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Jennifer Alexander

December 4, 2007 at 9:42 pm · Filed under dance, 890 broadway, american ballet theater, MATTHEW

MATTHEW MURPHY
American Ballet Theatre
New York, NY USA
BIO | POSTS

(Jennifer backstage at City Center in 2006.)

Yesterday morning, the dance world awoke to devastating news; Jennifer Alexander, beloved dancer with American Ballet Theatre, had passed away in a car accident.  In the hours following the news, we all struggled to make sense of something that seemed unfathomable.  An event this tragic will never make sense to anyone.  It brings with it the never-ending question, why?

The only thing we are sure of is that after thirteen years dancing with the company, her presence will be missed more than words can express.

Since I joined the company in 2004, I had the privilege of working alongside Jennifer in the corps.  She was always an exemplary corps member and taught all of us so much.  She treated her job with the utmost importance, and was a warm and loving presence in the studio.  Her radiant smile, and delicate features lit up the room whenever she walked in.   On stage, her professionalism and dedication showed in every single role she performed.

Her untimely passing will affect everyone differently, but it’s a reminder to all of us that life is a precious gift that we all need to cherish every moment of.  Jennifer did exactly that.  In the past few years, she achieved a level of happiness that made her glowing presence even more luminous.  Her marriage to fellow corps member Julio Bragado-Young this past July left her happier than her friends had ever seen her.

I recently wrote about the corps of a company being likened to a well-oiled machine.  We lost one of our strongest parts, and we will never be the same way again.  In some ways we will move on, simply because we have to.  In so many other ways we will never be able to accept this.  There is no way to accept something as horrible as what has happened.

After talking with ABT, as well as Kristin and David, we all agreed that we wanted to have a place for everyone to share memories of the wonderful life that Jennifer lived.  Many of you may have only seen her on stage, some of you may have known her personally; whatever your relationship to this wonderful woman, please share your memories here.

As we all try to make sense of this loss, please keep Julio and his family, as well as the Alexander’s in your thoughts and prayers.

ABT will be dedicating all of the performances of “The Nutcracker” in Washington D.C. to Jennifer’s memory.

(Jennifer in “Giselle.”  Photo by Marty Sohl.)

(Jennifer and Julio in Swan Lake. Photo by Rosalie O’ Connor.

Philip said,

December 4, 2007 @ 10:04 pm

There is nothing so sad as the death of a young person.

tonya said,

December 4, 2007 @ 10:07 pm

So tragic. I just found out about it today and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Her poor family. She was so young. Perhaps it’s odd to be so upset about the death of someone you didn’t know, but when you’re a fan and you see the same people onstage all the time, you do come to feel like they’re friends. I particularly loved her in The Green Table. Her character was so innocent and sweet and she gave such a poignant performance, to me she was really the emotional center of that dance. This is so sad. I love that ABT is dedicating their Nutcracker season to her memory. I also hope Julio recovers.

IG said,

December 4, 2007 @ 10:30 pm

That’s so sad. My condolences to her family and ABT.

LC said,

December 4, 2007 @ 10:31 pm

What a horrible and devastating loss. I am so saddened by this. I don’t even have words to describe how I am feeling. My heart goes out to her family and friends and loved ones.

emma said,

December 4, 2007 @ 10:56 pm

Such a tragic loss, my deepest sympathies to her family and friends and sincere wishes that Julio has a speedy recovery.

SanderO said,

December 5, 2007 @ 2:03 am

Looking at those gorgeous photos it is hard to believe that this vital human being has been taken from us. This weight of this loss is hard to bear. She now becomes that unbearable lightness to twirl away in our memories. Good bye sweet Jennifer. Thank you for your gift.

Andrea said,

December 5, 2007 @ 2:38 am

What a wonderful tribute to my little sister, Jenny - thank you all for your kind words…

I am so proud she brought you drama, beauty, poise, skill for so many years - and especially proud that she shared her abilities with newer members of the company.

Thank you, too, to all the ballet folk who were her extended family - she knew she had a wonderful life.

Please keep your prayers coming for Julio’s recovery and peace for our families.

Please reach out once - where you might not usually - in Jenny’s memory, this holiday season.

