickens with such speed and control, wonderful to see. Oh my, so many good times are flooding in, I can't type them all... We did have a conflict and I left on not such great terms. But when I reached out to him, he welcomed me back with open arms and gave me such support and encouragement!! He never held a grudge and gave me unconditional love as any parent would give to their "baby chick"! I learned so much about ballet and about my self over that short 3 year period; 1982-1985. I have my own dance school and company now, and there is not a day I don't think of him while I'm teaching. I hope I'm passing it all on and he is pleased. I know your up in heaven BMV, dancing brilliantly and completely pain free. Forever in my heart and in my dancing feet!! Much Love, Desi (student, Southwest Ballet Center and company member, Ft. Worth City Ballet) - Posted by: Desiree LaVigne-Roan (Student) on: Feb 03, 2013

• I was a teacher who was lucky enough to learn more from the best. His calls of June, have you done your barre today during the 60's and 70's were witty and brightened any grey day. - Posted by: June Landrith (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2013

• My first class would have been in 1969. It was Hildur Nelson on piano. Bill would keep track of his students that went on to professional careers and told me he was proud that I made it in his "first 100". I was just lucky enough to have crossed paths. If you ever took a class you would never forget him. "My snake Mortisha has more turn out than that"! "No yawning, its fattening.", "Its not that kind of bar Gregg, Its a barre". We should remember he was a driving force to bring the Bournonville style to the states. Shalom, Maestro... - Posted by: Gregg Garrett (Student) on: Dec 03, 2012

• So sad to discover that Bill Martin-Viscount has died. I only ever took one or two classes with him, when he came to guest teach at Nathasha Krassovska's studio, but had heard such legends about him through the years. His teaching was wonderful, as I recall, and he had a warm, giving vibe about him. I had heard that Joyce Cuoco came often down to Texas to train with and teach for him, and that already impressed me, given her technical prowess and impressive blossoming as an artist. She had become famous as a child prodigy, and sometimes written off as almost a freak, with her rare balance, turns, etc. I figured, if she came from far distances to work with him, he must be very good. I know Mr. M.-V. trained many, many fine dancers, and he clearly inspired a lot of love. When I met him, I believe his school was closed or on hiatus, and he was preparing to go back to Israel to continue some kind of scholarly studies he had started there (I'm sorry I don't know exactly what the subject was--does anyone else have more info on that?). I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to go study with him, now that I'd experienced his teaching. I was also impressed at him devoting himself to something so different after all his dance success, and doing so at a fairly advanced age. It seems we're all better off for him having lived, and that alone is an awful lot to achieve. - Posted by: Laura C. Cutler (Admirer, student (all too briefly)) on: Nov 26, 2012

• Somehow, Bill hired me to be one of two class pianists for the SWBC in the summer of 1975. He taught an immense amount of information to this inexperienced pianist.. His humor was unique - I will never forget him saying to student after student "WHO is your teacher..." After that summer, we lost touch. Then in 2010, he found me in NYC and would call often, providing smiles, comfort and support. I'm sure there's a lucky partner in heaven dancing Spring Waters with him. Love & Peace Bill- Donald Collup - Posted by: Donald Collup (friend, brief class accompanist) on: Nov 22, 2012

• Bill took me "under his wing" as a young dancer and taught me so much about dancing and how to become a "Professional". I was so sad to find out about his passing. He was a wonderful person with an abundance of love for classical ballet. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Linda Di Bona Brassel (dancer/partner) on: Sep 26, 2012

• I had the honor of taking ballet from Mr. Viscount as a young man. I still drive by the old building where Ft. Worth City Ballet used to be and remember fondly the hard work, insights, sarcastic yet nurturing style of his classes. I am sad to hear of his passing so late. You are missed, sir. (Bow with regal port-a-bras) - Posted by: David Fialho (Former student) on: Jul 31, 2012

