Fernando Bujones
Born in Miami of Cuban parents, Bujones enjoyed an extraord-inary performing career. With a meteoric rise, first as a gifted dance student at the Julliard School of Music's world famous School of American Ballet in New York City, then as Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theater, became the first American dancer to win the prestigious Gold Medal at the Varna International Ballet Competition. Lastly, he became Artistic Director of the Orlando Ballet. Bujones was a living legend in Dance. His success and artistic achievements span over almost three decades, and his charismatic presence and incredible technical prowess captivated audiences all over the world.
His name now and forever will be part of Dance history, joining other legendary figures like Vaslav Nijinsky, Rudolph Nureyev, Erik Bruhn and those rare others whose contributions to the world of Dance transcend the ordinary. His art brought so much joy to the millions of people who saw him dance. He has motivated and inspired young generations of dancers all over the world. His personal warmth and passionate spirit transcended the dance world and uplifted all those who had the opportunity to know the man.
He is survived by his wife Maria Bujones, daughter Alejandra K. Bujones, his mother Mary Calleiro, sister and long-time coach Zeida Cecilia Mendez, father Fernando Bujones Sr., half-brother Manny Bujones, half-sisters Susi and Annette Bujones. A funeral service was held in Miami, Florida, the city where he was born.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be sent to the Fernando Bujones Endowment Fund at Orlando Ballet, 1111 North Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32804; Ph: 407.426.1733; www.orlandoballet.org