IN MEMORY OF AND CONDOLENCES FOR MARIE HALE

This page is where memories, tributes and condolences will be shared. Please, use CONTACT US page. Your memories  and wishes will be posted as soon as possible.  You may also post them on the Ballet Florida Legacy Facebook Page and they will be transferred here as soon as possible.

● ARTICLE ABOUT MARIE HALE in the Palm Beach Daily News.

● MARIE HALE'S OBITUARY in the Palm Beach Daily News

● MARIE HALE'S OBITUARY in the Greenwood Commonwealth provided by Wilson and Knight.

● MARIE HALE'S OBITUARY in Dance Magazine online.

A graveside service was held at Odd Fellows Cemetery on  Wednesday, September 2, 2020. See a few photos below.

In honor, a memorial service will be held in West Palm Beach, Florida when pandemic restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so. 

Please, look at Ms. Hale's Page, and the History of the Original Ballet Florida. 

Also, visit the Ballet Florida the Legacy Facebook Page for more pictures, information and to see more comments.

Burn bright beautiful star. Til I see you again!

- Lynda Swaidon Bucheck

Goodbye dear dear friend until we meet again

- Claudia Cravey Gumbinner

Marie Hale has gone on to her next adventure, but this world is darker without her bright, bright light shining in it.

- Andrew George Cripps

My name sake, my aunt, my godmother. You were mesmerizing. Thank you for shining so bright. Thank you for teaching me to be a lady and for creating magic in my life. I love you always

- Ida Marie Bucheck

I am extremely sad and heartbroken to share the passing of my Director, Founder of the Original Ballet Florida, Marie Hale. I was hired by Marie to join Ballet Florida and danced for 10 wonderful seasons with this incomparable company. She was an icon in the Florida Dance World. The most wonderful Class Act, generous shining light that has given so much to the community, her company AND especially her Dancers. She is the reason I am in this country, I have remained close to her all these years and she is one the reasons Paris Ballet opened and keeps thriving. 

The main studio at Paris Ballet will now be named “Studio Marie Hale.” The plaque is on the way. 

Marie, I will carry you in my heart, you were the Lady.

- Jean Hugues Feray

You are so deeply lodged in my memory, Marie. I stood as high as your knees as you led barre or Center. I shyly gravitated toward you at my parents' parities. You were so kind and such a presence. A powerful and beautiful being. I will always treasure my memories of you.

- Elizabeth Appleby

I had the honor of presenting the company in Philadelphia during the 2000 season. She accomplished much and everyone associated with the company should be proud.

- Randy Swartz

She is the most important benefactor in my dancing career, and I will miss her forever! 

- Long Zhao

During a Nutcracker performance in the mid-70s my grandfather leaned forward and whispered he would drive me to Ballet Arts from Tequesta if my parents would pay for the lessons. That evening changed my life. I owe so much to the lessons I learned in ballet class. I loved ballet, but that is not what has stuck with me over the years. I learned dedication from Marie Hale. I learned to work hard, and then work harder. I learned to understand that you will find passion in what you are created for, even if it isn't dance. Ms. Hale loved the arts, loved ballet, and loved her student, I was blessed to dance under her watchful eye. My prayers go out to her family and loved ones, may they find comfort in knowing her impact will continue for many years to come.
- Amy Nessmith Stumpf

Marie was a lovely lady of grace, boundless faith in the spirit and importance of the arts in general and dance in particular. Whenever I saw her, I always watched her hands, the positioning of her head and her carriage. It was effortless and magic. I loved my years with Ballet Florida, always wanting to fly in Nutcracker and I missed its place in my heart when it closed. I will always remember Marie and with a laugh her red casket. Bravo for a life so beautifully lived.

- Mary Laub Cowan

Crying in Australia. May she rest in peace.

- Wendy Laraghy

Marie was grit and grace, power and passion
She was an inspiration in the board room, the classroom and the theater
Tireless, fearless, tenacious, gracious
She was a force of nature. And a role model to us all.

- Nini Krever

Hope you are pirouetting with the angels! Rest In Peace.

With love,

- C. Crawley

Marie taught me ballet in Greenwood MS when I was a little girl. I loved her and now realize how young she was. Even then she was so classy and such an encourager . I remain thankful for my short years with her.