• I am heartbroken to only be hearing of this 6 months later. I was a student in the professional program at Southwest Ballet Center. BMV was the greatest teacher, technician, and motivator. He was the greatest influence on my teaching style today. I speak of him nearly every class I teach. I will always remember the quick wit and humor during a combination that I thought would kill me. I have fond memories of him driving his classic cadillacs. I cannot express how much this man shaped my life. I have missed him since the day I left the studio, the bell bottom jazz pants, the pig socks, and those unbelievble pirrouettes!!!! He will be forever in my heart... - Posted by: Kim Dwyer (Student) on: Jul 03, 2012

• A wonderful teacher that I meet at Joseph Giacobbe in New Orleans. You set an amazing ballet on the company and I got the pleasure to meet and take with you. Amazing teacher and our dance world will miss you. - Posted by: Donna Oas (student ) on: Jun 26, 2012

• How I missed his calls from Canada, telling me he was coming to Fort Worth and had some clothes to be altered. As I would deliver his clothes, he took me to lunch @ La Madeleine. I will miss him, but will see him in Glory. - Posted by: lenore Oliver (Seamstress, friend) on: Jun 21, 2012

• I studied with Bill and loved him. Michael J. said it the best for me. "I never thanked him enough". He inspired me and made me see more was possible. I went on to NYCB and San Francisco Ballet. His steps were incredibly hard and he would do them like they were nothing. The dance world has lost an incredible teacher. I have very fond memories of Sowest Ballet Center. RIP BMV - Posted by: Tim Fox (Student) on: May 10, 2012

• Mr. Viscount, you made me fall in love with ballet and set my course in life, first as a New York City Ballet dancer and now as a dance photographer. THANK YOU! - Posted by: Kyle Froman (Student) on: May 01, 2012

• I met William on a London Underground Train after a rehearsal with The Sadler's Wells Ballet (later The Royal Ballet) where I was a Principal Dancer. William recognised me and introduced himself as a ballet student at the School where I had just been rehearsing. He impressed me with his polite personality. I never saw him dance, but he kept in touch thru the years regularly with news of his incredible career. We finally met again in Brisbane a few years ago where we had a delightful lunch and he presented my wife, the former Ballerina, Rowena Jackson with a magnificent bouquet of flowers. William was truly memorable in every way. The last card I sent to him was returned with address unknown. The thought came to me today to search for him on the internet. Sadly we read of his passing. He truly had a wonderful career and amassed an enormous group of friends, admirers and loving students who appreciated his exceptional talents. We will all miss him, won't we! Philip and Rowena Chatfield. - Posted by: Philip Chatfield (Dancers in admiration. Long time Christmas Card senders,) on: Apr 02, 2012

• Bill's father was my mother's brother. I didn't know him in person, only through letters or e-mails. Only yesterday I learnt he passed away. I am extremely sorry for what happened. It's too hard to accept the idea. Rest in peace, Bill. My love to Helen, Samuel, Raymond and all his family. Hilda (from Brazil). - Posted by: Hilda Bago (I am Bill Martin' cousin.) on: Mar 28, 2012

• Bill has touched all of our lives. He was an incredibly unique and genius man. Anyone who knew him will miss him greatly. He has left a legacy of incredible dancers throughout the world, has been an inspiration for me personally in business and life, and has taught me to follow my dreams. In his later years I had the luxury of spending a lot of time with Bill. Some of his dreams before he passed were to plant a million trees in his yard (which we must have been close), to write an autobiography of himself, and to raise 100 million dollars to spread throughout the dance world from here in Canada to the furthest ballet. It's because of Bill that I truly appreciate the Arts of all cultures. Thank you Bill for your time over the last 6 years. I will miss you. If you're reading this and have any stories to share or would like for me to share mine feel free to contact me 204-997-5231. - Posted by: Cory Ledoux (longtime friend and colleague) on: Feb 27, 2012

• I just heard February 22, 2012 of my friend Bill passing. I am shocked, sudden, heart. Bill was a unique individual, his talent, his spirit, his love of life, his generosity. He was passionate for the State of Israel and supported it as much as he could. We shared lunches and good conversations together. I miss my friend Bill. May you rest in peace I will never forget you. - Posted by: Ariel Karabelnicoff (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2012

