VILLELLA, EDWARD

born Oct. 1, 1936, New York City American ballet dancer, one of the principal performers of the New York City Ballet, noted for his powerful technique, particularly his soaring leaps and jumps. He began dance training at 10 years of age and soon won a scholarship to the School of American Ballet. Later he entered New York City's School of Performing Arts. After a four-year hiatus he joined the New York City Ballet in 1957 and became a soloist within a year. A notable interpreter of the dramatic title role of George Balanchine's Prodigal Son, Villella also appeared as the Faun in Jerome Robbins' Afternoon of a Faun and created the roles of Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1962) and Harlequin in Harlequinade (1965), both by Balanchine. He also excelled in the nonvirtuosic but deeply dynamic Watermill (1972), created for him by Robbins. He performed in a number of pas de deux with Patricia McBride on television. From 1979 he served as artistic coordinator and choreographer of the Eglevsky Ballet Company (until 1984) and as director of the Miami City Ballet (from 1987).