Anna-Marie Holmes said,

December 5, 2007 @ 3:51 am

Thank you for posting those gorgeous pictures of Jennifer. I am so devastated at the loss of this wonderful young woman. I had just seen Julio a week ago here in NC and he seemed so happy and content with his marriage. I send my deepest condolences to Julio -his family and the family of Jennifer. I felt a great connection to her as she was also from Canada and danced with the Winnipeg Ballet. She had such a joyous way of dancing.I pray for a quick recovery for Julio and wishes of love and strength for him.
Anna-Marie Holmes

Alina said,

December 5, 2007 @ 4:21 am

My deepest sympathies to her family and wishes for Julio’s full recovery although he will bear great sadness in her loss. Dancers that dance in the corps for as many years as Jennifer are very special indeed. They are the backbones of ballet companies in so many ways. Jennifer’s presense will be missed for the whole ABT family and for the audience that appreciated her individually and as part of ensemble that she supported. It is a huge and senseless loss for the dance world.

Dancer said,

December 5, 2007 @ 5:05 am

Three years ago on this night, the ballet company i was a member of lost our beloved ballet master. After a show, we all hopped on the bus and headed to our next city. When we awoke the next morning at our hotel, he had passed away from heart failure at the age of 41. Words cannot express the loss and deep devastation of losing someone who truly is part of your family. A ballet company is one of the most close-knit groups of people you will ever find, you share your heart and soul with each other each day through movement, which forms a bond deeper than most. My heart goes out to the entire ABT family, and especially the Alexander and Bragado-Young families. You are all in my prayers. Rest in peace, Jennifer, beautiful dancing angel.

Sara Michelle said,

December 5, 2007 @ 6:04 am

The light that burn twice as bright burns half as long and you have burned ever so brightly…
my wish is this: that your light is brightly shining somewhere else and is now eternal.

I do not have the words to say how sad and sorry I am about this news to the family and friends and company members. Deepest sympathies to every one she knew and loved.

Susan said,

December 5, 2007 @ 7:19 am

A luminous presence on stage, Jennifer was one of those special dancers that caught one’s eye and it was
difficult to look away from her. She was an incredibly lovely dancer and quite the actress as well. I cannot imagine ABT without Jennifer but she will be remembered with the utmost admiration and appreciation
for the beauty and joy she brought to her art. Prayers for Julio, Jennifer’s family and the ABT family.

Sarah said,

December 5, 2007 @ 2:00 pm

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer’s family, friends and company members.

Tara Birtwhistle said,

December 5, 2007 @ 2:37 pm

My thoughts are with Jennifer’s family, husband and friends. I was so shocked by the news of her untimely death. I knew her not through her ABT family but through her Royal Winnipeg Ballet family. She was a big part of my school years and my early professional years. We lived together, trained together, got our first apartment together, joined the company together. Although I had not talked to Jenny for many years, I feel we have all lost a family member. She will forever remain in our hearts.

Susan Jones said,

December 5, 2007 @ 2:41 pm

Jennifer wasn’t just one of the girls. She was a lady - a graceful & eloquent person, who as a corps de ballet member, was the epitome of professionalism. Her contribution to the company, along with her standards, will not be forgotten. Your photo of her as Bathilde truly captures her radiance and artistry. Images of Jennifer keep flashing through my mind. Who will ever be able to watch The Dream & not think of her shaking her head “no” & nodding “yes” to her Lysander. That sweet face.
I know we’re all concerned about Julio. Maybe the time he needs to take to heal physically will afford him the time to begin to heal emotionally. He has a strong support system, with a close family & tons of love at ABT.
I’m also concerned about the women of the corps de ballet. We’re facing a difficult return to rehearsals next week. On one hand, I know how very strong they are. But Jennifer’s absence will leave a hole in everyone’s heart. I hope that it makes them realize how much love there is among that extraordinary group - how much support. I particularly want the new ladies to realize what a privilege it is to dance along side of them.
I love you, Julio. I love all of you at ABT. I have faith that Jennifer’s spirit will watch over us always.
Thank you, Matt

mbb said,

December 5, 2007 @ 2:42 pm

how terribly sad! multiple condolences to her family, natural and dance!! it is always a loss when someone with tremendos talent is lost to the world. Dance on!!