- Norma Sarvis

Oh, Marie....how does one go back to the late 1970’s and begin to gather all the memories? I was introduced to Marie and Ballet Florida by Anita Reed Dean who was taking classes and performing in the BF stage productions of the day. She mentioned that they were having some issues with the sound at The West Palm Beach Auditorium so I stopped by and was so taken by Marie, Lynda, Claudia, Mrs. Mackey, Janet Morgan, Joey Bucheck and the entire staff that I became involved in recording and editing the tapes for the performance music and providing high quality sound systems for their local performances. 

As with most of us all, a long and abiding friendship developed and Marie became one to learn from, lean on, be inspired and encouraged by, laugh with, cry with, have a smoke and a cocktail with. She was always accessible, never let anyone down or left anyone out. We saw her and the BF staff and transform a local jazz, tap and ballet school into a highly respected regional entity and then a world renown touring performance company fully capable of creatively interpreting and staging the classics and taking bold risks by commissioning and presenting original works. Every production from "The Nutcracker" to the sublime "Peter And The Wolf" illuminated her creative touch, finesse and power behind every dancer’s movement, as well as, every nuanced technical production element from staging, to lighting, to costumes, to music, to sets. Her extraordinary relationship with and dedication to her stage crews is one of legend. 

Most of us in our local performing arts community, performers, musicians and technicians alike would not have accomplished what we today without having the privilege to have known, worked with and been supported by Marie. In my case, it was when I became the Technical Director at The Kravis Center and in 1992 see Ballet Florida present their season which included Marie’s fabulous production of "The Nutcracker." Consider the long list of dancers that came to West Palm Beach to work with, learn from and contribute to Marie’s vision and carried her spirit with them to have gone on and perform with the top companies across the world. 

While time and distance has taken its toll, we all have our treasured times shared with Marie. Let us embrace her enduring legacy and that of Ballet Florida and all those who contributed to those special times will stay close to our hearts, those joyous experiences that are and will remain indelible.

- Clint Smith

Working with Marie was a major highlight of my design career. Here she is at the cast party after the opening night of the world premiere of Marie Hale's "The Nutcracker" in Tampa.

With "The Nutcracker," Marie knew what she wanted, how to get it, and was funny as hell. I will miss her terribly.

- Eduardo Sicangco

She was a class act. Intelligent. Sophisticated. Dedicated. Smart. I miss seeing and hearing that laugh come from that lithe, elegant frame.

- Clarence Brooks

She taught us seventh and eighth graders how to Fox Trot and do the Waltz and Jitterbug on Friday nights above Les Lamb’s Photography Studio. We were the  Friday Frolics.   Coats and dress pants for the boys, dressy dresses and white gloves for the girls. Same large, upstairs room where I went to kindergarten for three years before first grade.

I thought she was so beautiful!  And she really was beautiful, especially to an admiring young student.

- Marshall Ramsey

Marie, thank you for inspiring me.

- Michael Rizzo

I was just driving downtown yesterday by the old building and thought of Marie and how much I miss those old days of Ballet Florida and Regional Arts. Loved your mom. God bless.

- Felix Santiago

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” 

“Gone Where?”

Gone from my sight. That is all. she is just as large in mast and haul and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout. “Here she comes!”

And that is dying. – Henry Van Dyke

This helped me.

I hope this comforts you at least a little bit.

Sending Love and Prayers

- Cletus Karamon

I'm SO sorry. Marie was a truly wonderful woman, and a true force of nature. Prayers for you, and our mutual friends.

- Marc Engel

Oh, what a pistol. And what a legacy.

- Doug Cooney

I found the last article I wrote about Marie Hale of Ballet Florida. This was back in 2009, when her company was no more but she was determined to make a go of it again. And that was Marie to a T -- dedicated to her art form and dancers. I didn't know her half as well as her dancers did, but I don't think I loved a person more whom I wrote about (and often critically, I might add). She was gracious and spunky all at once, a true Southern woman, I came to understand (but hardly a Southern belle). I remember vivid conversations in her painted-in-red office and a night once dining out with her and her husband, Ed, at the Palm Beach Yacht Club (I think it's about the only splurge they allowed themselves).

Marie passed away this week. Ed's gone, too. I'm just glad this piece I did shows Marie as I remembered her -- full of life. RIP.

