Rebecca Wright (1947-2006).

Although the Joffrey Ballet promoted its "all star/no star" policy, Rebecca Wright, who danced there from 1966-1975, was indisputably a star. Sadly, after a prolonged battle with cancer, her star faded on January 29.

A dancer of remarkable precision and power, Wright seemed incapable of marking a rehearsal--she always danced full-out. Able to move instantly from pointe shoes to sneakers, she embodied the versatility of the Joffrey style. In Ashton's The Dream, Wrights Titania had impeccable footwork, clearly shaped port de bras, and infallible musicality.

Wright demonstrated her allegro showmanship in Arpino's Kettentanz, Trinity, and Valentine, as well as in Tharp's Deuce Coupe. Later, at American Ballet Theatre, she excelled as a spunky Swanilda in Coppelia and sailed through the technical demands of Theme and Variations. On Broadway, she played a spry unicorn in the musical Merlin.

Later Wright served as the ballet master for Twyla Tharp's company, director of both the Adelphi University and Joffrey/New School dance programs, and artistic director of ABT's summer training intensives. Since the fall of 2004, Wright directed the Washington School of Ballet, succeeding Mary Day.

Christian Holder, who often danced with Wright at the Joffrey, said, "Becky's smile lit up every room she entered, just as her personality lit up every stage on which she performed. She made a wonderful contribution to dance from the '60s-'80s and in administration up to the present. I loved her very much, and still do."