John Heminger said,

December 5, 2007 @ 3:04 pm

Time has pasted since I last saw Jenny but, when I was in NYC last to visit her and Andrew R. in the 90’s, they both made me very welcome and we had a great time remeniscing about Winnipeg and the RWB. It saddens me deeply to hear of such a tragedy and I pray for her family and Julio.. Those fond memories of her will always be with me.

Barbara said,

December 5, 2007 @ 4:41 pm

This just breaks my heart. A dear friend of mine recently lost her son in a car accident so I know a little about the anguish a family goes through. My condolences to her family and prayers that Julio has steady improvent. Matt, I hope you can keep us up to date on his recovery.

Steven Hyde said,

December 5, 2007 @ 5:06 pm

I am so saddened by the news of the accident and loss of Jennifer. When I think of Jennifer the words sweet, humble, supportive, joyful, beauty, nurturing come to mind. My condolences to her family, her husbands family and all her friends and colleagues. There were many years that I shared the stage with Jennifer that I will have many lasting memories of her beauty, elegance and most of all loving kindness.

David Moroni said,

December 5, 2007 @ 5:38 pm

Although several years have passed since Jennifer left Winnipeg, her presence at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School will always be remembered. As a young student of dance, she was serious and focused about her choice of career.
Her work ethics were of the utmost professional commitment and Jennifer’s dream became a reality when she joined one of the world’s great ballet companies ; I offer my deepest sympathies to her family, her friends, and colleagues .

David Moroni C.M., Founding Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional School.

sandi degeorge said,

December 5, 2007 @ 5:54 pm

This is heartbreaking news. Julio, Jennifer and their families are in my prayers.

Abby said,

December 5, 2007 @ 6:00 pm

Dancers are some of the only people who dedicate their lives to doing something simply to make people happy and bring beauty to their lives. The world would not be complete without them. To see the life of someone committed to this be taken makes the loss even more sorrowful, and to know she was a newlywed is just heartbreaking. But with the pain, we should also celebrate that a life of such grace and love blessed the world, and left it changed.

Alannah said,

December 5, 2007 @ 6:25 pm

God bless her family and friends right now, I did not know her and had never seen her dance but she was a friend of one of my teachers. They are in my prayers.

Beth Ferrell said,

December 5, 2007 @ 8:19 pm

I can’t describe how unbelievably sad I feel at this tragic news. My heart goes out to Julio, her family, her extended ABT family, and all of us who so loved watching her onstage. Her total comittment to her dancing and her admirable work ethic never ceased to amaze me. My years at ABT overlapped with Jenny’s for about 4 years. I remember when she first joined the company all of us in the corps were so taken with her kindness, her femininity, and her beautiful spirit. And I’ll never forget how she made us laugh. There was nothing quite like Jenny reciting- verbatim- all of the lines to the Star Wars battle scenes with her hair in the Giselle Act 2 hairdo. We used to beg her to do that over and over.
Now that I am retired from the company, I always sought out Jenny backstage to catch up and was always so pleased to hear how happy she was. I valued the chance also to get to see her dance. the last thing I saw her in onstage was as the woman in Leaves are Fading and she was so beautifully serene. I will always feel lucky to have known such a wonderful person and to have been touched by her special gift. Thank you Jenny.

CindyMarie Small said,

December 5, 2007 @ 8:54 pm

Such sad and shocking news. Jennifer’s ethereal grace and her beautiful smile spread warmth to all who were in her presence.
I danced with Jenny in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Company many years ago. Though I hadn’t seen her since she left Winnipeg, I had the pleasure of watching her perform in ABT’s Swan Lake while I was in New York in 2006. While I watched her dancing on her hometown stage, I recalled rooming with Jenny in New York while on tour with the RWB. Twenty year old Jenny was visibly in love with New York and was dreaming of a way to make it “home”. As I sat in the audience, I aware that I was watching a woman who knew how to make her dreams come true.
May she continue to be an inspiration for all to persue their dreams…
My thoughts are with Jenny’s family and friends and all who loved her…