- Charles Passy

All the Florida Ballet dancers, company I worked with for several occasions, performing some of my works. At the center its artistic director Miss Marie Hale, who passed away three days ago.

Marie was an outstanding person, and a wonderful Ballet Director and Teacher. I will never forget her and I will always thank her for the enormous trust she placed in my work.

With them I rode "Anne Frank," " From Far Away," " Beyond Memory, Libertango," " After Dark," " Rite of Spring," and some more.

Thank you all again.

- Mauritius (Mauricio Wainrot)

An Incredible soul that gave her life to Ballet Florida and specially to the dancers.. You will always be in my heart, Rest In Peace.

- Mauricio Cañete

Yesterday, I learned of the passing of Marie Hale. This county is indebted to Mrs. Hale for her great determination to see ballet thrive in our community. I mourn with all of those who knew her and loved her. I did not know her personally but I am certainly blessed to have seen what she accomplished in our town. Prayers to all who are grieving this great lady.

- Colleen Smith

I could never get it loud enough for Marie! What a great Lady!!!

- John LeBlanc

Sending so much love.

- Dominic Walsh

So sad to hear. She was an amazing women and made such an impact on me. She was a big part of my childhood at Ballet Florida and will be missed by many.

- Naomi Jackson

She scared me, loved me, pushed me, believed in me, made me slightly crazy and I thank her for every bit of it. I owe my entire ballet and dance career to her, Lynda Swiadon Bucheck and Claudia Gumbinner at Ballet Arts Theater and then Ballet Florida. She taught me how to walk in a room. I will never forget the years I spent at the studio from age 7 -30 almost every day, all day, until I transitioned into Broadway. It was my home away from home. I wouldn’t change a bit of it except I wish I would have enjoyed it more. Steve Caras tried to tell us to enjoy it more, it would be the best time of our lives. I'm feeling very sentimental and wish I could go back for a day and hug you all.  Stephen Dori Shin, Steven Hoff,  Janine Harris, Diane Cahill-Avonda, Dale Allen-Rowse, Gary McKenzie, Jennifer Mercier- Conrad, Jean-hugues Feray, Gina Patterson, Eric Midgley, Catherine Gaudreau, Long Zhao, Charla Metzker, Whiteley Tracy Mozingo, Catherine Schwallie, Victor Hugo Trevino, Jessica Kelty, Ken Dolores Dégagé Hopkins, Amaya Galán, Christina Hampton, Jerry Opdenaker, Andrew George Cripps, Julie Priolo, Kim Stafford, Markus Schaffer, Wendy Laraghy

- Estelle (Tomasovic) Shaw

Oh

We had fun

You and I

What a journey 

You have enriched my life beyond measure and I am eternally grateful. 

I am everything that I am because of your embrace. 

Travel with the light Marie. 

Your loving “Problem Child”

- Jerry Opdenaker

Adored Marie. I was on the Ballet Florida Board for many years and we two shared many memories together. I shall miss her. Thanks for posting the article.

- Joan Goldberg

I'm glad you are preserving the memory of this fantastic company with this website! So sad of hear of Marie's passing. When I was very young, my parents would take me into the studio while they took class/rehearsed, and she was always so sweet to me! She was an inspirational woman who did a lot for this community.

- Rebekah Levin

Such a good soul. God Bless her.

- Teresa Cavaliere

Heartbreaking for all of you who knew and revered her. A final bow.....

- Julie Jaeger Luxton

Such a graceful lady. R.I.P.

- Faith McCarthy

Sending a huge hug from afar. She created a home for all of us and an atmosphere filled with love. That time was such a special part of all of our lives!

She touched so many peoples lives. I’m so grateful for the roots she gave me and for her constant generosity and love. May she rest in peace.

Sending a huge hug from afar. She created a home for all of us and an atmosphere filled with love. That time was such a special part of all of our lives!

- Julie Priolo

RIP Marie! You are a giant part of ballet’s history

- Kathleen Klein

Oh Joy, I can't believe she's gone.She was quit the lady and will be missed by so many people. Please keep me informed about a celebration of her life later, Hugs!

- Nancy McDaniel

Dear sweet Marie,

She taught us seventh and eighth graders how to Fox Trot and do the Waltz and Jitterbug on Friday nights above Les Lamb’s Photography Studio. We were the  Friday Frolics.   Coats and dress pants for the boys, dressy dresses and white gloves for the girls. Same large, upstairs room where I went to kindergarten for three years before first grade.

