RIP Stuart Hodes

 

Stuart Hodes (1924–2023), dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company

Legacy.com

By Linnea Crowther

March 21, 2023

 

A lifetime of dancing

Hodes began his career as a dancer in the 1940s, after serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces, flying bombing missions in Word War II. He studied modern dance at the Martha Graham School before being invited to join the company in 1947. He became a star of the group, dancing in productions including her acclaimed “Appalachian Spring.” Hodes remained with the Martha Graham Dance Company until 1958. He went on to appear on Broadway in shows including “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Peer Gynt,” “Paint Your Wagon,” and “The King and I.” Hodes also worked on television shows including “The Milton Berle Show” and “The Esther Williams AquaSpectacle.” Hodes was also a choreographer, known for works including “After the Teacups” and “I Thought You Were Dead.” He continued dancing onstage well into his 90s.

Notable quote

“Was I frightened when on a combat mission? I suppose so, but don’t actually recall feeling fear, whereas I acutely recall feeling stage fright, a weird and illogical thing about which I’ve long pondered. I had a special prayer when starting out on missions, which kind of helped.” —from a 2007 interview for the Dance Enthusiast.

HODES, Stuart

Born: 11/27/1924, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A.

Died: 3/15/2023, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A.

 

Stuart Hodes’ western – actor:

Annie Get Your Gun – 1957 (Wild Horse)