Catherine Taylor said,

December 5, 2007 @ 9:00 pm

Words cannot express such a terrible loss. My deepest sympathies to Jennifer’s family, as your love for your beautiful daughter is unfathomable so must be your loss, deeply sorry. Sending wishes for Julio’s recovery, and also to his family.
I had the great pleasure to work with Jennifer at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as Ballet Mistress for the Co. She was like the most beautiful porcelain in motion, but underneath strong, always stiving to use her talent to the utmost to create beauty in all she danced. My eye always went to her whether in the studio or on stage, her essense and life force were astounding! Certainly there must be a new and brilliant star in the sky shining brightly.
Condolances as well to her ABT family, honour her with your work and dancing and your caring for each other.

Lili said,

December 5, 2007 @ 9:00 pm

I first saw Jennifer at Christine Wright’s ballet class at Studio 5-6 at 890 Broadway many years ago, and I was immediately struck by her elegance, and her luminous smile. I saw her many times afterwards both at Christine’s and Zvi’s which she graced with her lovely presence. And, of course, I would always look for her on stage during the various ABT’s seasons. I will miss her.
All my deepest condolences to her husband, her family, and to the Company for such a loss. My prayers are with you.

Simone said,

December 5, 2007 @ 9:38 pm

The tragedy of Jennifer’s passing has not yet fully settled with me, and won’t for some time. I have danced with Jennifer since 2002, we shared most of our corps positions with eachother and when we did’nt she was always right next to me. She was the ideal of what we all try to be in the studio, on stage adn in life she taught us more with her presence than anyone I have ever met. Jennifers work ethic and conduct was to be envied and admired from everyone she touched. She has been happier than I can ever recall in the past year with her recent marriage to Julio, they lit up everytime they saw eachother. We are all here to support Julio in his recovery both emotionally and physically , unconditionally. I will always remenber Jennifer as someone who taught me how to be a member of ABT and I can never express how much she meant to me and everyone at ABT.

Lynne said,

December 5, 2007 @ 9:51 pm

Jennifer and I danced together at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School…I am so incredibly sad to hear about this tragic accident. She was beautiful inside and out and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go to her family and her husband at this unfathomable time.

James Mills said,

December 6, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

My heart goes out to Julio and Jennifer’s family and all who are personally affected by this terrible accident. I was deeply saddened upon hearing hearing this news and it has persistently weighed on my mind. Julio, I can’t imagine your pain. My thoughts are with you.

Zoe said,

December 6, 2007 @ 6:07 pm

My mother and I are long-time friends and fans of ABT and would go multiple times a week to see them at the Met when I was a little girl. Jennifer Alexander was always a favorite dancer of ours and we recall every role we ever saw her dance. As others have remarked, we were always so taken by her absolute grace and radiant expression. What a loss to the dance community. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.

Martha Nicholson said,

December 6, 2007 @ 7:17 pm

In the fall of 1988 an aspiring young dancer, Jenny Alexander, moved in with me and my family and spent the year with us at our home in Winnipeg. She was such a part of our family, whether it was putting Laura and David to bed, sitting in the kitchen sewing her pointe shoes or finishing off the row of date squares. As I watched my children grow into toddlers I watched Jenny grow into a beuatiful young woman. She was a daughter to us for that year and we continued to follow her career with as much pride as her own parents. Words cannot express the sadness we feel over this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jenny’s husband and her family.

Eric Midgley said,

December 6, 2007 @ 7:44 pm

Jenny was behind me at RWB school but I remember her well. I am deeply saddened by this news. I too, dance with my spouse and can’t imagine what Julio must be going through. My thoughts and prayers to all who were close to her especially to Julio and Jenny’s family. I perform Grand Pas with Ballet Austin tonight with my wife, Gina Patterson, and will hold you all in my heart as this is the best way I know to honour Jennifer, and you.

Roslyn said,

December 6, 2007 @ 10:06 pm

I was devastated to hear that Jennifer had been killed in a car accident. She was a beautiful person & dancer, & my heart goes out to Julio (please make a speedy recovery) and both families. It is a tragic loss that will not be gotten over easily. Jennifer, your life was much too short, but it was lived fully. Rest in peace.

