David Howard, “Teacher of Stars,” trained at the Cone Ripman (now Arts Educational) School and the Royal Academy of Dancing, winning the prestigious Adeline Genee Award at 16. Mr. Howard was a soloist with the Royal Ballet for 7 years before joining the National Ballet of Canada President of the national Association for Regional Ballet from 1976-1979. He guest taught for Royal Ballet, ABT, Joffrey Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and National Ballet of Canada.
After a successful performing career and at the invitation of Rebekah Harkness, Mr. Howard came to New York in 1966 to teach and later direct the Harkness Ballet School. In 1977 he opened his own school on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, adjacent to Lincoln Center. On any given day, scattered among the serious ballet students who found their way to David’s barré, one could plie, tendu and pirouette next to the most elite in the field. Makarova, Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, Cynthia Harvey, members of England’s Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet and numerous other companies throughout the world have made David the most sought after teacher. Since closing his school in 1995, he has traveled the world giving master classes to ballet companies, their affiliated schools, independent schools universities and regional festivals. He has coached many successful competition winners and given private lessons to television and motion picture stars.
Mr Howard is well-known for his work with international ballet competitions, adjudicating the 1979 Jackson competitor and coaching Gold medal winners, Katherine Healy (Varna 1983) and Jennifer Gelfard (Jackson 1986). The David Howard Dance Center was founded in NYC 1986. Committed to teacher education, Mr. Howard has created several instructional recording and videos.
David’s unique methodology is founded in scientific approach to movement involving kinetics and anatomical principles. His teaching techniques are as revealing and applicable to the teaching of emerging young dancers and adult beginners as to established professionals. David Howard approaches the acquisition of ballet through dynamics of movement, musicality, and energy patterns. His kinesthetic approach eliminates much of the tension and resulting injury associated with technique as it is traditionally taught.
Words cannot express the deep sorrow the dance community is feeling over the passing of David Howard. He was a very productive teacher who believed in passing along his knowledge of ballet. His many training DVDs and CDs are a testament to his devotion to the art of ballet.