AKA: Robert Dishman
1932—1982
Born in Los Angeles, Antony Valdor studied with Olga Preobrajens, Alexandra Danilova, Robert Joffrey, and Jose Limon, among others. Valdor was resident choreographer and teacher for the National Academy of Dance in Champaign, Illinois (which also included Lupe Serrano on the faculty). He also held positions as ballet master for San Francisco Ballet in the late 1960’s and as technical coach for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. He danced with Les Grands Ballet US, Marquis de Cuevas and London Ballet Theatre, and he was a principal dancer with Théâtre du Châtelet. He toured Europe extensively and was fluent in French. One of his most popular productions as ballet master was Ballet69, an innovative summer of dance performances for SF Ballet in 1969.
He choreographed several pieces for SF Ballet, for the National Academy of Arts Ballet and co-choreographed ballet pieces with Gemze de Lappe. He toured the U.S. as guest teacher and choreographer with many ballet companies and dance academies.
Valdor was a Navy veteran, serving for four years. His first performances after being released from military service was in the summer of 1955 with the Pittsburgh, PA Civic Light Opera dancing in their summer musical series.