Amy Edwards said,

December 7, 2007 @ 3:51 am

Such tragic news… Jenny was a few years ahead of me at RWB. She was always so elegant, so graceful and beautiful to watch, even as she walked through the halls of the ballet school. I was very sorry to hear of her death and I hope that it helps to know that Jenny touched so many of us with her generous spirit. My condolences to all who are suffering from this great loss.

Adrienne Zetterberg said,

December 7, 2007 @ 4:46 am

I am very saddened to hear of this terrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with you Julio, as well as both families. I hope your recovery is a speedy one.

Kelly (MacDonald) Lumbard said,

December 7, 2007 @ 6:09 am

It is so hard to grasp the finality of a loss like this. And it seems so incomprehensible that we will not see Jenny’s serene face again. This news has jolted me and filled me with such sadness. I am so incredibly sorry for Jenny’s family and her new husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was Jenny’s roommate in school while we attended the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. She always made me laugh and her smile was contagious. There were more than a few nights we would get in trouble from our residence mother for laughing into the night. I was so proud of her success in her career. May the memory of her spirit and love surround all of you at ABT – she would want it that way. God Bless.
With sympathy,
Kelly (MacDonald) Lumbard

Gino Di Marco said,

December 7, 2007 @ 2:43 pm

Jennifer will live for ever in my mind as angel who made every body aroud her feel good and free.
my condolonces go out to her parent and family

Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower said,

December 7, 2007 @ 2:46 pm

Jennifer Alexander was mentioned in several of my ABT reviews for her poise
and regal beauty. She danced with character and created nuance in each role.
In a July 2005 “Giselle” review, I wrote, “Jennifer Alexander, in ruffled red, affianced
to Count Albrecht, was both giving and glaring, as the Count’s duplicity was revealed.” Jennifer
always caught my eye.

Julio Bragado-Young, as well, always caught my eye for persuasive character dance, exuding energy
and class. I look forward to seeing him back onstage. My thoughts are with the families of both dancers,
as well as with their friends and “family” at ABT.

Jim Leitch said,

December 7, 2007 @ 3:56 pm

To Andrea, the Alexander Family, Julio, and all in Jennifer’s life,

I am shocked and saddened to read this news today, though I did not know Jennifer well. I only had the opportunity to see her dance once, many years ago here in Alberta, with I think the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Reading just a few of these posts, it is clear she touched many lives and was an extraordinary individual.

Andrea, please accept my condolences and convey them to your family - your expansive thought and gesture above is a credit to you and Jennifer’s life and memory, and entirely in keeping with your generous spirit. May you find peace in your memories of her.

Sincerely,

Jim Leitch

Gordon Wright said,

December 7, 2007 @ 4:25 pm

Way back when at the RWB school, Jenny was a bright and focused young person and a very talented dancer. She was sharp as a tack with an engaging, knowing smile and crystal-clear eyes that never missed a thing. Her presence seemed to brighten the room or the studio. From what I’ve read above, Jenny apparently retained these qualities, and many more, throughout her too-brief career with ABT. Such a terrible and sad loss.

I wish Julio, her family, and her many friends and colleagues strength and–eventually–peace in your hearts.

Dana McCaw said,

December 7, 2007 @ 4:36 pm

We at Career Transition For Dancers were deeply saddened over this tragic news. Our hearts go out to Julio and to Jennifer’s family as well as to all of you at ABT who are dealing with this terrible loss. To Nicole, to Julio and to all of you… whether you need us or not, please know that you always have friends at CTFD and know that we are thinking about you.

Much love and strength,

Dana McCaw
CTFD

Christmas said,

December 7, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

My deepest sympathy to all that knew and loved Jennifer. May her spirit watch over you and give you strength today and always. My thoughts and prayers are with the corps de ballet that will carry on in her memory, and all of her family and friends.
Julio, may you find all the strenght and love that you need to recover from your injuries and find some peace. My prayers are with you.

