The Arts Council has expressed its regret at the passing of David Gordon who died in Cork this morning after a long illness. Mary Cloake, Director of the Arts Council said today, "David Gordon made a tremendous contribution to ballet in Ireland and was a huge influence on the world of dance for over thirty five years. We extend our sympathy to his family."
David Gordon won a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School at the age of 14. He studied with the Royal Ballet for a number of years and became a principal dancer. When the Irish Ballet Company was founded 35 years ago he moved to Cork as its Ballet Master. He choreographed for the Irish National Ballet and the Cork City productions under the direction of Dr. Joan Denise Moriarty.
He worked for many productions in the Cork Opera House, Everyman Palace Theatre and the Cork Arts Theatre. Nationally, he worked with the Dublin Fringe Festival and for various other festivals in Dublin. He also worked with local musical societies in Tralee, Clonmel, Limerick, Fermoy and Waterford.