The dance program at the College has been paired with one of the leading names in American
dance – Edward Villella – thanks to a gift of $100,000 from Charles Lothridge '44.
Lothridge's gift will endow the Edward Villella Prize, a scholarship for a promising dance student; provide a current spendable fund supporting the Union dance program; and provide a permanent endowment for the dance program after Lothridge's death.
The Villella Prize will be awarded through a juried competition, with the prize to be determined or awarded by Villella himself. The prize includes a cash stipend to study with the Miami (Fla.) City Ballet, of which
Villella is founder and artistic director.
President Roger Hull, announcing the gift, said, “Union is indeed honored to have its dance program connected with Edward Villella through the generosity of Charles Lothridge. Both men
share our vision to further strengthen this important program.”
Lothridge said his goal “is to enhance Union's reputation in the performing arts, particularly dance, by making it
a magnet for people interested in this area.”
Viillella received an honorary doctor of humane letters from Union in 1991, the year his son, Rodney, received a bachelor's degree from the College.
One of the most celebrated dancers in the country, Villella has done much to popularize the role of the male in dance. He is a graduate of the New York Maritime Academy, where he earned a B.S. in marine transportation, lettered in baseball, and was a championship boxer.
After college, he resumed his dance training at the American School of Ballet, and in 1957 he was invited to join the New York City Ballet. As soloist and principal dancer for the company, he came to be identified with roles in George Balanchine's Tarantella, Jewels, Midsummer Night's Dream, and Prodigal Son.
He has performed for four U.S. presidents, danced at the Royal Danish Ballet and the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, and won an Emmy award for his television production of Harlequin. The Miami City Ballet, which he founded in 1986, has gained worldwide acclaim.
Lothridge, of Pipersville, Pa., retired as a psychologist from the General Electric Company.
Villella and four dancers from the Miami City Ballet will come to Union on May 6 to give a public lecture-performance and to conduct a master's class for students. Villella is not scheduled to dance during the appearance.
Union's dance program is a full-credit course that incorporates lectures and experimentation. At least four practical classes in modern dance and ballet technique are offered each term. Classes are taught by three instructors: Darlene Myers, Ellen Sinopoli, and Toni Smith. Students have a number of performing opportunities through Dance Ensemble, a student-organized group.