SAD NEWS - Bertram Ross Passes After Long Illness

Bertram Ross, longtime partner of John Wallowitch, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2003. Bertram had been coping with Parkinson's for some time, and was in Cabrini Hospital at the last.

Bertram was well known as Martha Graham's principal dancer. He was John Wallowitch's longtime partner in life as well as in the show they did together for years at the Ballroom and other venues, a source of a lot of joy and laughter. They were the subject a beautiful film together, and recently released a CD ("Wallowitch & Ross" - Miranda Music) of the songs from their show. Both film & CD were released last fall, and you can find more about them at their website, http://www.wallowitchandross.com/.

John Wallowitch is scheduled to perform his show on Friday, April 25th at DANNY'S SKYLIGHT ROOM (346 West 46th Street, NYC - 1-212-265-8133 - http://www.dannysgrandseapalace.com/) at 7:00 pm and John plans to perform as scheduled. He says Bertram would never forgive him if he did otherwise.

INFORMATION ON FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BERTRAM ROSS

There will be a service for Bertram Ross on Saturday April 26th, at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home, 1076 Madison Avenue at 81st Street, New York, NY 10028 - Telephone: 212-288-3500 at 3:00 pm. Contributions may be sent to:

The Mary Anthony Dance Theatre Foundation Inc.
for The Bertram Ross Scholarship Fund
736 Broadway,
New York, NY 10003.

BIOGRAPHY

Bertram Ross's background as Martha Graham's partner and co-director of her company for nearly 25 years has earned him a position of enviable stature in the world of dance. He created over 35 leading roles in the Graham repertory and is indelibly associated with the roles of Saint Michael in "Seraphic Dialogue," Agamemnon and Orestes in "Clytemnestra," Adam in "Embattled Garden," Oedipus in "Night Journey" and, perhaps most of all, the Preacher in "Appalachian Spring." Mr. Ross' accomplishments in dance have been acknowledged by critics and audiences around the globe.

In critically acclaimed and wildly successful cabaret act with pianist John Wallowitch, Mr. Ross added yet another diverse facet to his extraordinary career. In addition to cabaret appearances in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Washington and London, Mr. Ross has presented his solo dance/theatre portraits of Raymond Duncan, Gordon Craig, Ted Shawn, Uncle Vanya and Noah. The performer also appeared as Prospero in the Riverside Shakespeare's production of "The Tempest." He can be seen in the roles of Oedipus and Creon in Amy Greenfield's film "Antigone," as well as Richard Morris' documentary "Wallowitch & Ross: This Moment" which has garnered praise all over the country and has just been released on Video and DVD.

If you wish to add a thought of rememberance,
send me your comments at cabarethotline@svhamstra.com
and if deemed appropriate, it will be added to this page.

Bertram Ross was my friend. He added so much to my life that I could never find words to thank him.

Bertram was the most kind, funny, brillant and handsome man I have ever met. We will miss him. He added so much to all of our lives. Together with John Wallowitch their cabaret style was innovative and a joy to behold - as was their life.

Goodbye dear friend.

Love and kisses

Barbara and Lynn

---

Bertram Ross, gave hope that "moving from the heart" is, not only possible, but a successful way to live one's life. In a dance world where I often was told of my "imperfect body"; he once said "you have a perfect instrument - if you just could learn your right from your left." Somehow he could put a curve on almost anything; bringing a smile and much needed perspective on the "bigger picture" of life. His talents will be missed on this planet, but, I'm sure "Heaven's Cabaret" has never burned brighter.

Sincerely,

Rev. Susan Tezak, former student

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