Arthur Leeth 
1953-2023

 

Dear Dance Complex Community,

It is always great to meet new friends in dance, but it is equally as wonderful to reconnect with friends from long ago. Arthur Leeth is of the long legacy of dancers that have given so much to create a field of dance in Boston and Cambridge, joining Boston Ballet in the 1970’s.

Arthur was a dancer, musician, translator, teacher, mentor, keen observer, trusted friend and confidante for many. We were very lucky when Arthur agreed to join us in these past few years, sharing his teaching in Studio 3, creating new loyal followers to join the throngs of students of all ages who have accumulated over 40 years to create a kind of Arthur fan club.

I am sad at his departure, but even more so in thinking of all his students and friends. His absence is already profoundly felt.

I was lucky enough to be coached by Arthur in a role he had danced – Drosselmeier in Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker. This was a time – the 1980’s – when the prevailing distance between modern dance (my background) and ballet wasn’t far enough for some purists. Arthur taught me with patience and focus, never berating my lack of hearing the music the way he did, or how slowly I learned. 

Count me and all of us at The Dance Complex as members of the Arthur Fan Club. Thank you, kind sir.

– Peter DiMuro

In this time of mourning, The Dance Complex will offer a tribute to Arthur in the main lobby area of our Central Square home. Community members are welcome to share memories, bring flowers, and recognize the significant impact Arthur had on the lives of many through his Saturday morning Ballet classes at The DC and beyond.