1930
2012
4061 North Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
ALLEN, Ivan G. 81 of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. passed May 7, 2012. Born in Detroit, MI where he studied at the Servero School of Ballet. At the age of 22 he joined the American Ballet Theatre after which he traveled with the company to the west coast. He became a principal dancer with the company and traveled throughout Europe as well as performing at the Bolchic Theatre in Moscow and also performed in the Capitals of South America. He remained with the company until he made his debut with the Metroplitan Opera in 1964, making his debut in Jules Massenet's Manon on Nov. 18, 1964. Survived by his brother Glen Allen of Austin, TX and sister Ellen Soave of Flagler Beach, FL. Arrangements entrusted to William J. Burke Funeral Home of Saratoga Springs, NY.
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3 Entries
March 14, 2013
Nancy Unger (Severo)
I just learned about Ivan's death. I am so sorry. I knew Ivan back in the 1950's when we danced "Swan Lake and the Black Swan in the Severo Ballet. Ivan also took me to my Senior Prom in Detroit. We were in the American Ballet Theatre together in the '50's, both from the Severo Ballet. We were at the Metropolitan Opera House when ABT celebrated the 15th Anniversary and Prince Rainer and Princess Grace were backstage. I was in the Corps de ballet my name is Nancy Unger...
March 14, 2013
Nancy Unger (Severo)
I just heard about Ivan's death. I am So sorry. Ivan and I dance Swan Lake and the Black Swan together in Detroit in the Severo Ballet in the 1950's. Also Ivan took me to my Senior Prom in Detroit. Ivan and I both were in the American Ballet Theatre together. He was a very good partner. I am Nancy Unger and I was with the company at the same time that Ivan was and during their 15th Anniversary at the Metropolitan House when Prince Rainier was backstage with his wife Grace Kelly.......(Nancy Unger (Dearborn, Mi)
May 10, 2012
Patrick Allen
I just heard about Ivan's death. Very sorry to hear the news. I am Patrick Allen, nephew to Ivan, son of Glen Allen. I remember seeing Ivan at some family gatherings in Detroit when I was much younger. I think the last time was maybe 1989 or something like that when I was in college. Ivan brought all kinds of cheese and wine that none of us knew much about and I remember asking him about his career. I'll always remember he said, "I did not retire, I quit" which I thought was quite strong spirited. He told me about the tough times in ballet and some of the backstage drama, and it was fascinating. He also talked about how he got into ballet in Detroit and soon headed for New York. At the time, I did not know the difference between ballet, opera, or symphony. Now, in recent years, I have gone to many performances in San Francisco and I always tell my wife about my uncle Ivan who danced for the Metropolitan Opera. I really wish I had known him better and been able to see some performances. That would have been great. So, even though I did not know him that well, I will miss him.
-Patrick Allen
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