Jeremy Blanton, Performer, Director and Master Teacher passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, 2025. He was six days shy of his 86th birthday. From his early days in Memphis, Tennessee, to his final days in Pompano Beach, Florida, he was the consummate performer and educator.
Once leaving Memphis Civic Ballet, his classical ballet career saw him perform with the Joffrey Ballet, Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company, Agnes DeMille Heritage Dance Company and The National Ballet of Canada. There, Jeremy was known as the perfect Prince, partner and one of the most versatile artists in the company.
After a decade in Canada, Jeremy found his way to Broadway and danced in the revival of My Fair Lady and in Bob Fosse's Chicago. There he not only performed, but served as Mr. Fosse's personal dance assistant and coached Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera.
From Broadway, Jeremy found his way back to the Ballet studio when Richard Englund and Gage Bush invited him to join them as the Associate Director of American Ballet Theater II [now ABT Studio Company], the Joffrey II Dancers and ultimately back to ABT.
He later became Chair of the Dance Department at Southern Methodist University for several years prior to his retirement.
Jeremy was most known for his incredible memory for repertoire and the wonderful classes he constructed and taught. While his career was indeed prolific as a performer, he leaves behind countless generations of dancers, teachers and directors all over the world who have been touched by his work.. His legacy lives on through those who had the honor of working and training with him.
He served as an inspirational advisor to Fort Wayne Ballet. To honor his legacy, Fort Wayne Ballet will be renovating a space to serve as a permanent performing space for its 70th Anniversary Season 2026-2027 with a naming ceremony and Celebration of Life in spring of 2027.