ALScuder said,

December 7, 2007 @ 9:10 pm

Thank you for this web site with the beautiful photos.of Jennifer. The untimely passing of this elegant young woman is heartbreaking. She seemed the quintessential ballerina. For me, she stood out in every role she played. I used to scan the corps, looking for her pretty, face, with its glowing yet serene smile, and then focus on her. Once or twice I had the pleasure of meeting her amidst the crowd backstage, and she was patient, appreciative, and gracious to us, though she must have been very tired. Her physical presence may no longer grace the stage, but the memory of her in her royal red gown in Giselle will stay forever in my memory.

Brendali said,

December 8, 2007 @ 12:43 am

Light and blessings to all who are affected by Jennifer’s passing…I remember her beauty and serenity during my days at ABT, and of course it is sad and shocking to receive this news.

Andrea van Donselaar-Okonkwo said,

December 8, 2007 @ 4:00 am

I did not know Jenny well when I joined the RWB school in 1990 but she always struck me as this young woman who was so captivating…strong, fragile, mature, lovely–like a little doll, really…..I always admired her strength and poise…may God hold tight to her family and may her memory continue to inspire….Bless you Jenny.

Cindy Winsor said,

December 8, 2007 @ 4:24 am

I wish words could help alleviate some of the pain for the ones who cherished Jenny so much. I’m a wife and new mother, and my heart aches for her parents and her husband. May they find some solace in the number of entries on this website. It’s proof that Jenny touched so many people in her life. I too danced with Jenny in her beginning years at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet. I always knew she had what it took to make her dreams come true. Loads of talent, a kind heart and tons of determination. Although I have not seen Jenny for a few years I always enjoyed hearing of her accomplishments, especially when she joined ABT. I have many happy memories of Jenny on Concert Hour tours and of sharing the stage with her. I will always hold these memories dear in my heart.

Audrey said,

December 8, 2007 @ 4:31 am

I remember Jennifer just as she began her studies at Royal Winnipeg Ballet. What a beautiful girl and already lovely person! My condolences for all her family and friends.

Marla (Sabel) Lockhart said,

December 8, 2007 @ 7:56 pm

I remember Jennifer as a student at the RWB school. During one of our summer schools she played the role as a cat. I remember watching her reherse that role until she had it close to perfection. I remember her as a very talented and devoted dancer. My deepest sympathies to her husband, her family, her dance family and friends. May God’s grace comfort you all during this difficult time.

Tamara Hoffmann said,

December 9, 2007 @ 12:12 am

My deepest condolences to Jennifers family and close friends, what a difficult loss,our thoughts are with you ,sending you strength to get through these difficult times.. …,years ago in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet those of us who danced with her knew from the minute she joined the corps that she was dedicated and discipined beyond her years..so beautiful in every way, so serious ,yet so sweet…I didn’t know her well and its been many years since she and I left Winnipeg…but I definitely remember her wonderful smile and her passion for dance…we too at Ballet Memphis will think of Jennifer in the tedious days of Nutcracker ahead and hopefully some of her wonderful energy and life will continue on and influence us as we all honor her onstage and off in the days ahead…Tamara Hoffmann Ballet Mistress- Ballet Mempis

Sam Cotrone said,

December 9, 2007 @ 1:39 am

God bless you Jennifer.
My condolences to the family and bless you all.

Cindy Winsor said,

December 9, 2007 @ 7:12 am

I wish words could help alleviate some of the pain for the ones who cherished Jenny so much. I’m a wife and new mother, and my heart aches for her parents and her husband. May they find some solace in the number of entries on this website. It’s proof that Jenny touched so many people in her life. I too danced with Jenny in her beginning years at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet. I always knew she had what it took to make her dreams come true. Loads of talent, a kind heart and tons of determination. Although I have not seen Jenny for a few years I always enjoyed hearing of her accomplishments, especially when she joined ABT. I have many happy memories of Jenny on Concert Hour tours and of sharing the stage with her. I will always hold these memories dear in my heart.