• Bill is / was one of the MOST AMAZING, WONDERFUL , TALENTED , LOVING , CARING & JUST ALL-AROUND GREAT MAN THAT I'VE EVER HAD THE EXTREME PLEASURE OF BEING ACQUAINTED WITH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE IS / WILL BE MISSED FOR ALL ETERNITY !!!! ALTHOUGH , HE TRULY WILL NEVER BE " GONE " !!!!!!! HE WILL ALWAYS " BE " IN / WITH MY / OUR HEARTS !!!!!!!!!!!!! - Posted by: Matthew & Barbra Falkstein (CLOSE FRIENDS) on: Feb 17, 2012

• When we were especially heavy during our petit allegro he would say, "You're splashing crisco on the walls!" - Posted by: Rachel Gatewood (Former student ) on: Feb 12, 2012

• I have only just heard from Claude Kenneson, the very sad news about Billy. We often danced together in the RWB and in particular I remember the hilarious time we had dancing the title roles in Arnold Spohr's Hansel and Gretel. We were both given scholarships to study in Copenhagen at the Royal Danish Ballet's summer school in 1962, and his infectious sense of fun made him the perfect companion. In later years we often met in London when he would be passing through. Keep dancing Dear Billy, you won't be forgotten. All my love. - Posted by: Dee Dee Washington Newmark (Fellow dancer and friend ) on: Feb 11, 2012

• I first met Bill as a student at TCU where he was invited as a guest teacher. I remember being so intrigued with the way he danced particularly the jazzy style he gave to petit allegro. I will always remember his affinity to diagonals and choreographing the most beautiful gargouilllade combination I have ever seen. He was in every way a great teacher not just of ballet but of life. I always laugh to myself to this day when I remember how his bell bottom jazz pants would get stuck under his foot as he did ronde de jambes. Not only has his training left a permenant imprint on my body but the many phrases of wisdom he imparted has served me to this day: "Why look for trouble, when trouble will always find you." Thanks Bill. I will never forget you. - Posted by: Daryl Fowkes (Student, Friend) on: Feb 08, 2012

• In the 70s, Bill came to Memphis to choreograph a program for the Memphis Ballet Company, and I went to the airport to pick him up. When he saw me in the waiting area he jumped up into the air, did two perfect revolutions, landed, and continued walking toward me. It was the most unique greeting I have ever received and no doubt astounded the other passengers. He knew it would make me laugh and it still does. I will always treasure the memories of Bill's superb dancing and his wonderful sense of humor. - Posted by: Minta Dietrich (Friend) on: Feb 04, 2012

• Mr. Viscount was an inspiration and shaped my life so many ways. He was loved by many and will be missed. - Posted by: Monica Fry (former student) on: Jan 22, 2012

• Bill played a major role in changing the course of my career when he encouraged me to audition for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet with Arnold Spohr in London. I have since referred to Bill as my Devine Intervention. We danced together many times and I am deeply saddened to hear of his death. Love always Bill - Wendy Barker - Posted by: Wendy Barker (Ballet partner and friend) on: Jan 22, 2012

• Of all the teachers I have had the good fortune to study ballet from, Bill Martin-Viscount was the greatest. I was very fortunate to have him in as a guest teacher, dancer and choreographer after opening my own studio. He also staged our Nutcracker and Spring Gala Performances for many years. I spent every summer taking my students to the Southwest Ballet Center in Arlington and then to Ft. Worth when he opened the studio there. I, too, can still hear him say, "One more time and repeat" and "New York is waiting." He was an exceptional person and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by those who knew and loved him. - Posted by: Jan Collerd (former student, teacher and friend) on: Jan 22, 2012

