Goh Choo San, master craftsman in dance

by Janek Schergen

Goh Choo San was an internationally recognized ballet choreographer, originally coming from Singapore. He danced professionally with Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam in the early 70's, becoming a soloist with the company as well as exploring choreography in their workshops. He was asked to come to Washington DC in 1976 by the Founder of The Washington Ballet, Mary Day, as resident choreographer and eventually Associate Director of the company. His influence propelled the company into international with tours around the world. Mr. Goh created ballets for American Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Boston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Houston Ballet, Bat Dor Dance Company and numerous others groups. His ballets remain in the repertoires of many companies. Mr. Goh died in New York City in November, 1987. This book explores the international reach of his ballets and contains many photographs of his works plus a description of his life