Judy Rice said,

December 9, 2007 @ 4:15 pm

This is such tragic news. I am so sorry for everyone who knew and loved Jennifer. The pictures and comments that you are sharing make me feel as though I now know her. It’s a wonderful tribute to her. Thank you for sharing. Sincerely, Judy

April said,

December 10, 2007 @ 1:32 am

I recently joined ABT II and didnt know Jennifer very well but I can’t even say how much her beautiful smile lit up a room. she always had such a presence about her and was very welcoming to me as a new person in ABT. her locker and mine are in the same row and i cant express how it saddens me to see the back of her wedding picture every day through the front. my prayers are with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy and i know that Jennifer will be watching over all of us and giving us strength. although she has passed, we are all fortunate to have such a wonderful angel looking down on us and that makes this all a bit more comforting to me. R.I.P

missing her said,

December 11, 2007 @ 4:14 pm

Julio, Jennifer, Nicole, and Lindsay Poulis (a dancer with the martha graham school) were on their way home from my companys annual performance of the nutcracker when the car crash occoured. Julio had come for the past four years to be our cavalir so our senior company members have become close to them. I would just like to send my prayers to jennifer and julios families and let them know that the entire williamsport civic ballet company has them in our prayers!

Kay said,

December 16, 2007 @ 5:34 pm

How sad.. What a beautiful girl. My prayers are with her and her family.

darrington said,

December 17, 2007 @ 9:52 am

I met Jennifer once at the stage door after a performance. She was so warm, friendly and gracious as I babbled on about what I had seen. My sincere, deepest condolences to her family and to Julio. Artists are special people and a loss of one is a tragedy for us all. Our brief meeting will remain a treasured memory as was seeing her dance on stage.

Frances Katzen said,

December 24, 2007 @ 11:22 pm

I am shocked and deeply disturbed by such devastating news. Jennifer and I trained over the years with Maggie Black , commuting hours both ways , when i joined ABT, she was the first to welcome me and show me the ins and outs. Jennifer was one of the most committed dancers i ever met, she was the quintessentional ballet dancer. I send my deepest condolonces and prayers to her family and Julio’s.

Royle Derbitsky said,

January 4, 2008 @ 7:04 pm

I have just learned of Jennifer’s passing. I was shocked and deeply saddened.

I first met Jennifer in Winnipeg in 1993 and we kept in contact through the years. Though we spoke only periodically, I took delight in hearing of her challenges and accomplishments in both her personal and professional life.

I felt a very strong personal connection with Jennifer and I take some solace in the positive memories and knowing that she was happy and successful in her life. To all the family, please accept my condolences.

Lindsay Latham (Hensley) said,

March 7, 2008 @ 4:38 am

So sorry to hear about your loss Julio. This is a beautiful memorial to Jennifer. Best of wishes to you and your family.

Micaela Archer-Shee Guest said,

March 9, 2008 @ 1:00 pm

I am so sorry for this loss,
Jenny was my first roommate at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in 1986 / 87, she made such an impact on my life. She demonstrated such determination and drive. I followed her career with pride and was so shocked by this news.
This memorial to Jenny proves she has obviously touched so many lives in such a positive way. My heart goes out to her Mom and Dad and her husband Julio. All our lives were made better by knowing her(even for a short time) and will continue to be inspired by her presence in our hearts and thoughts.
Thank you for posting such beautiful photos and such loving words about Jenny.
Many thoughts and deepest condolences.

Micaela Director Coastal Dance

Mairi McCormick said,

March 18, 2008 @ 8:04 pm

I am so sorry for your loss.

Andrea Chris Luke & John said,

May 18, 2008 @ 7:07 pm

Missing you on a beautiful summer day Jenny. xoxo

Kasey said,

July 21, 2008 @ 1:29 am

i dance at the williamsport civic ballet company in pennsylvania and we had the privilege this past nutcracker to have julio bragado-young perform as a guest dancer. jennifer chose to come along with julio. as i received this news of jennifer’s death in a car crash on the way home from my ballet company’s nutcracker, i was devastated. although i did not know jennifer as a person, my heart and prayers are with julio and the family of this wonderful person.

Emily said,

August 28, 2008 @ 2:51 am

I also feel terrible for this tragic loss and I hope julio will be alright, along with Jennifer’s family. I met Jennifer at our annual ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker last year…i stayed up all night worrying and only getting bits and pieces of what had happened from my sister’s phone calls(she was in the car with them). I was devastated to hear the whole story…I wish julio a fast recovery…and pray that Jennifer’s family is doing well.

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