Mark Goldweber in Gerald Arpino's "The Cowns". Photo by Herbert Migdoll.
We’ve lost too many lights in this world this year, a number of them to various forms of cancer. Some that were dear to me are former First Lady Maggie Daley (fearless and forthright), writer Christopher Hitchen (boisterous and brilliant), my friend Justin Barth (laughing and loyal) and former Joffrey Ballet dancer/Ballet Master and Ballet Master for Ballet West Mark Goldweber. On Friday, December 9th, Mark also lost his courageous battle with cancer. He was 53.
Perhaps the brightest light of them all, Mark delighted audiences and inspired students with his cheerful attitude and love for the art. I met Mark while working in the Joffrey administrative office almost 12 years ago. Every time I saw him, even if it had been years in between, he greeted me with a smile that lit up the room and a big hug. He was like that with everyone he met. Kind, loving and giving.
The arts world was rocked by the news of his death. His spirit will be missed. Here are tributes from Ballet West, Oregon Arts Watch, Miami Herald, New York Times and the Joffrey Movie site. He is featured in the film.
?’like’ is not ‘le mot just’. My sorrow knows no bounds! Mark was the latest ‘Wunderkind’ to arrive shortly before I left Joffrey. We had recently ‘refriended’ each other as fb friends and shared a long ‘chat’ that evening. I am so tired of the Ballet World’s Etoiles being snuffed out long before their time. One more cross to bear…Godspeed, Mark! We will remember your charms and talent for as long as we live and after!!! ??? XOXOXOZ :””’-/
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