• I studied under Mr. Viscount, danced in his company in Ft. Worth and we became good friends. After his school dwindled and closed, he and I would get together. I would pick him up at his home and he would always invite me in to look at his dance pictures. We would then go to the big old studio, take a class and then work on different variations and Pas de deuxs. He was a marvalous partner. After class we would sometimes go to the old dorm and just walk around. He would tell me stories about his students and about his life. He was very proud of his students. He had some very funny stories about Madame Krassovska (my dear teacher) and since we both knew her well, we had some good laughs. Krassovska is gone, Victor Moreno is gone and now Bill Martin Viscout is gone. There is a big hole in my heart!! - Posted by: Janet Lynas Loper (Student, Company Member, Partner, and Friend) on: Jan 18, 2012

• I too was a student of his in Texas. I had the good fortune of his training at a young age, without which I probably would not have made it to the professional ballet level. I have vivid memories of him casually taking a fourth position and doing an en dehors pirouette. After about 7 or 8 revolutions, he would run out of momentum and finish on balance en releve. For added dramatic effect at some point his hands slipped up to take hold of the towel that was draped around his neck. It was dazzling. He did this often, dispelling any notion that perhaps that feat was a one-time accident. This was past the point in his life when he was taking a daily ballet class. Extraordinary! My favorite expression: After giving us some insanely grueling combination he would say in his drawn out, dramatic voice, "Remember, YOU were the one who wanted to dance!!!" I loved him. Thank you Mr. Viscount. - Posted by: Cheryl Jones (student) on: Jan 18, 2012

• Bill was a fascinating person and a meticulous, accomplished dancer. He was an incredibly strong partner and technically amazing in the art of the "pas de deux". He was such a force in life....I can't believe he is not in our world anymore. - Posted by: Anne Burton Avery (One of Bill's dance partners) on: Jan 17, 2012

• One of the most charming and energetic people I ever met. He showed me how to love hard work. Our world has lost a truly great artist and teacher. - Posted by: victoria ayers (vici butler) () on: Jan 17, 2012

• Bill's passing is a great loss to all who knew and admired him. - Posted by: Richard Rutherford (fellow dancer) on: Jan 17, 2012

• Bill Martin-Viscount was introduced to my ballet school The Cranford House in Dallas, Texas in the summer of 1966 as guest teacher for our summer program. I wondered why our classes that summer and for the next three summers were so full of students of all ages and coming from everywhere including Dallas. I soon learned as a student of his that he was the most talented dancer and teacher I had ever seen at age 16. For the additional 3 years each summer I got to learn from the very best. He taught me so many ballets that were classics in major ballet companies from around the world. I was hooked on ballet after being immursed into his classes. I went on to become a soloist in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for ten years 1969 to 1978. BMV was completely responsible for my audition, my scholarship to the Banff Perfoming Arts School and the RWB Professional School. I even got to dance in some of BMV's old ballets from the RWB. My favorite piece to dance was BMV's version of the snow scene from the Nutcracker. Dancing the Snow Prince was my most treasured moment in my career. BMV became more than a brillant teacher to me, he became a mentor and best friend. Yes, I admit I was in love with this ICON of dance just like everyone else was who had met him. Arnold Sphor and Bill Martin-Viscount are both in my books in the same league in the dance world. Both are missed already and both are now Angels watching over all of us they loved, cared for, and influenced our lives. - Posted by: Frank Garoutte (student, teacher, professional ballet dancer, and friend) on: Jan 17, 2012

• I attended the Southwest Ballet Center in Arlington, TX for many years under the direction of Bill Martin-Viscount. Through his guidance countless dancers were afforded incredible training, the opportunity to perform classic ballets and to work with some of the dance world's most illustrious stars: Mdm. Krassouvska, Violette Verdy, Joyce Cuoco, Anne Burton, Tanju Tuzer, Soili Arvola, Leo Ahonen not to mention Mr. V himself. But I would be amiss not to mention his wit and turn of phrase. He has escaped now from "pirouette prison" My love and regard to an incredible man and teacher. - Posted by: Keith Duncan (Former student and friend) on: Jan 17, 2012

• What an influence on our lives he was! "Once more, before we repeat!" taught us that if we could persevere through eight grandes battements en croix once on flat and again en releve, that we could make it (smiling) through any adverse circumstances that life might throw at us. - Posted by: Leslie Finch (student) on: Jan 16, 2012

