Ballet West Mourns Death of Ballet Master Mark Goldweber

Mark Goldweber, Ballet Master for Ballet West and Director of Ballet West II, died Friday evening, December 9, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 53.

“Mark Goldweber was my right hand and one of my dearest friends,” said Adam Sklute, Artistic Director of Ballet West. “He was a genius in the dance studios and had infinite knowledge about his art form. Mark’s passion and enthusiasm for ballet, music, and culture was infectious and inspiring for everyone around him.”

Born in Coconut Grove, Florida, Goldweber received his early ballet training under renowned Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo dancer, Thomas Armour. Goldweber went on to train at The Washington School of Ballet under Mary Day as well as The School of American Ballet in New York. He joined The Joffrey Ballet in 1975 as a member of The Joffrey II Dancers and was promoted to the main Joffrey Ballet in 1977 where he made headlines right away, being cast at the age of 19 in the leading role of the "Boy in Blue" in the Joffrey’s recreation of Sir Frederick Ashton’s Les Patineurs. He later reprised the role for public television’s Dance In America series.

In 1988 Goldweber retired from The Joffrey to become founding Ballet Master for Oregon Ballet Theatre with James Canfield as Artistic Director. In 1996 he returned to The Joffrey as Ballet Master and director of the “Arpino Apprentices.” He served there until 2007 when he moved to Salt Lake City to become Ballet Master for Ballet West and the Director of Ballet West II.

Throughout his performing career, Goldweber danced and created leading roles in countless ballets by some of the world’s greatest choreographers. He performed to acclaim internationally and appeared in numerous public television dance specials. In 2003 he played himself in Robert Altman’s "The Company."

As a ballet master and teacher, Goldweber was highly respected worldwide for his meticulous attention to details, near photographic memory of steps and styles, and his exacting eye.

“Mark had the highest standards for excellence,” said Sklute, “He believed in the best a dancer could be and he would work tirelessly to help that dancer live up to his or her potential. Mark gave so much of himself, and all of us at Ballet West will miss him. He was a shining light in the world of dance.”

Goldweber is survived by his father Morton, his brother Adam, and his sister Ruth. A memorial service in Salt Lake City will take place at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to Ballet West II in memory of Mark Goldweber at www.balletwest.org or by calling (801) 869-6919.

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