I thought she was so beautiful!  And she really was beautiful, especially to an admiring young student.

- Marshall Ramsey

[Marie] was an amazing lady, and I feel privileged to have known her. When people we love pass away, they continue to live on in our memories. And I know that you have fond memories of your mother and her extraordinary life. My condolences.

- Carol Roberts

Marie Hale was and continues to be an icon In the dance world.

She was a gracious soul with a huge heart. RIP my dear friend.

- Elizabeth Klein

We laughed, we argued, I learned, we danced. There is so much I would love to share about Marie, So many words I would like to say... Goodbye isn't one of them.

- Victor Trevino

Heartbreaking for all of you who knew and revered her. A final bow.....

- Julie Jaeger Luxton

Such a graceful lady. R.I.P.

- Faith McCarthy

Sending a huge hug from afar. She created a home for all of us and an atmosphere filled with love. That time was such a special part of all of our lives!

She touched so many peoples lives. I’m so grateful for the roots she gave me and for her constant generosity and love. May she rest in peace.

Sending a huge hug from afar. She created a home for all of us and an atmosphere filled with love. That time was such a special part of all of our lives!

- Julie Priolo

RIP Marie! You are a giant part of ballet’s history

- Kathleen Klein

Oh Joy, I can't believe she's gone.She was quit the lady and will be missed by so many people. Please keep me informed about a celebration of her life later, Hugs!

- Nancy McDaniel

She was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be greatly missed.

- Charles Jackson

I have great memories of her. She was one of a kind!

- Michèle France Cloutier

Oh my goodness I was just talking about Marie the other day... so so sad. She was such a big part of my childhood.

- Laura Martin

Go in power Marie, you changed lives.

- Jodie Dixon

A great lady who was a truly wonderful person. We will miss her.

- Scott Badesch

Sorry to hear of her passing. My memories of Marie Hale are from Ballet Arts in the 70’s. As a young student, she exposed me to many professional dancers, and helped me get on a professional track. Marie Hale will be missed.

- Angela V Carter

So heartbroken

- Jenny Petuch

Very sad to hear about Mrs. Hale... Lovely Lady, with a heART made of generosity. My condolences to the family

- Fernando Moraga

God I LOVED THAT DYNAMO....she did more for the cultural community along with Will Ray and Clyde Fyfe than any threesome in our counties history ..she will be missed...adored and Loved ....Rest In Peace my dear friend

- Mark Foley

So very sad to hear

- Renae Brigham

So sad to hear about Mrs. Hale. My deepest condolences, may she Rest In Peace. Such a beautiful soul

- Rylan Schwab

Love

- Catherine Schwallie

I am so sorry to hear of her passing, she was a great lady. I also looked forward to the Ballet Florida for the 12 yrs I was Stage Manager at the KC. She had a beautiful soul. May you Rest In Peace dear Marie! 

- Marie Cormier

She’s dancing with the angels now...sending love

- Sheryl Jensen

Condolences and hugs

- Ken McMullen

Sending deepest condolences to you and the families.

- Heidi Fleming-Alexander

A lady like no other! ...Peace to her soul!

- Marife Gimenez Gawriljuk

So sorry to hear. She was always so kind to me and my family.

- Cindy Reap

I'm so sorry to hear about Marie. She was an amazing and wonderful woman. I always thought highly of her.

- Dawnnaven Capps

Sad to hear. God bless her.

- Thomas Safford

We all have such great memories of Christmas at the Kravis!! Christmas has never been quite the same since!!! RIP She left quite a legacy!

- Anne Herndon Cloninger 

Wow, just wow. Once upon...[she] parked an idea that grew into a wildfire that inspired an entire community.

- Justin Platt

She was a beautiful soul...may she Rest In Peace

- Sara Abrahão

Wooooow...LOVE 

- Dionte Demoh Rose

This is very sad. She was an amazing woman and she will always be in my heart. Let her soul rest in peace!

- Lorena Jimenez

Condolences to all the Ballet Florida family. Such a lovely woman.