• We were BMV's students at the Southwest Ballet Center with one thing in mind: to become professional dancers. BMV taught us to be physically, mentally, and emotionally tough enough to actually LIVE a professional ballet career. His daily drills of pirouettes, jumps, beats, NOW REVERSE, changed our thinking and our worlds. (When have you ever started your day with grande plie into a double pirouette landing on one foot with a back attitude?) Technically, he set the example that we all aspired to--purity, simplicity and clean lines. He also introduced us to some of the most exquisite ballerinas of the world, each one so lovely and so different. They were great examples for us as well. Each of us has a reverence and absolutely no fear of partnering because of Bill Martin-Viscount and the gorgeous ballerinas. He gave us so much practical dance knowledge and skills. His legacy will live on in all of us who lived through his classes--but there will never be another like him. - Posted by: Allison Streepey (Student) on: Jan 16, 2012

• BMV was a giant amongst my early mentors and his stature seemed to grow (from 5'7") as I came to know his influence, life force and deviant humor better. He would fishtail up in a big finned, black Cadillac with a loaded 6 shooter in the glovebox and take us to all the Texas Cowboy haunts. Next day he'd be rivetted at the barre, as if in a trance, a milk skinned marvel as if arrived from Vesuvius to demonstrate the ageless ways of unfathomable balance and form. His personal quiet was deafening if you were listening. His quixotic, generous spirit was immense, his influence literally known throughout the continents of the World, and though I internally felt small by comparison I too felt Incomparable while in his presence. Thank God he danced his shoes to dust, his ballerinas better than they ever were and his star to a place we can still see when we try. So there is a heaven and we can still aim for it with one of (my forever) heros there stoically waiting. - Posted by: Eric Horenstein, (long time friend and colleague) on: Jan 16, 2012

• I am profoundly saddened to learn this week of the passing of my teacher, Bill Martin-Viscount. I studied with Bill from the first weeks of my dancing life for many years, served on the faculty of his school and counted him as a beloved friend. He was one of the truly great artists and teachers that I had the privilege to gain instruction from and I can attribute the fact that I had a professional career at all to this generous man. As a teacher, Bill could take you beyond your limits and make you laugh while he was doing it. This was his great gift. His humor was almost unbearable and he would apply it when you thought you were about to faint. I can still hear the collective groan in the class when he would say, towards the end of an excruciating exercise, “Last time… before we repeat!”. He taught me to love to work hard and that one lesson has carried me through my life to this day. I dare say many hundreds of his former students would say the same thing. I never thanked him enough. I will miss his funny random calls, his letters from around the world. I will remember him to the end of my days and continue to emulate him in every way that I can. God bless you, Bill for all you gave on this Earth. Thank you. Your students and friends will miss you very much. - Posted by: Michael Job (Friend and former student) on: Jan 16, 2012

• Mr. Viscount was my ballet teacher from age 11-13, and I can honestly say, changed my life. He started my interest in ballet, which eventually led me to dance with the New York City Ballet, and then onto Broadway. I will never forget him, his classes, his voice, the smell of his studios. XO - Posted by: Kurt Froman (student) on: Jan 16, 2012

• The World has lost its greatest ballet teacher, and a wonderful performer. Gone but NEVER EVER forgotten. - Posted by: Michelle McGlothin Esentan (student) on: Jan 16, 2012

• A wonderful friend from Winnipeg to Russia to NYC to Fort Worth. He brought me pebbles from the Dead Sea. "Try This port a bras" he would say to wake up his students. - Posted by: James Clouser (long time friend and colleague) on: Jan 15, 2012

• Bill was Artistic Director for our Permian Civic Ballet group and mentored many of our dancers. Several he groomed and polished so they were able to achieve distinguished careers performing with major companies. He was a gifted teacher and dancer. I am a better teacher because of his instruction and example. - Posted by: Billie Lu Fielden () on: Jan 10, 2012