- Curt Probel

Sadden to hear of the loss of such a beautiful women. RIP

- Joanne McFarland

Deeply Saddened

- David Whitaker

...So so sorry for her loss. Memories thank goodness for memories

- Stephanie Wrightsman

Mrs. Hale made a profound impact on my life, as well as the lives of many, many people. I treasure the things she taught me and I will love her always.

- Page Pauley O'Connell

Marie did so much with her little dance company that became world renowned! Always a great person and such a wonderful heart. Dear sweet Marie, Thank you for all the cherished memories I have of your immense talent and that of all your amazing dancers. Your love and passion for dance was so infectious. I will never forget your amazing productions of “Read My Hips” and your incredible "Nutcracker!" Those little angels dancing all in a row and that flying carpet were highlights! Oh how I will miss our lunches and yes, all your wonderful stories. It was a privilege to know you Marie. You enriched my life more than you know. You will truly be missed. I’ll never forget her telling the story about Ed Hall and her fudge!!!!

- David Brodie

Prayers. She was an amazing woman!!!

- Dee Herwerth

Marie was a beautiful and talented woman who changed my brother Mike’s life and changed and touched so many other lives. Rest in Peace, Marie.

- Muffy McClung Berlyn

So so sad to hear of the passing of a very special, amazing and loving woman Marie Hale. She gave me and all of us so much caring love. My 15 years with Ballet Florida were unforgettable special to me. I will always miss her. 

Rest in peace Marie.

She always loved to be surrounded by her dancers.

- Markus Shaffer

It has been a very sad 24 hours knowing I lost a mentor, a second mother, and a close friend. Ballet Director and founder Marie Hale. She was a beautiful soul and helped so many people. It was a blessing to have worked for her for 17 years! All my Love! Rest In Peace!

- Tracy Mozingo

No words...thanks

Thanks and thanks you for your legacy . For everything you did for me and many people.

.... Rest In Peace

Love you I will carry you in my heart forever!

- Deborah Marquez

What a huge loss!!!!

It's so sad....

She was an unique person with a very big heart ... pure generosity ... LOVE and Peace for the family and friends

- Amaya  Galan

A great teacher and a great lady... This one's for you, Marie: "Thanks for the memories/Of Washington and Lewis/Marie and Lynda Swiadon/They've sent them to the Mental Health/I hear they're gonna sue us/Oh thank you so much..." Love you Marie. Bon voyage...

- Peter Lewis

She impacted so many lives. She was a great teacher and gave hope to many.

- Shannon Finnegan

I am so very sad to hear this news. Feeling gratitude for (cousin) Marie, and the amazing life she lived. 

- Mary Beth Ray

May she rest in peace. She did wonderful things for ballet in South Florida.

- Victoria Rockhill Schnieder

So sad to hear this! Rest in peace, Marie, I will always have such fond memories of her during my time with Ballet Florida.

- Catherine Gaudeau

What a wonderful, passionate lady. What a life!!! She made a difference in so many ways.

- Shannon Elizabeth

The true founder of Ballet in Florida. Very sad. You will be missed.

- Marshall Ian Levin

So sorry... She was a force of nature. A true friend and a visionary!

- Joni Schokett

Thank you for posting. I started going to ballets since the late 80's and got many of my parents friends to go. I have been in both buildings watching them.

- Robin Ellen Meyers

She was the greatest. Rest In Peace

- Davis Scotch

And a ton of production artists got their “start” backstage with Ballet Florida as well! The patience of the entire company with the newbies was incredible, and something that still is completely unique in the professional alley world! 

- Brittany Shearin

Wow RIP to a great lady

- Wilman Gamero

I truly miss the great performances and all the people I have known through the years and consider family!

- Charles Jackson

Dear sweet Marie,

Thank you for all the cherished memories I have of your immense talent and that of all your amazing dancers. Your love and passion for dance was so infectious. I will never forget your amazing productions of “Read My Hips” and your incredible "Nutcracker!" Those little angels dancing all in a row and that flying carpet were highlights! Oh how I will miss our lunches and yes, all your wonderful stories. It was a privilege to know you Marie. You enriched my life more than you know. You will truly be missed.

Working at the ballet was a wonderful part of my life. I made so many great friends. ...my love for all.

- Arlyne Gauvreau

Much love to you, Marie! You are dancing in Heaven!

- Leah Miles

No words.... wonderful memories...

- Jane Pasley